VMFA-323 Marines Take Next Step in Becoming Future Leaders
Story Number: NNS090409-13
Release Date: 4/9/2009 7:27:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elliott Fabrizio, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- Marines from the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323 completed the Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership program, or Corporals' Course, aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) April 1.
The Marines drilled, attended leadership classes and participated in physical training for nine days to complete the course that is designed to train junior Marines to be leaders.
When a Marine advances from the rank of lance corporal to corporal he is a non-commissioned officer (NCO), taking on more responsibility and authority.
"In the Marines, we always try to teach leadership down to the lowest level," said Gunnery Sgt. Chris Phillips, VMFA 323's avionics chief. "When they become an NCO, they reach another branch in the leadership structure and take a more active leadership role. We're honing their leadership skill, because they may have anywhere from two to 30 Marines working below them."
Leadership classes give the new NCOs the skills to lead junior Marines and set an example of professionalism.
Corporals learn how to conduct a quick, five-minute training session in a candid situation in a course called hip-pocket training.
"If they see the younger guys doing something wrong, the corporals will be able to do a quick training off the hip," said Staff Sgt. Gregory Ludt, VMFA 323's training chief.
"I'm learning from my leaders how to step into the next phase of leadership," said Cpl. Brian Barnes. "I'm learning how to conduct myself like a sergeant as a corporal."
In the squadron environment, corporal is one of the highest populated ranks. Most corporals in the squadron are not directly in charge of as many junior Marines as their peers in combat zones overseas; however, responsibility is still there.
"The air wing is a unique environment," said Ludt. "The responsibility shifts from supervising 10 Marines to maintaining a multimillion-dollar aircraft. It's a different but equal responsibility."
The Corporals' Course is not a required part of advancement, and some Marines who completed this course have been corporals for more than a year. Due to deployment rotations or other circumstances, they were unable to take the course earlier.
Marines Corps advancement is broken down into a point system based on physical fitness test scores, marksmanship, conduct reports, seniority and Marine Corps professional education courses. This score is calculated quarterly. A cutting score is determined each month for every military occupational specialty based on the needs of the Marine Corps. If a Marine's quarterly score is above one of the monthly cutting scores, the Marine is advanced.
Completing the Corporals' Course refines the leadership skills and tactics of new NCOs, allowing them to set the example and lead the next crop of junior Marines with professionalism and honor.
