GunnerMike
09-05-03, 09:26 AM
In today's edition of the CLNC Globe:
Teaching young Marines the ropes
New combat instructor assignment ensures elite combat capabilities
Pfc. Cody J. Yard
Combat Correspondent
One of the most elite fighting forces in the world implemented a change to ensure it stays that way by developing the new Marine Combat Instructor military occupational specialty as a special duty assignment.
Creating the occupational specialty 8513, Marine Combat Instructor, allows Marines ranging in rank from corporal to gunnery sergeant the opportunity to make a direct impact on the future of the Marine Corps, said Sgt. Maj. Jose B. Moura School of Infantry East.
“This military occupational specialty is going to be very challenging, but rewarding beyond expectations,” said Moura. “Marines are going to reap great satisfaction from a tour as a Marine combat instructor.”
This new special duty assignment comes with challenges. Instructors spent most of their time teaching and mentoring new Marines during this three-year tour.
“Teaching entry-level Marines is motivating and humbling at the same time,” said Staff Sgt. Darryl D. Gravelle, an instructor with D Company, Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry East. “Passing on knowledge to a young devil dog is rewarding in itself.”
Gravelle was one of the first 8513’s here and taught the first cycle of students attending the Marine Combat Instructor’s Course.
Upon completion of the seven-week evolution, instructors receive a supplemental issue of the camouflage utility uniform, as well as pay incentives and meritorious promotion opportunities with corporals qualifying for an additional 100 points for their composite score, said Moura.
“Its good to finally see these Marines receive the benefits of a special duty assignment,” said Master Sgt. John M. Troup, Marine Combat Training operations chief. The Marine Combat Instructor billet is open to qualified male and female Marines in any military occupation specialty.
“There is a critical shortage of qualified female Marines,” said Gunnery Sgt. Terry B. Barret, career retentions specialist.
Approximately 25 percent of these billets will be open to non-infantry Marines, which increases the opportunity for those Marines to serve as combat instructors, according to Marine Administrative Message 295/03.
Infantrymen can be instructors for Marine Combat Training or Infantry Training Battalion while instructors with non-infantry specific military occupational specialties are instructors for Marine Combat Training.
Marines will be assigned temporary duty for instruction to Marine Combat Instructor’s Course conducted at Camp Geiger, N.C., or Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The Marine Combat Instructor’s Course prepares Marines to teach common skills, said Troup. The course is designed to level the playing field between Marines with infantry specific military occupational specialties and those Marines who do not deal with infantry skills on a day-to-day basis.
“The Marine Combat Instructor’s Course is doctrinally based training,” said Chief Warrant Officer Mike D. Richards, Advanced Infantry Training Course Gunner. “It provides continuity in training.”
The knowledge and skills acquired during the training help to develop better equipped Marines.
“There is nothing more important than what we do here because we train Marine riflemen,” said Moura.
If interested in becoming a Marine Combat Instructor, contact your career planner for more information.
Teaching young Marines the ropes
New combat instructor assignment ensures elite combat capabilities
Pfc. Cody J. Yard
Combat Correspondent
One of the most elite fighting forces in the world implemented a change to ensure it stays that way by developing the new Marine Combat Instructor military occupational specialty as a special duty assignment.
Creating the occupational specialty 8513, Marine Combat Instructor, allows Marines ranging in rank from corporal to gunnery sergeant the opportunity to make a direct impact on the future of the Marine Corps, said Sgt. Maj. Jose B. Moura School of Infantry East.
“This military occupational specialty is going to be very challenging, but rewarding beyond expectations,” said Moura. “Marines are going to reap great satisfaction from a tour as a Marine combat instructor.”
This new special duty assignment comes with challenges. Instructors spent most of their time teaching and mentoring new Marines during this three-year tour.
“Teaching entry-level Marines is motivating and humbling at the same time,” said Staff Sgt. Darryl D. Gravelle, an instructor with D Company, Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry East. “Passing on knowledge to a young devil dog is rewarding in itself.”
Gravelle was one of the first 8513’s here and taught the first cycle of students attending the Marine Combat Instructor’s Course.
Upon completion of the seven-week evolution, instructors receive a supplemental issue of the camouflage utility uniform, as well as pay incentives and meritorious promotion opportunities with corporals qualifying for an additional 100 points for their composite score, said Moura.
“Its good to finally see these Marines receive the benefits of a special duty assignment,” said Master Sgt. John M. Troup, Marine Combat Training operations chief. The Marine Combat Instructor billet is open to qualified male and female Marines in any military occupation specialty.
“There is a critical shortage of qualified female Marines,” said Gunnery Sgt. Terry B. Barret, career retentions specialist.
Approximately 25 percent of these billets will be open to non-infantry Marines, which increases the opportunity for those Marines to serve as combat instructors, according to Marine Administrative Message 295/03.
Infantrymen can be instructors for Marine Combat Training or Infantry Training Battalion while instructors with non-infantry specific military occupational specialties are instructors for Marine Combat Training.
Marines will be assigned temporary duty for instruction to Marine Combat Instructor’s Course conducted at Camp Geiger, N.C., or Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The Marine Combat Instructor’s Course prepares Marines to teach common skills, said Troup. The course is designed to level the playing field between Marines with infantry specific military occupational specialties and those Marines who do not deal with infantry skills on a day-to-day basis.
“The Marine Combat Instructor’s Course is doctrinally based training,” said Chief Warrant Officer Mike D. Richards, Advanced Infantry Training Course Gunner. “It provides continuity in training.”
The knowledge and skills acquired during the training help to develop better equipped Marines.
“There is nothing more important than what we do here because we train Marine riflemen,” said Moura.
If interested in becoming a Marine Combat Instructor, contact your career planner for more information.