Running a small business isn’t all that different from leading a unit into battle. Every day, entrepreneurs face uncertainty, competition, limited resources, and the need for speed in decision-making. That’s why some of the most effective business strategies aren’t found in business schools — they’re found in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Specifically, in MCDP 1: Warfighting — the Marine Corps' foundational manual on the philosophy of combat. But make no mistake, this isn't just a military document. It's a mindset. A way of thinking that has helped Marines overcome overwhelming odds for generations. And it's perfectly suited for small business owners who are in the trenches every day.

Let’s break down 5 key takeaways from MCDP 1 that can sharpen your edge in business.

1. Mission-Type Orders: Empower Your Team to Act

In the Marine Corps, leaders don’t micromanage. They communicate the intent of the mission, not every step. Marines are trusted to make decisions on the ground based on that intent.

In business: Stop bottlenecking every decision. Empower your team with clear goals and give them the autonomy to execute. Trust builds speed. Speed builds momentum.

"The preferred method of command and control is mission orders: we assign a subordinate a mission without specifying how the mission must be accomplished."

Real-Life Applications:

1. A sales manager gives the team a monthly revenue target but allows each rep to pursue their own lead generation strategies.
2. A marketing director sets a goal to increase engagement by 20%, allowing content creators to test and launch their own campaigns.
3. A restaurant owner delegates catering responsibilities to a trusted manager with clear expectations, freeing themselves to focus on growth opportunities.

2. Tempo: Speed Is a Weapon

MCDP 1 emphasizes tempo — the ability to act faster than your adversary, creating confusion and seizing the initiative.

In business: Speed of execution often beats perfection. The faster you test, pivot, and deliver, the harder it is for your competitors to catch up.

"We must exploit speed and tempo to gain the initiative and keep the enemy off balance."

Real-Life Applications:

1. A tech startup releases a beta version of their app early to get feedback, rather than waiting for a perfect product.
2. A local coffee shop quickly adds online ordering and curbside pickup in response to changing customer behavior.
3. An eCommerce store rapidly tests five ad variations in one week to find the top performer and scale it.

3. Friction: Plan for the Fog of War

"Friction" is the term used in MCDP 1 to describe everything that makes the simple difficult. Unexpected challenges. Delays. Miscommunication. In combat, friction is expected — and planned for.

In business: Don’t aim for perfect conditions. Assume things will go sideways and build flexibility into your strategy. Adaptability is the real superpower.

"Friction will exist no matter how well planned our operation or how well trained our force."

Real-Life Applications:

1. A supply chain delay forces a retail shop to quickly source products from a secondary vendor.
2. A service-based business trains multiple team members to fill in for each other in case of illness or emergencies.
3. An agency builds in buffer time and contingency plans for client projects to handle unexpected scope changes.

4. Focus of Effort: Concentrate Your Firepower

The Marines talk about the "main effort" — the single element of a plan that is critical to success. Every action supports that effort.

In business: Identify your main effort. Is it customer experience? Marketing? Product development? Rally your team around that and align your resources accordingly.

"The commander designates a main effort and assigns it a clearly defined mission."

Real-Life Applications:

1. A startup prioritizes onboarding and customer success during its first year, knowing retention fuels long-term growth.
2. A retail brand focuses all marketing efforts on one flagship product to dominate its niche.
3. A team pauses other initiatives to double down on a successful holiday campaign with the potential to drive major revenue.

5. Decentralized Decision-Making: Push Authority to the Edge

MCDP 1 promotes initiative and decision-making at the lowest competent level. When Marines on the ground understand the mission and are empowered to act, they can adapt quickly.

In business: Don’t wait for approval chains. Build a culture of leadership at every level. When your team understands the mission and has the authority to act, your business becomes more agile and resilient.

"Decentralized control is essential to the flexible and responsive execution of plans."

Real-Life Applications:

1. A customer support team is trained to resolve refund issues without escalating to management.
2. A warehouse shift leader re-organizes logistics on the fly to accommodate an unexpected shipment.
3. A regional sales rep adjusts their pitch and offerings based on live feedback from prospects.

Final Thoughts: Lead Like a Marine, Build Like a Warrior

Small business ownership isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires courage, discipline, resilience, and adaptability — the very same values instilled in every Marine.

Whether you’re a veteran or just someone who values high-performance leadership, MCDP 1: Warfighting is more than a combat manual. It’s a blueprint for action in any arena where uncertainty, friction, and competition are the norm.

Apply these five principles to your business, and you’ll do more than survive. You’ll dominate.

Want to connect with other veteran entrepreneurs or learn more about bringing this mindset to your business?Reach out to us at EPIC Merchant Systems. We’re built by veterans, powered by values, and committed to helping small businesses win.

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