MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. --
As many Marines
know, promotion varies depending on your military occupational specialty and Marine
Corps-wide advancement standards. Factors that determine promotion include a
cutting score for a specific field, proficiency and conduct, and individual
effort.
Lance
corporals looking to advance to the rank of corporal are required to complete
the Lance Corporal Leadership Ethics Seminar according to MARADMIN 521/14.
The seminar is
built to remind lance corporals why they are important to the Marine Corps.
The seminar is structured similar to the Marine Corps Corporals Course
with classes such as ethics, leadership skills and corps values.
“This course
teaches them the framework of what it takes to be a leader and gives them the
opportunity to prove themselves,” said Sgt. Maj. Edward Hebron, the sergeant
major of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “It’s a great resident course
here at Beaufort.”
This course is a
stepping stone designed to prepare Marines for future leadership courses.
“When Marines are
corporals and sergeants they will be required to attend more leadership
seminars,” said Hebron. “Lance corporals course is a first step.”
Implemented in
2013, the seminar stands on the belief of four main tenants of Marine Corps
leadership, each representing a different value: physical, mental, spirit and
social. According to the MARADMIN, all of these values need to be properly
entwined together.
“Our Corps is
built around values that every Marine should know,” said Staff Sgt. Cesar Gonzales,
an instructor with the headquarters and headquarters squadron lance corporal seminar
aboard the air station.
Until 2013, the
Corps had no official class or seminar designed specifically for lance
corporals. As far as military education, Marines were considered promotable if
they had completed the Leading Marines distance education course. Now, the course has a practical and
comprehensive approach to leadership.
“It’s no secret
that these junior Marines are our future non-commissioned officers who will be
responsible for our Corps,” said Hebron. “We need to set them up to be
successful leaders.”
However
the seminar is not the only requirement for promotion. The MARADMIN states that
as of Oct. 1, 2015 Marines must complete the professional military education
course on Marinenet, Leading Marines, as well as the leadership class. Lance
corporals must also attain the appropriate composite score as designated by
their MOS.
Due
to the high demand, Marines must communicate early their intent to attend the
course to their chain of command and make appropriate preparations.
Although
requirement completed, Marines must have the approval of their chain command stating
they are ready for increased responsibilities and deemed worthy of the title of
non-commissioned officer.
Throughout the
year the command will continue to provide Marines with leadership courses such
as the lance corporal seminar. The responsibility falls within the Marine to
stay on top of their promotion requirements and understanding the importance of
it for their careers.