22nd MEU graduates Corporal’s Course

Photo By Joshua Cox | Marines with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit learn sword manual commands and techniques during a two-week Corporal’s Course, May 12, aboard USS Bataan in the Mediterranean Sea. The Marine Corps uses professional military education programs, like the Corporal’s Course, to develop noncommissioned officers who lead, mentor and teach junior Marines. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and improve the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force. The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force comprised of an Aviation Combat Element, Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); a Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.  

ABOARD USS BATAAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

05.23.2011

Story by Sgt. Joshua Cox 

22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

ABOARD USS BATTAN – Noncommissioned officers deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit graduated from a two-week Corporal’s Course during a ceremony aboard USS Bataan in the Mediterranean Sea, May 23.

The Marine Corps uses professional military education to include the Corporal’s Course, to develop noncommissioned officers who in turn lead, mentor and teach junior Marines.

During the ceremony held in the ship’s chapel, 20 Marines from the 22nd MEU received certificates, congratulations and words of wisdom from senior leaders and peers in attendance.

“The Corporal’s Course was informational,” said Cpl. Kristofer R. McFate, 20, an embarkation clerk with the logistics section, command element, 22nd MEU, and Roseville, Calif., native.

Marines must be well trained to successfully lead a diverse group of young people, maintain order and discipline, problem solve and accomplish important missions. The Corporal’s Course gives junior, noncommissioned officers the knowledge and skills needed to serve as effective and well-versed leaders.

McFate, who particularly enjoyed learning sword manual during the training, said the course really taught the Marines “… the basics of becoming a leader in the Marine Corps.”

The latest course, administered by staff and senior noncommissioned officers, taught Marines skills in subjects such as close order drill, combat conditioning, leadership, public speaking, mentoring and communications.

“Not only is it an important [professional military education] course, it allows you to understand the fundamentals of leadership and the impact we have on our Marines as noncommissioned officers,” McFate explained.

Following the official graduation, the Marines recited the Corps’ NCO creed, and departed the ceremony eager to apply newly acquired skills learned in the course to everyday life.

The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and improve the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force.

The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force, commanded by Col. Eric J. Steidl and comprised of an Aviation Combat Element, Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); a Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.

Marine Expeditionary Units are the Marine Corps’ smallest permanent Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors ready to provide immediate response to a hostile environment or crisis.

• Date Taken: 05.23.2011
• Date Posted: 06.27.2011 08:04
• Story ID: 72817
• Location: ABOARD USS BATAAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA