Training and Educating the Strategic Corporal
Abstract
A systemic training and education continuum for the NCO will produce a technically and procedurally proficient leader with the inherent ability to apply desired judgment in decision making, thus achieving the consistent capability of a "Strategic Corporal." The U.S. Marine Corps is obligated to develop and sustain a flexible force that can operate across the entire spectrum of conflict. This versatility relies significantly on the capacity of small units and their leaders. If the Marine Corps is to maximize the potential of its Strategic Corporals, a holistic training and education continuum must be designed and implemented to support their development. the critical capabilities of a Strategic Corporal are identified through an abbreviated Mission Essential Task List process. These critical capabilities provide the foundation on which to structure a precise and balanced training and education continuum. The recommended continuum for the Strategic Corporal needs to be of a systemic design along three avenues: training, education, and professional development. Training establishes the technique, procedure, and battle drill proficiency demanded in an infantry squad. Education develops the NCO's capability as an adaptive, creative problem solver who appreciates the operating environment and can be relied upon to apply sound judgment. Professional development is a classification for the remaining intangible skills required by a Strategic Corporal. Emphasis in this category is guided by relevance to the small unit leader and includes the study of ethics, leadership, and current events. The proposed continuum provides an evolutionary approach to develop leaders preparing for wars of fire and maneuver and wars of insurgency. A holistic NCO continuum integrating training, education, and professional development establishes the true capacity for a Strategic Corporal to succeed and make reliable decisions in complex and chaotic environments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA490789
Entities
People
- G. R. Boyce
Organizations
- Marine Corps University