Bridging the Gen Z Gap: "Hardy" Leader Influence Increases Independence, Adaptability, and Resilience in Marine Corps Infantry Battalions

The existing academic and professional literature highlights a gap between the generalized traits and behaviors of Gen Z with those desired by the Marine Corps. Gen Z members, who are the current and future population of the Marine Corps, are on average less independent, less able to solve problems, and more mentally fragile than previous generations. Simultaneously, the Marine Corps' future operational concepts require individuals and junior leaders to act more independently, solve more complex problems, and accept more responsibility than ever before. The concept of hardiness may help to bridge this gap. Individuals who are high in hardiness have a strong sense of commitment to life and work, a high sense of control over their life and environment, and the perception that change and challenge are worthwhile learning experiences. It has been found to improve performance, adaptability, and resilience under stress, including military leaders in both training and real-world scenarios. Evidence suggests that individual hardiness can be increased through training and experience, and that a high-hardy leader can increase the hardiness of an entire organization through interaction and policy. Therefore, an infantry battalion commander who actively facilitates hardiness through his personal example, policies, and communication with subordinates can increase the hardiness of his battalion, and as a result, develop small unit leaders and individual Marines who are more independent, adaptable, and resilient under stress.