On May 16-17, 2015, Fort Worth, Texas, hosted its inaugural Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar at the Marine Aircraft Group 41 Headquarters located at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. Over 50 junior Marines from six distinct units—Marine Aircraft Group 41, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 41, Marine Air Control Squadron 24, Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, Detachment B, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112, and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234—participated in this event aimed at cultivating leadership skills among Lance Corporals.
Staff Sgt. Joel Chaverri, a seminar co-chief for MAG-41, highlighted that the Marine Corps is fundamentally built on small unit leadership. He noted that this seminar represented the first formal opportunity for junior Marines to receive leadership instruction before reaching their Corporal rank, with the intention of equipping them with essential leadership qualities at an earlier stage in their careers.
The seminar focused on the leadership fundamentals outlined in the “Leading Marines” distance education course, which is typically required for promotion to Corporal. It offered in-depth discussions between mentors and peers on significant issues affecting Marines. Participants engaged with core topics such as Marine Corps core values, leadership traits, mentoring, professionalism, and proficiency.
Lance Corporal Mayra Villafranca, an administrative specialist with MAG-41 Headquarters, expressed that the seminar was hands-on and prompted her to think critically about her role as a Lance Corporal, as well as the challenges she might face as a non-commissioned officer. She noted the importance of recognizing areas for personal improvement while also envisioning herself as a leader.
Chaverri emphasized that this seminar differs from the “Leading Marines” course by applying the presented ideas to real-world scenarios, thus challenging the Marines’ beliefs, values, and morals. This interactive format fosters personal growth and reinforces the essential role Lance Corporals play in the success of the Marine Corps.
Looking forward, the seminar is set to become a mandatory program for all Lance Corporals across the Marine Corps starting October 1. Additionally, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 41 and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 have planned more Lance Corporal Seminars for June, highlighting a commitment to ongoing leadership development within the organization. The seminar’s successful execution marks a significant step in preparing junior Marines for their future roles as leaders.
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