Marines and guests gathered at 2nd Marine Logistics Group’s newly-renovated Corporals Course building for the training facility grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 6, 2016.
Brig. Gen. Charles G. Chiarotti, commanding general of 2nd MLG, spoke to the audience on the importance of investing in educating and training the Marine Corps’ non-commissioned officers, often referred to as the “backbone of the Marine Corps,” which uncovered a need for better training facilities for a resident Corporals Course.
Chiarotti credited Sgt. Maj. Darryl A. Cherry, sergeant major of 2nd MLG, for building on his predecessor’s work and bringing the leadership’s vision to life.
“This is our investment in the future of our backbone,” Chiarotti said. “That’s what separates us, that’s what makes us different. We’re all great Americans; we all want the end result of winning battles for our nation and doing great things. But when it comes time to do the really hard jobs, when it comes time to make those decisions, our young NCOs do that. I believe the investment we make in them and our future sets us up for that.”
The buildings were slated for demolition, but were restored and renovated by Marines from 8th Engineers Support Battalion, 2nd MLG. The course is open to all units across II Marine Expeditionary Force and has graduated one class of corporals since its completion.
“We have to empower our young men and women who wear the rank with all the same tools that our commanders have,” Chiarotti said. “We have to give them those tools, [and] we have to expand their vision, because I know that they’re capable of absorbing it and making the right decisions.”