ROBERTSON BARRACKS, Australia – Marine noncommissioned officers with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin were part of a unique Corporals Course graduation at the Rowell Centre, here, July 3.
Service members from other military branches, including Australian Army soldiers, graduated the course beside their Marine counterparts, setting it apart from other courses held throughout Marine Corps bases.
“Be proud of the fact that you’re part of a very different Corporals Course that not many Marines get a chance to go through,” said Capt. Raymond L’Heureux, guest speaker and commanding officer, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, MRF-D. “It’s unique in the fact that it’s multiservice with ‘Doc’ being here, and it’s also multi-country with two Australian Defence Force soldiers going through the course.”
L’Heureux applauded the newly-graduated service members on completing the 12-day course, which pushed students to their mental and physical limits with a variety of exams and physical training sessions.
“I’m extremely proud of all 24 of you who started the course together and graduated the course together,” said L’Heureux. “It’s a testament to your professionalism.”
After speaking to the new graduates, L’Heureux was presented with a slouch cover, donated by the Australian Army, on behalf of the class.
Three slouch covers were also presented to Marines with high-academic achievements, and the “Gung-ho” award was presented to Australian Army Pvt. David Druely, rifleman, Charlie Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, for consistently showing the most motivation throughout the course.
“It feels really good to be given this award,” said Druely. “The course is definitely something I’m going to remember. The Leadership qualities, level of discipline and mentoring are all things I’ll take away from this. It was a really good experience.”