MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Civilians working under the Marine Corps' command have a leadership program available to them to gain the skills necessary for career progression.
The Career Civilian Leadership Development program provides these civilian Marines the opportunity to work with mentors, take classes and participate in on-the-job training to be them competitive for promotion and positions in the executive level of civilian Marine jobs.
According to Mara Katz, Civilian Human Resource Office employee relations and development specialist, "The program helps civilian Marines figure out where they want to go with their careers and how to get there."
The Station is now enhancing the program and is encouraging civilian Marines to find mentors to begin furthering their leadership skills.
"Civilian Marines can find a mentor and start the program at any time," said Katz. "Mentors act as a coach and help their CCLD participant develop a leadership plan to obtain new skills, provide constructive criticism and build self confidence."
The need for furthering the training of civilian Marines has drawn attention Corps wide and is a high priority at Headquarters Marine Corps.
"I am committed to a professional development program for our civilian Marines that will foster a deeper sense of belonging and will kindle within them a renewed dedication to performance and excellence," said Gen. James L. Jones, Commandant of the Marine Corps, in a March 2002 letter to civilian Marines.
Iwakuni's CCLD is currently assembling a schedule of leadership classes that civilian Marines will be able to take. Some of the classes will also be open to Marines and Japanese national employees.
"We want Marines to attend the classes and share their perspective since civilian Marines and enlisted Marines work together. We also encourage officer and senior-enlisted Marines to be mentors for the program," said Katz.
Civilian Marines or mentors wanting more information can contact the Employee Relations and Development office at 253-6834 or can visit the program's Web site at https://osprey.manpower.usmc.mil/CCLD/index.htm.