Photo By Sgt. Megan Sindelar | Cpl. Edward J. Goodroe, a lightweight multiband satellite terminal operator, with 9th...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Seventy-eight Marines at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, taking part of the fourth I Marine Headquarters Group corporal’s course here, are experiencing a new type of training.
This course is oriented to more combat related lessons but still covers the core curriculum covered in the rear.
“The environment we are in both helps and hinders us,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jeff J. Vandentop, company 1st Sgt., I MHG. “The most helpful part of us being here is having 24 usable hours every day.”
Vandentop said they had to build their own schoolhouse and they don’t have swords for every Marine or a parade deck at their disposal similar to what they have in the rear, but they have open terrain to conduct hikes, patrols and convoy operation classes.
However, this is the first course to ever fire on a range during a training cycle. Courses both in the rear and so far in Afghanistan have not done this before.
“I never thought I would go to the range at corporal’s course, it’s something new and different,” said Cpl. Douglas F. Franklin, an aviation technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16.
Another new addition to the course is a panel of Marines scheduled to speak to the class about alternative billets such as drill instructor, recruiting, Marine security guard and School of Infantry instructor.
“We get a lot of questions from young corporals wanting to do those billets,” Vandentop said. “The Marines can talk to the corporals about what those billets entail.”
Franklin, from Cleveland, Ohio, said he had to compete with other Marines in his unit to attend this course.
The corporals course is on training day six and student motivation is high.
“My favorite part is reading the corporal’s creed in the mornings,” Franklin said. “I like giving my all and when 77 other Marines are giving their all back to me, it’s motivating.”
Franklin also said that he is glad he chose to attend the course out here because there is no time schedules, no distractions and the Marines are dedicated to it. He hopes to develop a more professional outlook on mentoring and counseling from this course.
“I greatly appreciate MHG hosting this corporal’s course and giving me the opportunity to come.”
| Date Taken: | 10.16.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.18.2010 14:14 |
| Story ID: | 58348 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 131 |
| Downloads: | 9 |
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