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Cpl. Oalandre Ricks, an aircraft maintenance administration specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, climbs over an obstacle during a Corporal’s Indoctrination course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 8. The three-day course was held to teach newly promoted Marines what is expected of them as newly promoted noncommissioned officers in the Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Owen Kimbrel

Three-day course sets foundation for new NCOs

9 May 2014 | Cpl. Owen Kimbrel 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Newly promoted corporals of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing reached new heights during the Corporals Committed and Engaged Indoctrination course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 6 - 8.

Maj. Gen. Steven Busby, 3rd MAW commanding general, implemented the course to teach new noncommissioned officers about the responsibilities that come with the promotion. Busby hopes to empower the new NCOs to better the Marine Corps as part of the Committed and Engaged Leadership initiative.

The three-day course taught more than 230 Marines what it means to be a NCO in the Marine Corps. With approximately 83 percent of the Marine Corps led by NCOs, NCOs have an impact in the development of the foundation of the Marine Corps. The course explained what the Marines should do to better the junior Marines placed under their charge.

“I firmly believe if we focus on the Marine first, the mission will be accomplished,” said Sgt. Justin Click, a squad mentor for the Corporals Committed and Engaged Leadership Indoctrination course. “A happy Marine is a hardworking Marine, and I truly believe that.”

The Marines were exposed to various professional military education courses ranging from what understanding the promotion warrant to how to conduct uniform inspections. Several mentors engaged the NCOs in scenarios requiring critical thinking to ignite discussions amongst the corporals.

“During the course we broke down, in detail, what it means to be an NCO, how to lead troops and how to act accordingly around our junior Marines,” said Cpl. Jared Rue, a motor transport technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374.

The Marines also took on the obstacle course to build a sense of camaraderie and pride in the institution.

“I believe [Corporals Committed and Engaged Leadership Indoctrination] is a good transition and eye opener for some of the things we have to look forward to being an NCO,” said Rue.

The course fortifies lessons learned from their first days stepping on the yellow footprints at recruit training to expanding their knowledge needed for their passage as a new NCO.