Marine students graduate from CDET

Photo By Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon | Marines graduating the College of Distance Education and Training’s Expeditionary Warfare School and Command and Staff College stand for the playing of the national anthem before receiving their certificates of graduation at Camp Foster May 31. Each student has spent two years learning how to plan and operate within a Marine air-ground task force.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

05.31.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - One hundred forty service members graduated from the College of Distance Education and Training’s Expeditionary Warfare School and Command and Staff College at the Butler Officers’ Club at Camp Foster May 31.

Since the creation of the College of Distance Education and Training, it has averaged 1,300 graduates per year from both programs, with the Marine Corps benefiting from the education of service members skilled in the art and science of war fighting.

“The courses improve critical-thinking and decision-making skills,” said James P. Hopkins, the regional coordinator for the College of Distance Education and Training’s Okinawa satellite campus. “The terminal objective of Command and Staff College is to prepare Marines for command positions and teach the art and science of the operational level of war. Expeditionary Warfare School trains Marines for staff and command positions and develops an understanding of doctrine and the tactical level of war.”

Each Marine walked up the center of the room one-by-one to receive their certificate of graduation from Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“The primary reason I enrolled into [Expeditionary Warfare School] was to receive a better understanding of planning at higher levels,” said Gunnery Sgt. Brian N. Castleberry, a graduate of the course, and chief investigator of the Criminal Investigation Division, Provost Marshal’s Office, Camp Foster.

The College of Distance Education and Training was founded in 1997, based on the need to provide academic and administrative services to service members enrolled in Expeditionary Warfare School and Command and Staff College outside the U.S.

“My master gunnery sergeant was in the course originally,” said Castleberry. “He told me I was eligible as a gunnery sergeant to attend [Expeditionary Warfare School] and I wanted to improve my career.”

The courses offered by the college cover skills and develop knowledge needed during assignments with Marine air-ground task forces, which can be used in a wide range of operations.

“Every class we had was centered on planning regardless of the topic,” said Castleberry.

The courses are challenging and require students to be organized and efficient with their time.

“The hardest part of the course was not the work, but the amount of dedication required,” said Castleberry. “As a father and a husband, it was difficult to find a balance between the two.”

Though their time management skills were challenged, Castleberry and the other service members were able to complete their training and proudly accept their certificates.

“I highly recommend enrolling; it’s a great opportunity to learn and further your career,” said Castleberry. “The enlisted get the chance to see how officers work and vice versa.”

• Date Taken: 05.31.2012
• Date Posted: 06.06.2012 23:16
• Story ID: 89549
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP