MWCS-28 hosts seminar, builds leadership through ethics

Photo By Cpl. Unique B. Roberts | Lt. Col. Jaime Macias explains the importance of leadership during a Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Nov. 3, 2014. During the seminar, lance corporals from Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 learned about core values, leadership and ethos. Lance corporals across the Corps must complete a command-sponsored leadership and ethics seminar before being considered eligible for the rank of corporal. Macias is the commanding officer of MWCS-28 and native of Queens, New York.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

11.07.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Unique B. Roberts 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 hosted its first command-sponsored Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Nov. 3, 2014.

The squadron planned the seminar as part of a Corps-wide initiative to empower the future leaders of Marines, the lance corporals who are next to join the ranks of the noncommissioned officers, said Lt. Col. Jaime Macias, the MWCS-28 commanding officer.

“The seminar covers a range of topics intended to address concepts, which will aid our lance corporals in the execution of their duties both on and off duty,” said Macias. “The Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar is the first building block in the PME of our future leaders. This seminar will get them ready to start thinking like noncommissioned officers.”

PME is critical for Marines, especially those at a lower rank, said Macias, a Queens, New York, native.

While the purpose of the seminar is to teach the Marines leadership skills and how to perform in their required duties, the seminar will build unit cohesion at the squadron as well, said Macias.

“This seminar serves as an opportunity to increase unit cohesion by having our sergeants lead the seminar and mentor our future NCOs,” said Macias. “Once junior Marines have completed this seminar, they will better understand their role and responsibilities in this unit and as future leaders in the Marine Corps.”

Sgt. Eric Solis, an administration and operations specialist with MWCS-28, acted as one of three seminar leaders during the five-day course. According to Solis, a native of Austin, Texas, as a leader of Marines, a sergeant is appointed to mentor and encourage junior Marines.

“I think this seminar is important because it’s easy for Marines to get complacent,” said Solis. “Each seminar leader will give the students personal examples to make them aware of possible outcomes and consequences for their actions.”

As a leader, Solis believes leadership is the most important topic covered in the seminar. Marines must be able to make sound and moral decisions that uphold Marine Corps standards, said Solis.

“This seminar will teach the Marines that they will be held responsible for their actions and will be expected to act accordingly,” said Solis.

• Date Taken: 11.07.2014
• Date Posted: 11.07.2014 14:39
• Story ID: 147370
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US
• Hometown: AUSTIN, TX, US