ABOARD USS MAKIN ISLAND - Forty corporals serving with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and two sailors serving with USS Makin Island (LHD 8) completed two weeks of formal non-commissioned officer training aboard the amphibious assault ship here Jan. 15.

Corporals Course 307-12 classes - mostly conducted from late evenings into early mornings - included student-led physical training and practical application.

"It's a foundation every NCO should have," said Chicago native Cpl.
Petrayris Huertascollazo. "It's a good learning experience. I was able to learn from other NCOs and build a unique leadership style of my own. I don't take it for granted."

Gunnery Sgt. Julio Gonzalez served as chief instructor, three unit staff sergeants acted as squad advisers and other staff NCOs taught various classes.

"I think this course gives [non-commissioned officers and petty officers] more tools to better guide their subordinates in any situation," said squad adviser Staff Sgt. Heath Moon, 35, who hails from Magnolia, Texas.

The 11th MEU is currently deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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