Photo By Cpl. Daniel Blatter | Cpl. Benjamin Scott, a logistics and transportation non-commissioned officer for...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – After three weeks of intense training, 78 corporals graduated corporals course, Oct. 26, aboard Camp Leatherneck.
The corporals from 14 different units and 41 different military occupation specialties attended the course hosted by the I Marine Expedition Force, Headquarters Group (Forward).
The course consisted of instruction on public speaking, leadership traits, principles and concepts, mentoring, war fighting, proficiency and conduct, the promotion system, leadership styles, drill and physical fitness.
The corporals received 17 hours of advisor counseling, 13 hours of guidon manual, sword manual and drill. They also received 16 hours of tactical communications, convoy operations and combat patrolling.
The non-commissioned officers studied enemy and friendly tactics, techniques and procedures and radio measures. They also conducted five hours of live fire shooting and participated in 42 hours of combat conditioning culminating in an eight-mile hike.
At the graduation ceremony, Gunnery Sgt. Jeffery Vandentop, the chief instructor for the corporals course, addressed the corporals and the crowd.
“Perhaps the most impressive statistic of all is that 17 tough training days ago, 78 corporals checked into the corporal’s course and today all 78 of them stand before me graduating,” Vandentop said.
Vandentop then went on to introduce the guest speaker, Sgt. Maj. James Calbough, the 9th Engineer Support Battalion sergeant major.
As Calbough thought back, he remembered being a corporal.
“Being a corporal is a great milestone in the effects you can have and are only limited by your output,” said the sergeant major. “Whether you lead 10 Marines or two Marines, you can make a difference.
“That Marine you mentor or lead today may be a sergeant major, master gunnery sergeant or colonel tomorrow, and 18 plus years from now, they may still talk about what you did for them.”
Heads were held high as all the corporals individually received their certificate of completion.
During the ceremony, Cpl. Joshua Williams was recognized as the class honor graduate. Williams graduated with a grade point average of 99.4 percent and his instructors said he demonstrated great determination, physical fitness and class participation. He received an NCO sword and a Certificate of Commendation for his efforts.
“The mission of corporals course is to learn to be more well rounded as a Marine,” said Cpl. Michael Weiland, a battalion ammo technician with Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward). “I could see the difference in the corporals who went through the course. We are now leaders.”
To bring an end to his speech, Calbough addressed the command of each corporal who attended the course.
“I like to think that after your Marine attends this course, you will get a better Marine back,” said Calbough, “a more educated Marine for yourself and for those who look to them for leadership and guidance.”
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.28.2010 02:59 |
| Story ID: | 58962 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 276 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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