Corporals now have the opportunity to learn about leadership, drill and other military skills at the new Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Corporals Course which will begin Mar. 5.
Although the Marines organizing the course faced many challenges, there was much support for it throughout the air station.
“The first challenge was finding the staff,” said Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Lincoln, the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron gunnery sergeant. “We found a team that is going to work well together.”
The instructors needed to be good examples of leadership for the Marines, he explained. Each of them will have a set of classes to teach and a squad of about 10 Marines to mentor throughout the course.
The course will have six instructors with Lincoln as the chief instructor.
“The second challenge was finding a place in which to house us,” said Lincoln. “You want to have a routine when instructing. It fosters a better learning environment.”
The course does not have a permanent home but most of the classes will be held at building 8671. Other training will take place in various locations, such as east Miramar.
The Marines also had the challenge of reviewing the entire corporals course curriculum and deciding what the air station’s course needed.
The instructors chose six areas of focus: administration, training, communications, leadership, professional skills and operations. One of the main themes they increased in the air station’s course was leadership training, explained Lincoln. Overall, the course includes 140 hours of instruction.
MCAS Miramar’s main need for a corporals course was convenience for the Marines attending.
“There’s really no reason why we can’t have a corporals course here,” said Lincoln. “It makes it easier on the Marines when they don’t have to move an hour away.”
It’s nice that family members will be closer while the Marines attend the course, explained Cpl. Jorge Hernandez, a legal service specialist who is attending the course.
Marines attending prepared for the course by preparing their uniforms, reviewing knowledge, practicing drill and working out.
“I think the course is motivating,” said Hernandez. “I like to learn. I think drill is going to be the most difficult part but I like the challenge. I’m glad to try something new and different.”
The first group, made up of more than 15 Marines, is from the air station’s Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. The upcoming courses will be open to Marines from all squadrons and to Marines from different Marine Corps installations.
Marines interested in attending the next course need to have one year left on their contract, a completed checklist, meet height and weight standards, be medically qualified, have all required uniforms and finish their Marine Corps Institute courses.
The Marines worked hard to make the MCAS Miramar Corporals Course a reality, and their steadfast dedication will give many corporals a chance to attend a close-to-home corporals course for the first time.
For more information on the MCAS Miramar Corporals Course, contact Lincoln at 858-577-1007.
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