MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Service members and civilians gathered to honor the Corporal’s Course graduates of Class 2-10 at the station chapel here March 9. Marines who took the course were taught and tested, mentally and physically, for 21 days.
“This class in particular was extremely diverse in personalities, which I believe definitely worked in their favor,” said Sgt. Colin Crane, the first squad advisor. “The Corps already attracts strong-willed individuals, so when you put together a group of Marines motivated enough to make it to the rank of corporal, you better believe there (are) going to be some strong personalities.”
Marines in the course were able to use the strength Crane was talking about as they completed challenges in Marine Corps knowledge, drill, physical training, sword manual and uniform inspections.
“All of us are competitive in nature, so it’s no surprise that we pushed each other,” said Cpl. Gonzalez. “It’s like they say, steel sharpens steel, and we definitely sharpened each other.”
Gonzalez said the Marines were competitive in nature, but a few of the corporals stood out amongst the crowd.
Cpl. Marc Taylor, from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, earned the title as the honor graduate for achieving a grade point average of 94.78 percent. He received a non-commissioned officer sword donated by the Navy Federal Credit Union.
Cpl. Wesley Burnett, from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, received the “Gung-Ho” leadership award.
The Gung-Ho leadership award is presented to the Marine who inspires his fellow Marines the most and is generally selected by his peers.
As a collective group, the Marines of Class 2-10 received a class grade point average of 89 percent and a class physical fitness test average of 249.36.