Airmen tackle Corporals Course

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Saphfire D. Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) --  Six Airmen diversified their leadership training by participating in the Marine Corps' Corporals Course, which was held here June 10-24.

The Corporals Course was a two-week program consisting of classroom lecture, hands-on instruction at the small arms range and vigorous physical training around the Arizona base.

Transitioning to the noncommissioned officer corps is an important step in a military career. It is a follower's evolution to leader, and it's the undertaking of a whole new spectrum of responsibilities. This leap requires further training, and each branch designs its leadership course to reflect the duties assigned to its NCOs; therefore, each course is different.

Senior Airmen Alain Alfaro, of the 923rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; David Marshall, of the 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron; Alexander Rodman, of the 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Chad Smith, of the 355th Maintenance Operations Squadron; Ryan Vottero, of the 355th Security Forces Squadron; and Michael Ziegman, of the 55th Electronic Combat Group were chosen from a pool of Airmen, hand-picked by their squadrons to participate.

"It was an honor to be selected for the Corporals Course and to train alongside our fellow service members," Smith said.

For 14 days, these Airmen immersed themselves in the customs and courtesies of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"It was different, but it was exciting," Smith said. "I know that anyone who has the opportunity to train with a different branch of the military will gain a greater respect and knowledge of that branch, and we Airmen learned a lot from the experience."

One big difference was the physical training held at 4:45 a.m. every morning.

"We did a lot of carries," Vottero said. "Carrying another grown man over your shoulder is hard work, but we motivated each other, and we had a good time."

Their motivation paid off, and all six Airmen graduated the Corporals Course with academic honors. Rodman also received accolades for achieving the highest score on the class' first fitness test.

"I learned a lot about the Marine Corps tradition and brotherhood," Vottero said. "I hope that I can take a blend of Airman Leadership School and Corporals Course back to the Airmen I supervise and show them the traditions and the honor that we have in the Air Force."