An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Airmen attend Marine leadership course

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jared Trimarchi
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --  Five Airmen along with 12 Marines are currently participating in a Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 Corporals Course which began April 1, 2014, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, to learn basic leadership knowledge and skills.

The course, which is similar to Airman Leadership School, is 2 and a half weeks long and encompasses professional ethics, combat operations, public speaking, sword and guidon procedures, social media guidance and physical training.

"It is a rewarding challenge to teach a classroom with different branches," said Marine Sgt. Tabitha Belleville, a VMAQ-3 Corporals Course instructor who is deployed from Marine Air Corps Station Cherry Point, N.C. and a native of Detroit, Mich. "Having to explain certain acronyms and why we do things a certain way can be a little confusing for the Airmen."

The course which is mandatory for Marines, is being used to strengthen the relationship between Airmen and Marines who are working together in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

According to Belleville the Airmen aren't the only ones learning from a different branch.

"The Marine students participating in the course are learning from the Airmen and how the Air Force does their business," Belleville said. "Although we have different promotion systems, regulations and fitness standards, we are all in the fight together."

Corporals Course student, Corporal Jarred Castellano, a Denver native, said learning in a multi-branch environment has been a humbling experience.

"I have never worked with Airmen before, and I feel like I know more about the Air Force and how they do things," Castellano said. "I am impressed with how motivated, professional and dedicated Airmen are and how well they are performing in the course. It is an honor to work with them. They are much like us."

During the first day of training, the course requires participants to pass a physical training test which consists of a 3-mile run, pull ups and crunches.

Student, Senior Airman Matthew Wojciechowski, a 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron electrician who is deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany and a native of Toledo, Ohio, said the course has been a challenge which will lead him to become a successful leader.

"This course is an incredible and humbling experience," Wojciechowski said. "The Marines are loud, motivated and just a different breed. I feel honored to learn from them and work with them. I recommend this course to any Airmen who would like to learn Marine leadership skills and anyone who likes challenges."

The current class is scheduled to graduate April 17. The next course will be held April 21 and is open to all services.