MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Maj. Gen. Steven Busby, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, has put many programs into effect to strengthen the noncommissioned officers corps across the wing since the beginning of the Committed and Engaged Leadership initiative.
Busby encourages every new corporal to attend the Committed and Engaged Corporals Indoctrination Professional Military Education course and Corporals Course.
One Marine is among the few who has experienced both courses back to back. Not only that, but Cpl. Megan Scullin, a combat videographer with 3rd MAW, was meritoriously promoted by Busby.
"I had gone on boards, but hadn't won one yet and then they promoted me on the spot at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the obstacle course," said Scullin, a Troy, Mont., native. “I didn't know I was getting promoted until the commanding general told me right there in front of everyone and then the next day I left for Corporals indoctrination and the day after that, I went to Corporals Course."
Not many Marines have experienced the courses so rapidly, but Busby believes it is important to build confidence in NCOs early. Scullin believes it was completely worth the experience despite being out of work for almost four weeks.
"I think that going straight to [the courses] helped put me on the right track and gave me the tools that I need to be successful as an NCO," she said.
Corporals indoctrination lasts three days whereas the Corporals Course lasts three weeks. Scullin completed them becoming a model for the success.
"Newly promoted corporals would most definitely benefit from going through the courses [back to back] like I did," said Scullin.
Scullin explained that she has taken many new tools away from the information she has learned.
“I have been able to conduct counselings and assert myself more as a leader amongst my peers,” said Scullin. “I learned how to conduct myself as an NCO and it taught me things such as sword and guidon manual, drill and techniques for physical training that an NCO should know.”
The leadership education prepares NCOs to inspire their Marines to the highest standards possible. Scullin has shown that it truly works and it has potential to make future generations of Marines even better.