thedrifter
12-21-08, 07:45 AM
Corporals course builds confidence and unit cohesion
By Pfc. Christopher Duncan
Combat Correspondent
Students attending the Corporals Course at the Marine Corps Air Facility conducted their final drill exam here Dec. 10.
The two-week course is composed of three main categories: general military knowledge, physical training and drill. It is designed to develop leadership skills and confidence in the future sergeants.
‘‘The knowledge portion of the training encompasses leadership traits, leadership principles, battle studies, war gaming, urban warfare, and terrorism awareness,” said Staff Sgt. Mathew Amescua, initiator of the MCAF corporals course. ‘‘Physical training is very important in this course. We run every morning, gradually working our way up from three to seven miles.”
The last obstacle for the class to overcome is a final drill examination, and Gunnery Sgt. Magdiel Vazquezanzua, director of the corporals course, explained that the students in this course are anxious to meet the standards.
‘‘The last corporals course, class 1-08, was carried out last fiscal year in July and had an attendance of 10 Marines,” said Vazquezanzua. ‘‘While class 1.09 isn’t much larger, with a total of 14 students, it differs in that the students are from a wider variety of military occupational specialties, which will be beneficial to these Marines in the future.”
Throughout the evolution, noncommissioned officers like Sgt. Janet Sandoval, instructor of 1st Platoon, aid in the students’ transition, emphasizing the importance of close order drill due to the significance of immediate compliance to orders in the field.
‘‘As far as unit leaders are concerned, close order drill generates discipline and confidence in their Marines,” said Vazquezanzua. ‘‘One must be able to give clear and concise orders to lead effectively and save lives on the field of battle.”
Marines take pride in their drilling techniques and hold themselves to a high standard; they take it seriously and it shows, Sandoval said.
‘‘Me and a few Marines did drill along with a couple of other services at my church and by the time we’d finished the crowd was captivated,” she said. ‘‘A master sergeant came over and said that we were spectacular, he went on to say ‘that’s why we are Marines and they can see the difference.’”
Unit cohesion and obedience to orders becomes a way of life for Marines, and is expected by leaders; this course teaches Marines to take the first step, becoming a capable leader, Vazquezanzua said.
‘‘Close order drill instills instant and willing obedience to orders, respect for authority and self-reliance,” said Cpl. David Rufener, military policeman and student of class 1-09. ‘‘It definitely comes into play in combat when you have to react instinctively.”
Aside from battle application, close order drill is a great confidence builder, Rufener said. It helps Marines to build enough poise to give orders, and to believe in themselves and the decisions they make.
Unity is built when Marines practice close order drill; and getting the time and experience doing it is important for any NCO, Sandoval said.
‘‘The ability to control members of the most elite fighting force known to man is an astonishing feet and something to take great pride in,” said Vazquez.
Editor’s note: To see additional photos visit the Sentry Web site at www.quantico.usmc.mil.
Ellie
By Pfc. Christopher Duncan
Combat Correspondent
Students attending the Corporals Course at the Marine Corps Air Facility conducted their final drill exam here Dec. 10.
The two-week course is composed of three main categories: general military knowledge, physical training and drill. It is designed to develop leadership skills and confidence in the future sergeants.
‘‘The knowledge portion of the training encompasses leadership traits, leadership principles, battle studies, war gaming, urban warfare, and terrorism awareness,” said Staff Sgt. Mathew Amescua, initiator of the MCAF corporals course. ‘‘Physical training is very important in this course. We run every morning, gradually working our way up from three to seven miles.”
The last obstacle for the class to overcome is a final drill examination, and Gunnery Sgt. Magdiel Vazquezanzua, director of the corporals course, explained that the students in this course are anxious to meet the standards.
‘‘The last corporals course, class 1-08, was carried out last fiscal year in July and had an attendance of 10 Marines,” said Vazquezanzua. ‘‘While class 1.09 isn’t much larger, with a total of 14 students, it differs in that the students are from a wider variety of military occupational specialties, which will be beneficial to these Marines in the future.”
Throughout the evolution, noncommissioned officers like Sgt. Janet Sandoval, instructor of 1st Platoon, aid in the students’ transition, emphasizing the importance of close order drill due to the significance of immediate compliance to orders in the field.
‘‘As far as unit leaders are concerned, close order drill generates discipline and confidence in their Marines,” said Vazquezanzua. ‘‘One must be able to give clear and concise orders to lead effectively and save lives on the field of battle.”
Marines take pride in their drilling techniques and hold themselves to a high standard; they take it seriously and it shows, Sandoval said.
‘‘Me and a few Marines did drill along with a couple of other services at my church and by the time we’d finished the crowd was captivated,” she said. ‘‘A master sergeant came over and said that we were spectacular, he went on to say ‘that’s why we are Marines and they can see the difference.’”
Unit cohesion and obedience to orders becomes a way of life for Marines, and is expected by leaders; this course teaches Marines to take the first step, becoming a capable leader, Vazquezanzua said.
‘‘Close order drill instills instant and willing obedience to orders, respect for authority and self-reliance,” said Cpl. David Rufener, military policeman and student of class 1-09. ‘‘It definitely comes into play in combat when you have to react instinctively.”
Aside from battle application, close order drill is a great confidence builder, Rufener said. It helps Marines to build enough poise to give orders, and to believe in themselves and the decisions they make.
Unity is built when Marines practice close order drill; and getting the time and experience doing it is important for any NCO, Sandoval said.
‘‘The ability to control members of the most elite fighting force known to man is an astonishing feet and something to take great pride in,” said Vazquez.
Editor’s note: To see additional photos visit the Sentry Web site at www.quantico.usmc.mil.
Ellie