Leading from the Front

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kelsey Dornfeld | Sgt. Doudoubite Korabou poses for a picture on April 11, 2016. Korabou is part of 7th Communication Battalion and is the chief instructor at III MHG corporal’s course where teaches classes, organizes administration work and provides knowledge and leadership to his subordinates. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. Kelsey Dornfeld/ Released)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.21.2016

Story by Amaia Unanue    

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

After hearing he had been assigned to the position of chief instructor at the III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group corporals course, Sgt. Doudoubite Korabou’s initial thought was, “the shop doesn’t want me; they’re trying to get rid of me.”
Later he learned that he was chosen as the most qualified Marine during a board meeting by his senior enlisted to be the face of 7th Communication Battalion and to best represent the unit during the course.
Korabou originally emigrated from Africa to the United States in July of 2006. He said his life was not easy once he got to America because he had no knowledge of the culture and only spoke French. In Africa, he studied three years of pharmacy, and once in the U.S. he finished a four year degree in public health. Korabou then joined the Marine Corps, with limited knowledge of the service in January 2008. Since then, his language skills have improved dramatically.
Korabou’s primary Military Occupation Specialty is automotive maintenance technician. On a day-to-day basis he would normally be working towards keeping Marine Corps trucks “ready for mission,” but has recently been pulled to uphold different responsibilities.
Korabou now takes care of all administrative matters throughout the course, teaching classes, and providing knowledge and respectable leadership to his subordinates.
“During [physical training], Sgt. Korabou is always out there leading from the front,” said Anderson. “He does everything he asks the Marines to do, and then some.”
As Korabou ran up a hill during a physical training session he looked behind and realized many of his Marines were falling behind. He reached the top and ran back down to motivate them, until they were caught up with the rest. He then sprinted back to the front of the formation ready for the next hill.
“We’re never going to ask them to do something that we wouldn’t do ourselves,” said Korabou in a heavy African French accent.
Korabou believes being physically fit is a critical part of a healthy lifestyle. During the weekends you would find him practicing Judo in the local population with his Okinawa friends. He grew up practicing many martial arts sports in many parts of Africa and was excited to come to Japan where Judo originated.
The way he incorporates what he learned through Judo into the corporals course is through the mental and moral aspects of the training. Judo is very humbling. In Judo you learn to respect your coaches as well as your peers and the students who are not yet at the level you are. Korabou teaches his students in corporals course the same thing.
An example of showing respect is demonstrated when a Marine needs to be corrected. Korabou said there’s no need to go up to them “guns blazing” and “knife-handing,” but instead to assess the situation carefully and fix the issue professionally and with respect.
Another admirable quality Korabou has is attention to detail, especially in appearance. Korabou’s utilities uniform looked ironed with minimal wrinkles. In classes he teaches that wearing the Marine Corps uniform should generate pride in the Marine. Looking sharp is important simply to respect the Marines that previously wore the uniform.
“I truly believe that appearance is the first impression that you have on individuals around you,” said Korabou. “Appearance just says a lot about a person; their attitude, their character, whether they care or whether they don’t care.”
Cpl. Jacob Macklemore, a student at the III MHG corporals course, hopes Korabou’s dedication remains with him as he moves past this course. As a student, it was inspirational for Macklemore to see all the things in which Korabou tried so hard to excel at as a Marine and a mentor.
“He’s always in top physical shape, he always looks good, and he cares about his subordinates and about the Marine Corps in general,” said Macklemore.
Anderson is a part of 7th Communication Battalion as is Korabou and he understands that the command picking him for the position of chief instructor says a lot about his character already. Anderson also said that Korabou left a positive impact on the course more than anyone else. He improved the training schedule, he reformed some of the events to make them more efficient and he created a different atmosphere in the course that brought the students together more by genuinely caring about each other.
The corporals course that was held from March 25th till April 15th was Korabou’s last corporals course as a chief instructor. Korabou said he always pushes himself to be the best Marine he can be no matter where he is. Korabou is the essence of what “commitment” means as a core value and he will give 100% going back to his original MOS of automotive maintenance technician knowing he left a mark on the III MHG corporals course. He will continue being the exceptional leader he is by setting the best example for his subordinates and always leading from the front.

• Date Taken: 04.21.2016
• Date Posted: 04.21.2016 01:37
• Story ID: 196001
• Location: OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: BROOKLYN, NY, US