Photo By Cpl. Naomi May | Approximately 50 collegiate educators took flight in an MV-22 Osprey during their...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – Educators and key influencers from a diverse selection of colleges and universities across the United States attended the Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s Educators and Key Leaders Workshops at Marine Corps Base Quantico this June to discover the leadership traits and career opportunities the Marine Corps officer commissioning programs have to offer.
The workshops provide insight into the transformation process and leadership development the Marine Corps has built to follow through on their three commitments: making Marines, winning battles, and developing quality citizens.
“There are a lot of unknowns and misconceptions about the Marine Corps,” said Capt. Ismael Villalobos, the officer selection officer for Springfield, Missouri. “This program allows educators to actually experience what we have to offer their students in leadership, education and of course the physical fitness component.”
The workshop began at Officer Candidates School (OCS) where educators were informed on the rigors of training Marine Corps candidates. While there, workshop attendees conducted the Leadership Reaction Course, which allowed them to work on their decisiveness and leadership skills. Furthermore, educators attended a panel discussion with newly commissioned second lieutenants and briefs on officer programs, legal and the Marine Corps University.
To round off the first night of events, Marines and guests traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Sunset Parade held at the Marine Corps War Memorial. The parade included performances from the Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment, The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.
The second day of events began with an overview of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) and practical application of various fighting techniques including pugil sticks, boxing and MCMAP. Retired Marine Lt. Col. Joseph C. Shusko, the deputy director for the Marine Corps Martial Arts Center of Excellence, not only explained the history of the MCMAP to the educators, but also elaborated on the three disciplines of the program: physical, mental and character development.
Following the visit to the Force Fitness Readiness Center, guests toured Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), the unit responsible for the transportation of the President of the United States. Guests were also able to participate in a flight on one of the unit’s MV-22 Osprey.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to get an insight into what the Marine Corps is really like,” said Molly Bandimere, events program manager for the career services department at the University of Colorado, Boulder. “I really tried to enjoy and soak in every day. The helicopter ride was particularly my favorite because it filled me with such pride for our nation, especially when the other Osprey came into view as we flew.”
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the weeklong workshop was the visit to The Basic School (TBS). TBS is where newly commissioned second lieutenants go after completing OCS to learn how to lead as provisional infantry platoon commanders. Educators were able to attend classes on decision-making, fire team maneuvers, patrolling and combat lifesaving skills. Guests were also able to participate in practical application of infantry squad tactics and patrolling.
“Though the Osprey flight and MCMAP were entertaining, the patrolling was the most eye-opening activity,” said Imhotet Amen-Ra, assistant women’s basketball coach at Pacific Union College. “The seriousness in which the instructors explained things helped me understand the importance of everything they do. Situations become life or death, and as a leader, you have to know where people are, pay attention and give very specific instructions.”
Amen-Ra elaborated on how he caught on to the culture and sense of family the Marine Corps builds.
“There was a heavy emphasis on doing things right,” explained Amen-Ra. “They want to always bring back as many people as they took out there. You have to respect that.”
To conclude the week of events, educators toured the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The museum is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines – past, present, and future and is a monument to the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage and commitment.
“This program was a lot more than I expected,” said Mike Clayton, manager of coaches’ education for USA Wrestling. “To be honest, arriving I didn’t know what to expect, but we were able to get insight into everything from the educational process the Marines go through to the requirements they need to recruit someone now.”
“It’s a lot different than when I was in the military 20 years ago,” continued Clayton. “It has been a neat opportunity to see how the quality and professionalism of our troops has advanced. Certainly being a Marine isn’t for everyone, but for the right person this is exactly the opportunity you want to present to those young people.
According to Villalobos, the true purpose of the program is to expose educators and key influencers to what the Marine Corps has to offer, so they are able to go back to their colleges and educate their students.
“Something I plan to take back with me is the opportunity to share my experience with other people who want to become Marines,” said Clayton. “Whether you’re a civilian, an educator, a career counselor or a Marine – when you come across an opportunity you want to be able to speak intelligently about it; the best thing for me is that I will be able to help the next generation get the answers they need to help them make good educated decisions regarding the next phase of their lives.”
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.28.2017 08:27 |
| Story ID: | 239403 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 141 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Educators, Key Leaders Attend Marine Corps Workshop, by SSgt Courtney White, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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