MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. --
Marine
Wing Communications Squadron 28 hosted its first command-sponsored Lance Corporal
Leadership and Ethics Seminar at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.,
Nov. 3, 2014.
The
squadron planned the seminar as part of a Corps-wide initiative to empower the
future leaders of Marines, the lance corporals who are next to join the ranks
of the noncommissioned officers, said Lt. Col. Jaime Macias, the MWCS-28
commanding officer.
“The
seminar covers a range of topics intended to address concepts, which will aid
our lance corporals in the execution of their duties both on and off duty,”
said Macias. “The Lance Corporal
Leadership and Ethics Seminar is the first building block in the PME of our
future leaders. This seminar will get them ready to start thinking like
noncommissioned officers.”
PME is critical
for Marines, especially those at a lower rank, said Macias, a Queens, New York,
native.
While
the purpose of the seminar is to teach the Marines leadership skills and how to
perform in their required duties, the seminar will build unit cohesion at the
squadron as well, said Macias.
“This
seminar serves as an opportunity to increase unit cohesion by having our
sergeants lead the seminar and mentor our future NCOs,” said Macias. “Once
junior Marines have completed this seminar, they will better understand their
role and responsibilities in this unit and as future leaders in the Marine
Corps.”
Sgt.
Eric Solis, an administration and operations specialist with MWCS-28, acted as
one of three seminar leaders during the five-day course. According to Solis, a
native of Austin, Texas, as a leader of Marines, a sergeant is appointed to
mentor and encourage junior Marines.
“I think
this seminar is important because it’s easy for Marines to get complacent,”
said Solis. “Each seminar leader will
give the students personal examples to make them aware of possible outcomes and
consequences for their actions.”
As a
leader, Solis believes leadership is the most important topic covered in the
seminar. Marines must be able to make sound and moral decisions that uphold
Marine Corps standards, said Solis.
“This
seminar will teach the Marines that they will be held responsible for their
actions and will be expected to act accordingly,” said Solis.