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thedrifter
11-13-07, 08:01 AM
US Military Lead
Marines teach corporals motivation, leadership skills
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente, CJTF-HOA Public Affairs
Nov 12, 2007 - 2:23:44 PM

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti - Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 held a graduation for 15 corporals following their completion of a 12-day course while deployed to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Nov. 8.

Corporals Course is for Marines in the paygrade of E-4 and is designed to produce quality noncommissioned officers for junior Marines to follow.

"The course is designed to operate at a squad level, emphasizing small-unit leadership," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Eric E. Cayson, HMH-464 detachment first sergeant and Corporals Course chief instructor. "Our Marines walk away with the proper training to handle a variety of problems, which can be handled through our NCOs who lead our younger Marines."

While deployed from Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, N.C., the corporals went through relatively the same classes as fellow Marines stateside.

"The amount of hours for the course remains the same in the deployed setting, but there are certain instructions we cannot review due to the uniforms that are required," said Marine Staff Sgt. Jody G. Armentrout, HMH-464 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 staff NCOIC and Corporals Course faculty advisor. "Aside from the uniforms, there is very little difference."

Course instructions for the corporals include a wide-range of subjects including customs and courtesies, history, drill, counseling and combat. The main focus of the course is on leadership.

"No matter what branch of service, or whether or not you are in the military, leadership is the cornerstone of society," said Marine Cpl. Brian M. Nutter, HMH-464 CH-53E crew chief and Corporals Course graduate. "There will always be leaders, and there will always be followers. It takes a special person to step up and say, ‘I got it. Follow me.' As Marines we are expected to set the tone and lead the way. Corporals Course is a professional military education program designed to enhance our abilities, not only as combat leaders, but leaders for all of society to follow. We will lead by example, the right example."

"The course is set up to give you experience doing the right things, the right way," said Nutter. "I think the most important part is the confidence you gain when you have completed the course and the realization that you are expected now to lead Marines."

The 15 corporals returned to their assigned duty sections after graduation.

The Marines deployed to Djibouti work closely with other branches of the United States and coalition forces at Camp Lemonier in support of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa mission to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interest in order to prevail against extremism.

Ellie