VMAQ-3 saves the dramatics for the classroom

Photo By Cpl. Joshua Murray | Sgt. Kerry Silverton and Lance Cpl. Rory Fuller, aircraft engine mechanics with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3, laugh along with their audience while performing a skit dealing with fraternization aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Sept, 20, 2009. VMAQ-3 took a different approach to professional military education that required Marines to stand up in front of their peers and creatively enact scripted scenarios that Marines may encounter in their lives.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

09.20.2009

Story by Cpl. Joshua Murray 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — When Marine's hear the term professional military education, the topics under discussion may appeal to some, but for many who have served for more than a couple of years, sexual harassment, drug and alcohol abuse and many other topics become associated with a long day of reviewing all too familiar PowerPoint presentations.

Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 took a more active approach to these disciplines aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Sept. 20, 2009. Each section within the squadron scripted and acted out a skit that portrayed negative situations their colleagues might encounter.

Pfc. Jeffrey Scott, a Florence, S.C., native and embarkations and logistics specialist with VMAQ-3, played the role of a Marine who had his priorities straight. Instead of fraternizing with his superiors and risking a possible driving under the influence charge, Scott and another Marine played it safe unlike some of their peers.

"Everyone else that went out that night had the same opportunity that we had, but that one night of fun set them back a step in their careers," he explained. "Another Marine and I were promoted in the end."

The skits continued and everyone took their turn stepping up in front of the crowd to prove a point to the audience. Each skit had its own disposition with no two alike. The Marines used humor, aggression or hopelessness to capture the attention of the audience.

"If they're interacting and getting up and laughing I think they'll learn better than just sitting there," said Scott.

Not only did the Marines get to express different topics in their own unique ways, but it required them to research the issue with their coworkers and spend time refining their ideas together.

"Because of the nature of our operations, you can go for days at a time without seeing someone who works in your shop because you're on opposite schedules," said Birmingham, Ala., native Maj. William MacNaughton, the executive officer with VMAQ-3. "These opportunities we have to bring the entire squadron together build camaraderie and at the same time address important issues."

Although the majority of the points touched upon had relevance to certain issues a Marine might face during deployment, some of them did not, such as alcohol abuse, which they believe is still important to reinforce for future endeavors.

"You've earned your rest and the right to blow some steam off, but you have to do it in a mature and responsible fashion," MacNaughton expressed about completing a deployment. "Unfortunately in the Marine Corps today and other services in general there are a few problems that stand out; alcohol abuse or misuse back at home, DUIs and motor vehicle mishaps."

Many Marines left the classroom laughing and reminiscing about the events on stage as they headed back to work. The antics of their peers kept the audience involved in the topics and focused on the underlying messages.

"If it hasn't happened already, something like this should be spread," said Scott. I think it should be shared with the other squadrons, and eventually it might grow to become a part of the Marine Corps and even get its own acronym."

• Date Taken: 09.20.2009
• Date Posted: 09.30.2009 06:58
• Story ID: 39470
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ