R 051949Z DEC 17
MARADMIN 657/17
MSGID/GENADMIN,USMTF,2007/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO (UC)/F002//
SUBJ/FY18 GROUND COMBAT ELEMENT COMMANDERS COURSE//
POC/MCTOG/JOEL SCHMIDT/LTCOL/OPSO MCTOG/TEL: (760)830-8989/EMAIL: JOEL.SCHMIDT@USMC.MIL//
POC/MCTOG/HERBERT SAM/GYSGT/COURSE COORDINATOR MCTOG/TEL: (760)830-8989/EMAIL: HERBERT.SAM@USMC.MIL//
POC/PP&O/CHRIS MCGUIRE/LTCOL/FUOPS PP&O/TEL: (703)571-1042/EMAIL: CHRISTOPHER.P.MCQUIRE@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/Remarks/1.  Situation.  During the past few years, the GCE has informally conducted a series of GCE Commanders Courses.  These courses were well received, but not yet formalized on a reoccurring basis or in subject matter.  Currently, the CMC's Combined Commandership Course educates command teams on the fundamental authorities, responsibilities, programs and practices that contribute to a successful command tour IOT ensure they are fully prepared to meet the unique challenges and demands of command.  However, given the complexities of today's operational challenges, coupled with the dynamic influence of rapidly changing technologies, there is a need to provide GCE Commanders with GCE specific training in order to enhance their effectiveness in command.
2.  Mission.  Execute an intense, operationally focused, command preparation course to prepare GCE Commanders to better train and tactically employ their Battalions and Regiments in the context of maneuver warfare in support of the MAGTF.
3.  Execution.
3.a.  Commanders Intent.
3.a.1.  Purpose.  To enhance GCE Commanders' readiness to command in today's complex operating environment.
3.a.2.  Method.  Execute a 3-day intense experiential learning course focused on developing GCE readiness and employing the GCE in concert with the principles of maneuver warfare.  Incorporate a holistic approach to developing readiness through training, tactics, ethical and moral leadership and decision making which enable maneuver warfare.
3.a.3.  Endstate.  GCE Commanders are better prepared to tactically employ, train, and lead their command to support the MAGTF within the construct of marine operating concepts.
3.b.  Concept of Operations.  MCTOG conducts the course at Marine Air Ground Combat Center twice per fiscal year IOT afford the opportunity for all corresponding year's GCE O-5 and O-6 command selectees to attend prior to or within the first six months of assuming command.
3.c.  Coordinating instructions.
3.c.1.  Eligibility.  GCE Command slated Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, and Lieutenant Colonel selects on the FY18 command slating.
3.c.2.  FY18 course dates.
3.c.2.a.  MCTOG executes GCE Commanders Course 1-18, 13-15 March 2018.
3.c.2.b.  MCTOG executes GCE Commanders Course 2-18, 5-8 June 2018.
3.c.3.  Registration.  Registration is hosted by MCTOG via email to MCTOG POCS noted in this message.
3.c.3.a.  Registration deadline for GCE Commanders Course 1-18 is 9 February, 2018.
3.c.3.b.  Registration deadline for GCE Commanders Course 2-18 is 4 May, 2018.
3.c.4.  MCTOG will publish detailed GCE Commanders Course 1-18 message that outlines detailed schedule and administration and logistics ISO course NLT 21 December 2017.
3.c.5.  MCTOG will publish detailed GCE Commanders Course 2-18 message that outlines detailed schedule and administration and logistics ISO course NLT 24 April 2017.
4.  Admin and Logistics.
4.a.  Minimum clearance is TS/SCI.  Send clearance info via JPAS through local security manager to SMO code:  MS3510 POC:  GySgt Herbert Sam.
4.b.  Each attendee arranges their own billeting.  Government messing not required due to adverse impact to mission.  If government lodging cannot be obtained attendees must ensure they get a letter of non-availability.  Lodging reservations can be made at:
- Primary:  Road Runner Inn (760)830-6642
- Secondary:  Sleepy Tortoise Lodge (760)830-6573
- Holiday Inn Express:  (760)361-4009
- Best Western:  (760)367-9141
- Fairfield Inn:  (760)361-5000
4.c.  Funding.
4.c.1.  Course attendance is unit funded.
4.c.2.  Support personnel funded by MCTOG.  Detailed information for support personnel will be published via SEPCOR for each course.
4.d.  Uniform:  Woodland MARPAT utilities.
5.  Command and Signal.
5.a.  Command relationships.  Commanding Officer, MCTOG serves as on scene Commander.
5.b.  Signals.  Questions or comments regarding this message are directed to MCTOG POCS.
6.  Release authorized by LtGen Brian D. Beaudreault.//