Photo By Sgt. Charles Santamaria | Petty Officer 3rd Class Raquel Petticrew, pharmacy tech, and Sgt. Charles Peterson,...... read more read more
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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The sound of a synchronized chant rose through the streets of the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center. The words became clearer as the wind settled on the mountainside.
“I am a Non-Commissioned Officer, dedicated to training new Marines and influencing the old. I am forever conscious of each Marine under my charge, and by example will inspire him to the highest standards possible. I will strive to be patient, understanding, just, and firm. I will commend the deserving and encourage the wayward. I will never forget that I am responsible to my commanding officer for the morale, discipline, and efficiency of my men. Their performance will reflect an image of me.”
This is the creed that is learned by every Non-Commissioned Officer in the Marine Corps as the standard for leadership, mentorship and responsibility.
The creed was recited at the end of each training day by Marines and sailors of the MCMWTC during their NCO course held on base. The course started in February and is open for both corporals and sergeants.
NCOs: Marines whose purpose is to de-centralize authority and provide a bridge of communication between junior enlisted and the command. Corporals and sergeants are known as the "backbone of the Marine Corps." NCOs give mentorship to their junior marines in order to guide the next generation.
“The course contains most of the material covered in the Marines Corps’ Corporals Course,” said Sgt. Benjamin Workman, instructor, NCO Course, MCMWTC. “The difference with the NCO Course here is that it is for both sergeants and corporals to further their knowledge of leadership and Marine Corps tactics.”
The course lasts approximately one month, covering combat tactics, hand and arm signals, land navigation, sword manual, physical fitness and radio communications. The classes last the majority of the day and include a physical training session at noon.
“It’s a great refresher course,” said Sgt. Charles Peterson, wireman, MCMWTC. “This is knowledge all Marines should know and pass on to their junior Marines. Just because we are winding down from a war doesn’t mean we forget all the knowledge essential to being effective in tactics and leadership.”
The classes challenged the students both physically and mentally. The PT portion of each day would vary from running hill sprints on a dirt path, to racing around a track with water jugs and ammo cans in utilities. The Marines and sailors were also tested at the end of each section of the course by practical application or written exam.
“The course was fairly challenging,” Peterson said. “It was always something different and the instructors made sure that we were always on our toes and ready.”
The NCO course at MCMWTC builds upon the Corporal’s Course and furthers the knowledge of service members who attend.
Towards the end of the course, instructors reflect on the main goal of the classes and why having the skills and knowledge from the course is so important to the future of the Marine Corps.
“I’ve personally never seen a course like this one that allows both sergeants and corporals to attend,” Workman said. “It’s an important part of going into a garrison force. As everything winds down, it’s our responsibility to retain and sharpen ourselves further. I am very proud to know that I am an instructor for a course that is giving back to fellow NCOs not just as a requirement but for invaluable knowledge.”
| Date Taken: | 02.27.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 03.13.2014 19:17 |
| Story ID: | 121982 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 72 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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