Airmen, Sailors tested at Marine leadership course

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Timothy Moore
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
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."