CAMP SHORABAK, Aghanistan -- In the spirit of continuing education, Marines with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) Embedded Partner Team hosted a non-commissioned officer leadership discussion with their Afghan counterparts, Oct. 3.
Approximately 20 NCOs with the Afghan National Army’s 215th Corps Logistics Battalion gathered for the two-day seminar to learn what it truly means to be in their respective positions of authority. As the instructors spoke, the men were all ears.
“Set the example, do the right thing and exercise fairness,” said Sgt. Maj. William Stables, the sergeant major for 2nd MLG (FWD), as he addressed the troops.
With the aid of an interpreter, Stables touched on several hallmarks of Marine Corps leadership to include values, communication, understanding and respect. He also noted the importance of knowing their troops and that regardless of their differences it is the NCOs’ job to bring everyone together.
“We want to build good relationships between our officers and troops,” said Sgt. Maj. Abdul Razaq, the 215th CLB sergeant major.
His soldiers have benefited greatly from their mentors and the fact that senior Marine leadership offered their time to assist with further lessons in professional military conduct and policy is tremendous, he continued.
“We want to show them what a professional corps of NCOs is,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Hitzhusen, the EPT’s senior enlisted mentor for the 215th CLB. “They are eager to learn and some of what they will learn today will be implemented right away.
“We just want to give them the proper tools for their NCO toolbox.”