One of the schools I attended in the Marine Corps was Corporal's Course. I completed the course in New Orleans, Louisiana, at 4th Marine Division Headquarters.

The timing was interesting. It was shortly after Hurricane Katrina.

Most organizations might look around after a major hurricane and decide to wait a while before conducting training. The Marine Corps tends to have a different perspective. As I remember it, the Marine Corps essentially said:

So off we went.

The Course

About fifty Corporals from across 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines gathered in New Orleans for several weeks of leadership training. Every morning started with PT. Every day involved academic instruction. There were lectures, discussions, checks on learning, and tests.

The Marine Corps wanted to make sure Corporals weren't simply attending the course. The Marine Corps wanted to make sure we were learning something.

One of the things I enjoyed most was learning portions of the NCO sword manual. For a young Marine NCO, that was pretty cool.

Both Sides of Leadership

We spent time marching Marines. We spent time being marched by Marines. Everybody took turns. One moment you were in formation following orders. The next moment you were the one giving them.

Looking back, that was one of the most valuable aspects of the course. Leadership is easier to understand when you experience both sides of it.

Standards and Accountability

Another thing I appreciated was realizing that the Marine Corps took leadership seriously. Corporal's Course wasn't a vacation. It wasn't simply another box to check. The Marine Corps expected Corporals to study, learn, and improve.

• —There were standards.
• —There were tests.
• —There were expectations.
• —And there was accountability.

Interestingly enough, I even earned a couple of college credits from completing the course. At the time, I was also pursuing my degree at the University of Memphis, so I was happy to take every college credit I could get.

A Full Season of Life

Looking back, that's another thing that makes me smile. At various points in those years, I was simultaneously a Marine, a student, an entrepreneur, and eventually a homeowner. It was a full season of life.

What I Remember Most

What I remember most today isn't a particular test score or classroom lesson. It's the experience.

• —Fifty Corporals gathered in New Orleans.
• —PT in the mornings.
• —Academic instruction during the day.
• —Marching formations.
• —Learning leadership.
• —Learning responsibility.
• —Preparing for the next level of service.
• —And doing all of it in a city that was still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Looking back, I'm grateful I had the opportunity to attend.

• —I met good Marines.
• —I learned useful lessons.
• —I earned a few college credits.
• —I spent time at 4th Marine Division Headquarters.
• —And I left a little better prepared for the responsibilities that came with being a Marine NCO.