Corporals put to the test

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Hicks
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For the past three years the Marine Corps Detachment here has been one of seven reserve units in the country to train newly promoted Marine Corps Reserve Corporals transitioning into their new positions as leaders.

The Corporals Course is a fifteen training day event, focused on providing the skills necessary to lead Marines and is designed to provide the war fighting skills, core values and the mindset necessary for effective leadership of a team and subordinate Marines.

"We want to motivate our Marines and send them back to their units with more confidence in themselves than what they came with," said Gunnery Sgt. Robert Ritchie, Corporals Course instructor. "Also, we want them to be able to put their leadership traits and principles into action."

Students must pass at least seven of the nine parts of the curriculum, which includes two comprehensive exams, a history essay, a performance evaluation checklist, hip pocket training, preparing after action review, sword manual, guidon manual and a tactical operations culminating event.

"One of the most challenging things about this course is the Culminating Event," Ritchie said. "The event requires the Marines to be well rounded by leading their fire team, communicate properly on the radio, and display effective offensive and defensive tactics."

Upon completion of the course, Corporals have the skills necessary to clearly articulate one's thoughts in both oral and written communications; understand the different characteristics and standards of leadership, principles and fundamentals of mentorship; understand the NCO mindset of "doing instead of knowing;" and execute and apply tactical measures at the team level.

The Marine Corps Detachment utilizes the Airman's Leadership School facilities.

"This facility and its staff are key to the success of our courses," said U.S. Marine 1st Sgt. Dale Frerich, Corporal's Leadership Course Director. "The staff cares as much about the Marines' professional development as they do about the Airmen they train."