#3rdmaw

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Fill 'er up by Marines Via Flickr: An F-35 refuels off the coast of Southern California during Winter Fury 21. During the exercise, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is conducting long-range strikes, deploying and supporting infantry Marines, assisting in the transport of artillery assets, and providing logistical support to Marines on the ground. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Leilani Cervantes)

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WE'RE MOVING

Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016 this account will be inactive. Keep up with Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Corporals Course 2-16 graduates Dec. 10

Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson

Marines with Corporals Course 2-16 graduated the month-long course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 10. Corporals course is a re-introduction to the basic Marine Corps values of noncommissioned officers.

“Corporals Course is the lowest echelon of the Marine Corps guided Professional Military Education,” said Sgt. Robert Hill, a faculty adviser instructor with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Corporals Course, and a Williamsburg, Virginia native. “We take young NCOs and we re-instill the values of honor, courage, commitment and discipline.”

Every two months, 3rd MAW hosts a three-and-a-half-weeks-long Corporals Course. The corporals start off by taking the Marine Corps’ Combat Fitness Test and Physical Fitness Test. Physical training (PT) is an integral part of the course, and includes Marine Corps Martial Arts Program PT and pool PT. “The PT was challenging, but it was there to challenge you,” said Cpl. Anthony Black with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, the Honor Graduate of Corporals Course 2-16, and a New Port Richey, Florida native. The instructors, a team of sergeants from various units within 3rd MAW and MCAS Miramar, teach the corporals about the history of the Marine Corps and uniform regulations. “We don’t just inspect and then pass or fail; we inspect them to show them what it’s like to actually conduct a uniform inspection,” said Hill. “As the class progresses on, we allow them to take over the uniform inspections.” Along with history, the corporals engage in guided discussions and practical applications concerning the current events of the Marine Corps and the traditional skills of drill. “We show them the skills of sword manual, guidon manual, and what it is to lead a platoon,” said Hill.

According to Hill, re-establishing the Marine Corps values, learning its history and pursuing physical fitness are all tactics used to boost the young Marines’ confidence, which is a huge aspect of becoming a great NCO. “The biggest thing for us is confidence in our abilities to say yes or no, and to know what we can and can’t do,” Hill said. “If we’re not honest with our own responsibilities and abilities, there’s no way we can lead and encourage other Marines.” Corporals Course puts the Marines back in a classroom setting, with instructors there to push them and challenge them every day. “At first it’s kind of a culture shock and you don’t like any of them,” said Black. “Now, at the end of it, I definitely appreciate everything that they did for us. They’re not only instructors and teachers, but mentors and friends as well.” The instructors attempt to get to know the corporals personally to help them know tailor the leadership principles to their junior Marines. “Corporals Course is an excellent tool to re-encourage Marines and inspire them to go back to their units a little more motivated,” said Hill. “If we inspire one Marine, then we have done our job.” At the end of the course, students come away more motivated and confident in themselves as a leader, said Black. “I can definitely see an improvement [in myself],” Black said. “Overall, I think it’s good for the Marine Corps and good for the NCOs.”

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MONDAY MOTIVATION

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, carry a simulated casualty toward an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) Squadron 268, during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP) exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec. 28. Members of SPMAGTF-CR-CC are ready to respond to any crisis response mission in theater to include the employment of a TRAP force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Clarence Leake/Released)

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STEEL KNIGHT 16

Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco meets with members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 during exercise Steel Knight 16 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 14. The squadron completed an important milestone in the evolution of the F-35B Lightning II by conducting their first close-air-support missions during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Eryn Edelman/Released)

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LIGHTNING STRIKES

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 joined Marines aboard Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. to support exercise Steel Knight 16, Dec. 10.

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK It's that time of the week to pick the best photo. The photo with the most likes, shares, and comments from our fans on Facebook by the end of the day will be named Photo of the Week. Which photo is your favorite?

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JUST NOW: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announces that all military jobs will be open to women without exception. "To succeed in our mission of national defense, we cannot afford to cut ourselves off from half the country's talents and skills. We have to take full advantage of every individual who can meet our standards." —Secretary of Defense Ash Carter via U.S. Marines