A Message to Garcia Summary

Solis LCpl Yadira

2014/07/09

A Message to Garcia Summary

A Message to Garcia is an essay written by Elbert Hubbard in 1899. It has been translated into 37 different languages and was first made into a motion picture in 1916. It was first an essay, then a pamphlet; ultimately it was featured in magazines and newspapers. Hubbard's essay still remains a popular form of literature within the Marine Corps because its main topic is initiative. Initiative relates to Marines; in that is one of the 14 Leadership Traits, which Marines strive for, to demonstrate in the Corps.

A Message to Garcia takes place during a time when the United States was at war with Spain. President McKinley was anxious to gather intelligence regarding the Spanish Army in Cuba; such as the size of troops, number of weapons, and their morale. President McKinley needed to communicate with General Garcia, in order to be more knowledgeable about the enemy. President McKinley asked Colonel Arthur Wagner, head of the Bureau of Military Intelligence, “Where can I find a man who will carry a message to Garcia?” The conversation, between the two gentlemen, leads them to assign the job to a young officer named lieutenant Rowan. Lieutenant Rowan did not think to ask for written instructions. His sole thought was to get a message to Garcia and receive Intel from him; he was going to do it no matter what. He traveled by foot, boat, and across a jungle to conquer his endeavor.

The significance in this story is not how Rowan got the message to Garcia, but his immediate actions and motivation to complete the mission. Rowan showed initiative, by finding solutions to the questions he had, and stayed motivated throughout his journey. Elbert Hubbard made it clear, that lacking such independence was a deficiency in his society. It is a deficiency in our society as well. Even today, Marines are constantly told to take initiative and think independently. These qualities are what makes leaders, and are the...