Face of Defense: Transportation Chief Builds His Marines Motor Tough

Leadership rooted in both compassion and accountability drives mission success in Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, where senior enlisted leaders emphasize initiative and performance over simple compliance. 

Marine Corps Master Sgt. Adam Dominguez, a motor transportation chief assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, describes his leadership style as compassionate yet firm.

"I try to come off as an understanding person," Dominguez said. "I remember as a private first class, lance corporal, when I made a mistake, and I remember the additional information those Marines need in order to accomplish the mission."  

At the same time, Dominguez believes direct correction is essential, even when it is uncomfortable, because, "In the long run, you're helping them out," he said. 

Learning From Experience

His approach to leadership has been shaped by years of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges junior Marines face. By remembering his own early mistakes and addressing issues directly, Dominguez focuses on correcting deficiencies while developing Marines into confident, capable leaders who are prepared to operate independently.  

Dominguez prioritizes ensuring Marines understand the intent behind tasks rather than simply following instructions. He developed his leadership and knowledge through the Master Instructor Program at the Marine Corps Combat Service Support School at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He believes this approach enables Marines to think critically and act independently when conditions change.

Supervision, Dominguez explained, is measured by results, not assumptions.  

"It's not somebody saying, 'Yeah, I can do that,'" he said. "It's, show me you can do that."  

Whether evaluating a Marine's ability to operate equipment or complete a qualification, he emphasizes demonstrated performance as proof of readiness. This results in a driven mindset within a Marine and reinforces accountability across the squadron, ensuring tasks are fully accomplished to the standard. 

Think Ahead

In Marine Wing Support Squadron 171's high-tempo aviation support environment, Dominguez encourages junior Marines and noncommissioned officers to anticipate requirements and think several steps ahead.  

"If you can be three or four steps ahead, that mitigates a lot of the friction," he said.  

By reframing common frustrations such as last-minute changes or delayed timelines as opportunities for leadership, he challenges Marines to take initiative rather than wait for direction.

Ultimately, Dominguez measures his success not by personal recognition but by the long-term readiness of the Marines he mentors.  

"If a Marine leader leaves a unit and it crumbles, that means you built the unit off yourself," Dominguez said. "What I'm trying to do is build it off of them."  

Through a combination of compassion, accountability and deliberate mentorship, he aims to leave behind a unit that continues to succeed long after his departure — Marines prepared not only to accomplish the mission today, but to strengthen the Marine Corps of tomorrow. 

The impact of leadership is often measured not by rank but by how effectively it develops those entrusted to carry out a mission. For Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Dominguez's leadership is reflected in their initiative and confidence. 

'Honest and Direct'

Marine Corps Cpl. Jimmy Molina, a motor vehicle operator assigned to the motor transportation section of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, and a native of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, describes Dominguez's leadership style as "very honest and direct."  

Molina explained that Dominguez does not avoid difficult conversations or soften expectations.  

"He won't beat around the truth," Molina said. "If he has a point that he wants to get across, he'll lean into it and completely squash it. That directness reinforces accountability while eliminating ambiguity in high-tempo operations."

He recalled a recent instance while preparing vehicles for a training evolution to Fuji, Japan, when Dominguez assessed that readiness levels did not meet his expectations. Rather than accept partial effort and completion, Dominguez made it clear that standards will be met.  

"He told us, 'If we have to, we'll stay [until] 10 p.m., until this stuff gets done,'" Molina said.  

The message was to underscore the importance of initiative and personal responsibility in ensuring mission success. 

Mission-Focused Mindset

Beyond enforcing standards, Molina said Dominguez fosters an environment where Marines feel empowered to act decisively.  

"With him, it's more like, 'Make it happen and just get it done,'" Molina said, contrasting that with previous leadership styles that required seeking permission before acting.  

Molina said that the expectation to let your Marines think ahead and exercise their problem-solving skills strengthens his decision-making and reinforces the understanding of the bigger picture.

"His speeches are different," Molina said. "He'll remind you that you have a mission. At the end of the day, you signed the contract. When we get called, [we've] got to go." 

Molina said the steady direction Dominguez provides continues to shape the shop's tempo and focus every day.  

"He's the man that comes down and redirects us," Molina said.  

When morale dips or priorities seem unclear, Dominguez reinforces expectations and realigns the team with the mission. Through firm guidance, clear intent and empowered execution, Dominguez's leadership is reflected in Marines like Molina.