The day before yesterday I had the immense privilege of visiting #MiramarMounds #NationalNaturalLandmark with @cnpssd. This area is part of #MCASMiramar & not open to the public. It’s the largest remaining mima mound-vernal pool complex in Southern California and home to the federally endangered San Diego Fairy Shrimp and several endangered plants. #MimaMounds—named after the Mima Prairie in Washington state where they’re also found—are small, fairly uniform hummocks that give the landscape a strange bumpy texture when seen from above. Between the mounds are #vernalpools, shallow seasonal ponds that form where the soil has a nearly-impermeable hardpan underneath. Evidence suggests that the mounds are the result of generations of pocket gophers pushing dirt uphill rather than the usual downhill, which they do in places with low water tables. (Look it up, it’s fascinating!). The pools are soaking wet during the rainy season & dry as adobe bricks the rest of the year. It’s a harsh environment and the plants & animals that live in them have interesting adaptations to it. In Southern California, flat land is the favorite habitat of the highly invasive Suburban Sprawl, which has destroyed an estimated 90-97% of all vernal pool habitat. This land was spared development because it’s owned by a military base. See comments for plant info because my caption was gonna be too long. #californianativeplants (at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq2O9WJOIM4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Damn...It was an honor to have served with you my brother...Gone too soon. Rest in peace.🙏🙏🙏 #LarryTyler #MarineCorpsBrotherhood #SemperFidelis #MCASMiramar https://www.instagram.com/p/CP1uY2sg7s5rcnW-GQJ_piktixP496NOiaNXUE0/?utm_medium=tumblr
Had a great time today out at the MCAS Miramar airshow with my fam. Glad we got there early and paid for seats this time. @angelsharkie @caden_cec #shockandawe #mcasmiramar #semperfi #blueangels #boycottnfl
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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.”
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)
