Marines with CLB-6 graduate Corporals’ Course

AL-ASAD, Iraq (July 10, 2008) – “I am an (noncommissioned officer) dedicated to training new Marines and influencing the old,” is the first line of the NCO creed which was recited by a class of eight corporals from Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 1st Marine Logistics Group, during their Corporals’ Leadership Course graduation here.

Throughout this two-week course, Marines learned to drill and call cadence. They were given classes on Marine Corps knowledge, customs and courtesies and necessary leadership traits to help them lead their Marines.

“It’s been a tremendous change from day one,” said Sgt. Arturo Garciacano, instructor, Supply Company, CLB-6. “We try to get these Marines to better understand what it means to be an NCO.”

Garciacano, from Aurora, Ill., said he wants the corporals to learn that they are no longer just troops, they are leaders of Marines.

“What we teach them here is only the basics,” Garciacano said. “We are giving them the tools to take back to their shop and lead their Marines.”

Gunnery Sgt. Claudia A. Fuller, company gunnery sergeant, Headquarters and Service Company, CLB-6, believes that the role of the corporal is to run the shop.

As the corporals attend the CLC, they will better prepare themselves for the rest of their Marine Corps career.

 “They need to build on their leadership skills,” said Fuller, from Santa Ana, Calif. “It’s important they understand the rank they hold.”

The Marines attain those vital skills needed to lead their subordinates by attending the CLC.

“Know your job and act like the rank above you,” said Gunnery Sgt. Vincent F. Woodbury, training chief, CLB-6, as he spoke to the corporals during the course. “Do anything you can to stay ahead of your peers.”

            Cpl. Roland W. Reedy, ammunition technician, H&S Co., CLB-6, took advantage of the opportunity to better himself by attending the CLC.

            “This was something that I have wanted to do since I have been out here,” said Reedy, from Reed City, Mich. “This course teaches you how to apply some of the things you already knew.”

            Reedy said he learned better ways to deal with Marines and how to adjust his leadership style to be more effective.      

            “This course built up my confidence in speaking in front of a large group of people,” Reedy added.

            Sgt. Tresor Mbunker, a CLC instructor, CLB-6, was also pleased with the improvements the corporals made throughout the course.

            “Their performance was outstanding during the course,” said Mbunker, from Dallas, Ga. “Any corporal that is coming out (to Iraq) should go to this course. It’s a unique opportunity.”