MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Newly promoted corporals with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing attended a three-day Committed and Engaged Leadership Indoctrination course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 1-3.
Maj. Gen. Steven Busby, 3rd MAW commanding general, implemented the course held in the field to teach new noncommissioned officers about the responsibilities that come with the promotion. Busby hopes to empower the new NCOs to better the Marine Corps as part of the Committed and Engaged Leadership initiative.
“The level of professionalism and motivation coming from all of the newly promoted Marines was outstanding,” said Sgt. Maj. Jason Wolken, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 sergeant major. “Some of the Marines were curious as to why they would need to attend the course, but after the three days came to an end, there seemed to be no question left in their mind as to why. They understood the necessity of everything my instructors and I had to teach them, and it only made them hungrier to learn more.”
As the course reached its peak the second day, some Marines couldn’t contain their excitement at finally understanding what the hype was all about.
“It’s awesome to be out here as a member of who I used to see as the untouchables, with my peers, learning things that I need to know,” said Cpl. Katrina Tarak, an airframe mechanic with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303. “As a brand-new corporal this course has opened my eyes to what it means to actually be an NCO.”
Sergeants attended the course to act as mentors – guiding and providing answers to questions their mentees might have had.
“We’re here to set these Marines up for success,” said Sgt. Kevin Adriano, a Marine Air-Ground Task Force planner with Marine Aircraft Group 16. “We’re building a basic foundation in general leadership, ethics and morals that these Marines can carry with them throughout whatever may be ahead of them. It’s been a good experience.”
Some periods of instruction included uniform inspections, how to lead guided discussions, communications and counseling, and an introduction to the NCO Creed.
“I would recommend everyone come to this,” said Tarak. “It’s just three days, but it’s so much more than that as well. I feel like everybody needs to do this.”
Once finished, the newly indoctrinated Marines will return to their shops and in some cases report to Corporals Course, where their knowledge on how to be an NCO can continue.