From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Why Marines Make Great Business Leaders

The transition from infantry operations to entrepreneurship might seem like a leap, but any Marine will tell you: mission success always comes down to clarity, preparation, and execution. That’s exactly what the Marine Corps 5-paragraph order—SMEAC—delivers.

In the Corps, we used SMEAC to survive and accomplish missions. In business, I use it to scale and succeed. And so can you.

What Is the Marine Corps 5-Paragraph Order (SMEAC)?

SMEAC is a time-tested planning framework that brings structure to chaos. Originally designed for military missions, it’s just as effective in leading a small business:

• Situation: What’s going on around you?
• Mission: What do you need to accomplish?
• Execution: How are you going to get it done?
• Admin & Logistics: What resources do you need?
• Command & Signal: Who’s in charge and how will you communicate?

This framework brings clarity, accountability, and purpose—three things every small business needs to thrive.

Applying SMEAC to Your Small Business

Here’s how each part of SMEAC applies to real-world business operations:

Situation — Know Your Terrain

Before launching any initiative, assess your environment:

• Who are your competitors?
• What’s changing in your market?
• What are your internal strengths and weaknesses?
• What threats or opportunities exist?

A good leader understands their battlespace. In business, that means doing your homework.

Mission — Define Your Objective

Every business plan, project, or campaign should have a clearly defined mission:

• What exactly are you trying to achieve?
• Is it time-bound?
• Is it realistic, measurable, and aligned with your company’s vision?

Set the goal. Make it clear. Repeat it often.

Execution — Develop Your Game Plan

Now we get tactical. How are you going to make it happen?

• Assign roles and responsibilities
• Set milestones
• Build contingency plans

Your team needs a plan they can follow. You don’t need to micromanage—just give them a map.

Admin & Logistics — Gear Up

No mission succeeds without the right support:

• What tools, technology, or systems are needed?
• Do you have the right staff?
• How will customer support or order fulfillment work?

Plan your support before you need it. Logistics isn’t sexy, but it wins wars and builds businesses.

Command & Signal — Leadership & Communication

Who's leading the charge?

• Define leadership structure (even in a 3-person team)
• Establish communication expectations: daily huddles, reports, or messaging apps
• Build redundancy into your communication chain

Without clear leadership and communication, even the best plan fails.

Real-World Example: Using SMEAC to Launch EPIC ZERO

When we built EPIC ZERO at EPIC Merchant Systems, we used this exact framework. Our situation was clear: small businesses—especially FFLs and patriot-owned operations—were getting crushed by rising card fees. Our mission? Help them eliminate those fees and provide personal and exceptional customer service.

Execution meant launching a set of flexible payment programs tailored to different types of businesses, providing free equipment on-loan, and creating seamless onboarding. Admin & logistics covered compliance, terminal provisioning, and customer service. Command & signal? We assigned a dedicated rep to every client. No call centers—just real people.

Veterans, Discipline, and the Advantage of Structure

Veteran business owners have a unique edge. We’ve been trained to plan, lead, and execute under pressure. Structure is our superpower.

If you're a Veteran stepping into business ownership, or a small business owner seeking clarity, adopting SMEAC could change the game. Structure doesn’t slow you down—it sets you free to move fast and win.

How to Start Using SMEAC Today

Here's a quick SMEAC template you can use on your next project:

1. Situation – What’s happening?
2. Mission – What’s the goal?
3. Execution – What’s the plan?
4. Admin & Logistics – What do you need?
5. Command & Signal – Who’s leading, and how will they communicate?

Use this in your Monday meetings, campaign planning, or quarterly reviews. It works. Period.

Final Thoughts: Your Business Is a Mission — Treat It Like One

Don’t just hustle. Lead. Plan. Execute.

The Marine Corps didn’t teach me how to sell—but it did teach me how to lead with purpose. And that’s the skill most small business owners are missing.

At EPIC Merchant Systems, we’re built around that same mission-first mindset. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re fighting uphill alone, let’s talk. We’ll bring clarity to your payments, pricing, and strategy.



Because in business, like in battle, the right plan changes everything.

Need a partner who leads like you do? [Let’s Build Your Mission Plan Together]  CLICK HERE