Story by Cpl. Ryan Turnage

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – Thirty corporals from across Regimental Combat Team 6 spread throughout eastern al Anbar province are currently learning the fundamentals of being a Marine non-commissioned officer during a two-week corporal’s course aboard Camp Ramadi, Iraq, which began June 8, 2009.

“This course is designed for our small unit leaders to be introduced to a professional training environment and adhere to the guidelines of an NCO,” said Staff Sgt. David Young, an instructor for corporal’s course.

This is the second corporal’s course conducted in two months by RCT-6, and news has spread to the surrounding units.

During the first course, class 1-09, the students consisted solely of Headquarters Company, RCT-6 Marines. After the word spread, class 2-09 was filled with Marines from 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment; Company K, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment; and Marines from surrounding bases.

Formal courses, like this corporal’s course, provide small unit leaders with key tools to efficiently lead any Marine under their charge, said Young.

“The Marine Corps demands more of [our corporals] than any other service,” said Capt. John K. Hood, commanding officer of Headquarters Company, RCT-6.

Non-commissioned officers are commonly seen leading Marines in garrison and in battle, and this course is designed to give them the edge. Students learned the basics of war-fighting, leadership traits and close-order drill. They also learned how to counsel their subordinates, professionally conduct physical training and proper handling of the non-commissioned officer sword.

Marines are the only enlisted service members authorized to carry a sword upon becoming a non-commissioned officer. The sword was adopted in 1859 and resembles the pattern of the U.S. Army foot officer’s sword of 1850. It is among the oldest weapons still in U.S. inventory.

“It’s an extraordinary feeling to have the privilege of carrying a sword with such history,” said Cpl. Julian Sanchez, an infantryman with 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines.

Every morning, reveille sounds at 5 a.m. and the day begins with “the daily 16,” a physical training warm-up routine that consists of 16 exercises. The students form three squads of 10 and march to the “PT table,” a large table for an instructor to stand on for demonstrating exercises. First they stretch their muscles and then conduct 16 exercises before beginning their PT session.

Once the corporals have completed the workout, they separate into two groups, according to their current level of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Every Marine is given the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills in MCMAP.

After hand-to-hand combat training is complete, they undergo approximately six hours of class that convey the fundamental knowledge every corporal needs to know. At the end of the day, they study and go to sleep, awaiting another day of physical training, martial arts and classes.

After 12 training days, all of the corporals will receive a certificate of completion and the honor graduate will receive his own NCO sword. A third corporal’s course is currently being planned for later this summer. The graduates will now have the confidence and knowledge to make the most of their careers as leaders of Marines.

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