CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Today’s Marine Corps faces many unique challenges that leaders of past generations did not encounter. At the forefront of this next stage of our history is what many in the Marine Corps consider to be the backbone of the organization, the sergeant.
On Feb. 11, 2020, sergeants from around 2nd Marine Logistics Group gathered to learn and discuss leadership with senior leaders and fellow noncommissioned officers at a Sergeant Symposium hosted by 2nd MLG Corporals Leadership School.
The day-long symposium consisted of classes and discussions led by senior leaders from 2nd MLG. The discussions ranged from technical professional military education to developing new ways to think and lead in a modern Marine Corps.
“We really wanted to focus on and come alongside those NCOs that are about to make that next step in their career,” said GySgt. Juan Garcia, Director of Corporals Leadership School, 2nd MLG.
Classes on roles and responsibilities, fitness reports, career progression and pride of belonging were the main topics of the morning.
Marines also got an opportunity to ask questions about their future in the Marine Corps from those that have been there before them in a less formal environment in the afternoon.
A board of leaders who served in various billets and special duty assignments were brought in to answer any questions that the NCOs might have about the future of their Marine Corps careers.
“Sergeants are the muscle, the heartbeat, the true backbone; without them the Marine Corps doesn’t function,” said Garcia.
Sergeants have always played an important role in the Marine Corps and are essential to the progression of the Corps.
From the moment an applicant walks into a recruiting office they are most often greeted by a sergeant. All the way through recruit training, the School of Infantry, to their individual military occupational specialty schools, and arriving at their first duty station, sergeants are there leading, teaching, and developing new Marines.
Keeping these critical members of the Marine Corps team fully ready to face any and all challenges in a rapidly changing landscape is a challenge that senior leaders from around the Marine Corps are ready to take on.
“If we don’t embrace the development of our replacements then our profession will remain stagnant,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael Martinet, sergeant major of Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd MLG. “That’s one of our most important roles as senior leaders, to insure the next generation has the tools they need to take over for us.”
For Marines interested in the next Sergeant or Staff Sergeant Symposium, which are held quarterly, the next scheduled course is this May. Please contact GySgt. Garcia of Corporals Leadership School at (910) 451-6844 for more information.