News>Airmen, Sailors tested at Marine leadership course
Photos
Students of a U.S. Marine Corps Corporals Leadership Course form up for their uniform inspection May, 19, 2013, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The two-week course is designed to equip new, or soon-to-be, NCOs with the tools and knowledge to effectively lead their troops, no matter the service. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Timothy Moore)
Students in the U.S. Marine Corps Corporals Leadership Course participate in a physical training session May, 16, 2013, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. For two weeks, service members from three U.S. military branches worked, learned and trained together. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Timothy Moore)
Senior Airman Micah Bergeron runs during a physical training session of the U.S. Marine Corps Corporals Leadership Course, May, 16, 2013, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Service members from three military branches spent two weeks learning skills to help them become more effective leaders. Bergeron is a member of the 355th Medical Support Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Timothy Moore)
by Senior Airman Timothy Moore
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
6/4/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Marine Corps Corporals Leadership Course opened its door to service members from the Air Force and Navy here May 11-25.
The two-week course is designed to equip new, or soon-to-be NCOs with the tools and knowledge to effectively lead their troops, no matter the service.
Being able to do joint operations like this -- because they are going to be doing it later on in their careers -- is a great way to get preconceived notions out of the way, said Marine Sgt. Timothy Taylor, a Corporals Leadership Course instructor from Bulk Fuel Company C, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group at Luke AFB, Ariz.
"It makes them realize that they are on the same team, fighting the same fight," Taylor said. "We are all brothers."
Course instructors taught students a medley of skills such as physical training -- to include techniques from the U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Program -- public speaking, counseling training and professional military education training.
"The purpose of Corporals Course is to instruct newly-promoted NCOs to essentially become better leaders," Taylor said, "It's to inspire leadership, teach them new skills and give them (...) an introductory of knowledge to things they will be doing."
The training days began with a morning formation at 5 a.m., which was usually followed by various forms of physical training.
"I wasn't expecting the level of aptitude that they have," said Senior Airman Micah Bergeron, a member of the 355th Medical Support Squadron.
Bergeron added that the physical training was challenging but rewarding.
"They really beat you," he said. "But the PT is good for you and builds (...) endurance."
Daily from 5 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m., students marched, worked, ate and learned with and from each other.
"When I showed up, I was not informed that there were any Air Force or Navy personnel here," said Marine Cpl. Gregory Hanson, also from the 6th ESB at Luke AFB. "It's been a lot of fun and very enjoyable to work with Airmen and Sailors. I got to learn a lot about both services, something I did not expect at this course."
The course ended May 25 with a graduation ceremony, but Taylor said he hopes there are other opportunities like this.
"I love working with other services," Taylor said. "The Air Force and Navy service members that have been with us have been phenomenal. Some of our best students are Airmen. The experience our Marines are getting by working with other branches, because most of them haven't before, is great (...) for them."
Comments
6/6/2013 4:20:34 PM ET Judging by the Marine corporal shown in the left forefront of HiRes photo number 1 this course needs to emphasis the need for stepping a bit closer to the razor blade when shaving.
Semper Fi, US of A
6/4/2013 10:25:49 PM ET I was in the Air Force some 40 years ago and we were drilled but nothing compares to the Marine Corp Recruits and the strict military discipline keeps in boot camp and boots on the ground. Our Technical Instructors were building a completely different Military Model for mostly Aircraft maintenance where the Marines were training a mean machine. Running and marching in the rain it didn't matter to the Marines. They were tough and the rest of the Services were middle tough. I'm not putting anybody down we all were sworn in to protect our Constitution with our lives our limbs our psych and a brotherhood that was more respectful than anything I have ever seen. Money was finally released to the VA to help Vets and their Families readjust to Civilian life so know this as Thomas Jefferson once said if we don't hang together we will most certainly hang independently. SGT LILLY USAF 1969 1975
