Students graduate distance military education courses

Photo By Cpl. Matheus Hernandez | Brig. Gen. Craig Crenshaw, commanding general, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, center, sits with service members after receiving their diplomas for graduating from the Command and Staff College at the Butler Officers’ Club on Plaza Housing, June 1. Crenshaw was invited as the guest of honor for the graduation.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.09.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Matheus Hernandez 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

EWS and CSC are two seminar programs offered by the Marine Corps’ College of Distance Education and Training. Both courses are designed to be completed in two academic years and each provides career-level, professional military education and training in order to prepare officers to serve as commanders and staff officers in the operating forces.
EWS is a seven-course, career-level school and is a professional military education requirement for the ranks of captain and chief warrant officer three. CSC is an eight-course, intermediate-level school which satisfies both Marine Corps and joint PME requirements for the ranks serving as major and chief warrant officer four.
The graduates’ success demonstrates their commitment and dedication to life-long learning and desire to improve themselves personally and professionally, said James Hopkins, regional coordinator, Okinawa region, Training and Education Command, CDET.
“It has been a rigorous two years, and the Marine Corps is getting some very well-educated officers back, so we’re really proud of them,” said Hopkins. “These programs make the officers more competent, knowledgeable and better leaders overall.”
The information the officers are learning is very applicable to what they are doing right now in their current jobs, said Scott A. Uecker, regional chief instructor, Okinawa region, Training and Education Command, CDET.
CDET has had students from other services and military occupational specialties, according to Hopkins.
“(Gaining perspective from other services, branches and MOSs) makes the program even stronger because you get to hear how the other person thinks,” said Hopkins. “It also allows them to have a better understanding with not just the Marine Corps, but with joint missions as well.”
The instructors try to build seminar groups by mixing MOSs as much as possible, which brings different experiences to the table, said Uecker.
“If I can get an infantry, aviation and logistics officer in the same class, then I will,” said Uecker. “It allows the officers to hear how each individual’s job is done.”
“It brings a tremendous amount of value to the Corps, the individual units and the Marine officers themselves,” said Uecker. “It’s going to introduce them to aspects about operations in the Marine Corps that they may not have any experience in, but they will need to understand it when they start moving up in rank.”
By taking charge of their education, the officers of the graduating class are setting the example for junior officers and Marines.
“They’re leading the way,” said Hopkins. “This is a great example for all Marines to keep pursuing education as a means to obtain excellence.”

• Date Taken: 06.09.2011
• Date Posted: 06.09.2011 00:55
• Story ID: 71812
• Location: OKINAWA, JP