Future leaders show initiative (MARINEs)

Marine Corps News ^ | Jan 27, 2006 | Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier

[SandRat]

CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 27, 2006) -- More than 25 Marines from different sections within 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) received their Corporals Course certificates here Jan. 25.

At garrison bases, Corporals Course is held over a two week period and comprised of uniform inspections, sword manual, drill, physical training and numerous hours of academic instruction.

It is not much different here in Iraq, according to Gunnery Sgt. Thomas E. Clough, 8th Engineer Communications Detachment commander and chief instructor for the Corporals Course.

“We do the same things here,” Clough said. “Except here we don’t have the same uniform inspections because all we have are our [camouflage utilities].”

Other minor differences include drill, PT and the length of the course, according to Clough.

“It is hard to get Marines away from their shops,” Clough admitted. “We shortened the course from 14 to eight days because we all have demanding jobs that directly support our mission here.”

Although the schedule was shortened, this did not mean all the materials pertinent to the course were not covered, according to Cpl. Roy G. White, data network specialist with Marine Wing Communication Squadron-38, 2nd MLG (Fwd), and Corporals Course graduate.

“We were here everyday from [7 a.m. – 8 p.m.]. Although the schedule was intense, I learned a lot,” White said. “There is a lot that goes into this course than what I originally thought.”

In the rear, uniform inspections are part of the schedule, where Marines are judged by their attention to detail. Here, there are few changes to the uniform inspections, according to Sgt. Matthew A. Phelps, who was one of three squad instructors working with the junior Marines during the course.

“We don’t have the [service A uniforms] here,” Phelps said. “All we have are our cammies, which we have been wearing everyday since we have been here. And because we wear them all day we don’t try to focus as much attention on uniforms compared to other things such as drill or periods of instruction.”

Some Marines, like Cpl. Richard S. Jackel, believe the class here will benefit them here in Iraq and when they return to the states.

“Because we are in Iraq, we not only learned how to become leaders in the Corps but also learned time and stress management,” said Jackel, who is an engineer with MWCS-38, 2nd MLG (Fwd). “Corporals Course is vital to becoming a great leader. Setting the right example through consistency is the best thing some of us have learned here.”

[SandRat]

CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 24, 2006) – Cpl. Claudia L. Ramirez awaits orders from the Corporals Course chief instructor here Jan. 24. More than 25 Marines from different sections within 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) received their Corporals Course certificates here Jan. 25. The course was held over a period of eight days and was comprised of uniform inspections, sword manual, drill, physical training and numerous hours of academic instruction. Ramirez is an operations clerk with Communication Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd MLG (Fwd).
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier

[SandRat]

NEW Marine Corporals PING!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[jazusamo]

OOHRAH Corporals!!!