Communications Marines learn to fight workplace violence

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Pfc. Sullivan Laramie

Date: 04.19.2013
Posted: 04.19.2013 14:21
News ID: 105493
Communications Marines learn to fight workplace violence

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines with Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group took part in violence prevention training here April 16 and 17.

The course, instructed by members of the new Marine Corps Violence Prevention Program, taught Marines about signs that possibly lead to violent behavior, and how to respond to the signs.

“[The class] gave us the ability to look at things from a different perspective,” said Cpl. David Ford III, a Marine with Communications Co’s. data platoon. “They showed us statistics and we were able to see things that wouldn’t normally be looked at as issues. [The training] made us more aware of things we aren’t normally conscious of.”

The program, outlined by Marine Corps Order 5580.3, began as a result of the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. More recent events such as the March 2013 Quantico, Va., shooting also contributed to the importance and relevance of the class.

“This is very serious,” said Lance Cpl. Virgilio A. Torres, also with Communications Co. “This is nothing to play around with and everybody should be accountable for what they do and take action when it’s needed.”

Instructors highlighted real-world examples of changes in behavior, which led to dangerous situations and how the problems could be prevented.

“A lot of the examples they used were from the news, like 9/11 and the Oklahoma City bombing,” said Sgt. Chad N. Paxton, the company’s training chief. “The main thing is [knowing] where to go if someone needs help. The first step is always the chain of command.”

The two instructors discussed three risk levels used to determine possible threats. Medium risk situations are marked by unexplained changes in behavior. High risk situations include disrespectful attitudes. Extreme risk factors are displayed with violent actions.

“There’s a lot of stress in the Marine Corps,” said Torres. “That stress can cause people to do things they normally wouldn’t. We need to know when to take action.”