According to the Marine Corps philosophy of leadership, how accurate is the statement that leadership is based upon developing the individual Marine?

Introduction / Context:
The United States Marine Corps places strong emphasis on leadership at every level. Its philosophy of leadership shapes training, mentoring and expectations for Marines. The statement given in the question says that Marine Corps philosophy is based on developing the individual Marine. Many exam items convert this into a conceptual true or false style question, testing whether candidates understand that leadership development is central rather than optional.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The statement under consideration claims that Marine Corps leadership philosophy is based on developing the individual Marine.
- Options express whether this is correct or incorrect and provide alternative interpretations.
- We assume a general understanding that modern military organisations value leadership development, not only obedience to rank.
- The question belongs to general knowledge or world history categories that include military institutions and their values.

Concept / Approach:
The Marine Corps philosophy of leadership holds that leadership qualities can be fostered within every Marine. Leaders are expected to help develop the character, judgement and responsibility of those under their charge. This means leadership is not limited to formal rank symbols, but is built through training and mentorship. Therefore, the statement that leadership philosophy is based upon developing the individual Marine is accurate, and the correct option must affirm this.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Marine Corps manuals describe leadership as a process of developing leadership qualities in Marines so they can assume greater responsibility.Step 2: Understand that this philosophy emphasises growth and development, not just command from the top.Step 3: Examine the options and identify which one states that the statement is correct and aligns with this philosophy.Step 4: Eliminate options that claim leadership is based only on rank or technical skills, because they contradict the development emphasis.Step 5: Eliminate any option suggesting that leadership development is unimportant, which is the opposite of official Marine Corps views.Step 6: Select the option that explicitly affirms the correctness of the statement about developing each individual Marine.

Verification / Alternative check:
To double check, think of the stated objective of Marine Corps leadership, which is to develop leadership qualities so Marines can take on progressively greater responsibilities in the Corps and in society. This objective clearly supports the idea that developing individuals is central to leadership philosophy. It is not limited to strict command or technical ability. This aligns directly with the wording in the correct option and confirms that the statement is accurate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because it presents leadership as based only on rank and authority, ignoring the development mission that is repeatedly emphasised in Marine Corps doctrine. Option C is incorrect because it reduces leadership to technical skills and ignores moral, mental and character development. Option D is clearly wrong since it claims leadership development is unimportant, which contradicts the documented priorities of Marine training and education.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students assume that military leadership is purely authoritarian, focused only on issuing orders and enforcing discipline. This stereotype can lead them to choose options that overemphasise rank and underplay development. A better approach is to remember that modern armed forces, including the Marines, invest heavily in developing initiative, judgement and moral courage in their personnel, which supports the original statement.

Final Answer:
The statement is accurate: the Marine Corps philosophy of leadership is based upon developing leadership qualities in each individual Marine.