Photo By Chief Warrant Officer Bobbie Curtis | Sailors in the Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officers Program, participate in a...... read more read more
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CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq - "I'm going to give them another two minutes," said 1st Sgt. Theresa G. Harris to her company commander, Capt. George D. Camia, as she looked back at the dimly lit formation of Naval officers lined up behind her. They were on a short break during on a six-mile hike aboard Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq, April 2, and Harris wasn't prepared to cut the Sailors any slack.
No doubt this warm, clear morning took her back to her days as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., where she spent countless hours teaching recruits how to properly march in formation--the essential military art of the 'hike.'
"Go ahead and get your gear on!" she yelled in a voice that would make many Marines fresh out of recruit training quiver. The officers' short break was over with just four and a half miles to go.
"Forward march!" she then commanded.
The sailors that Harris, the first sergeant of Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), and Camia were leading that morning completed the hike as a first step in a series of classes, tests and practical applications they had to complete in order to receive their Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officers Pin; an honor available to only those sailors who serve side-by-side with Marines.
The course, particularly unique because it's held in Iraq, is directed by the 2nd MLG (Fwd) group surgeon, Navy Cmdr. Vincent L. Decicco, and is scheduled to be conducted again throughout the deployment.
"The course is optional, however it shows the Marine Corps that [Naval officers] are taking an interest in what [the Marine Corps does] and it shows Marines that [Naval officers] have the fundamental knowledge in what they do," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Paul B. Durand, the base safety officer and one of the Naval officers in charge of the course.
To achieve the qualification, they must first get a taste of the skills, knowledge, and tactics Marines learn and use throughout their careers.
Classes are given on subjects like Navy and Marine Corps history, the Marine Corps mission and organization, combat elements, land navigation, communications and weapons.
"The Marine Corps is just structured differently," explained Navy Lt. Miranda T. Hastings, a student in the course.
"They have a completely different mindset than the Navy," continued the emergency medicine nurse from Camp Al Taqaddum Surgical Company. "I am learning about all the different platforms, weapons systems and organization. The mission is different than anything we've ever seen."
The classes are taught by subject matter experts on each topic. Just like in most other classes, it's up to the student to study and demonstrate mastery of the information taught.
"We bring the classes to [the students]," explained Durand. "We try to get experts in particular areas. It's up to the officers to study."
Each student is given a log book that requires a signature by a subject matter expert stating they understand the material. At the end of the course the students are tested with an oral examination that covers all knowledge taught.
Once a student has completed the course they are awarded their Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officers Pin, a gold and silver pin that is worn on the left breast of their uniform. The pin bears the Marine Corps emblem-an eagle, globe and anchor that is set in front of two crossed rifles. The chaplain's version of the pin excludes the rifles because chaplains are not authorized to carry weapons.
"The eagle, globe and anchor is earned never given," Durand said. "The officers get to take that with them wherever they go throughout their career."
Throughout the duration of the deployment a Fleet Marine Force Qualified Enlisted Personnel course is also conducted at Camp Al Taqaddum. The course is similar to the officer's course but is targeted toward enlisted Marine's skills.
| Date Taken: | 05.25.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2009 07:42 |
| Story ID: | 34058 |
| Location: | AL TAQADDUM, IQ |
| Web Views: | 394 |
| Downloads: | 308 |
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