MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Staff noncommissioned officers and sergeants selected to be SNCOs attended the 2013 Marine Corps Base Hawaii Staff Sergeant Seminar Oct. 28 through 31, 2013, at the installation’s SNCO club.
The three-day seminar focused on new and soon-to-be SNCOs, teaching a standard of leadership expected of them in the Marine Corps.
“This course is very important,” said Sgt. Maj. Steven E. Collier, sergeant major for Headquarters Battalion. “For the sergeants who have just been selected for staff sergeant, this is a building block for them to go out there and do great things for the Marine Corps, and go out there to represent the SNCO corps well.”
The seminar took place in a closed-classroom setting, giving the students a more in-depth perspective on the information available to them. The classes featured multiple guest speakers from senior leaders around the base and Corps, to resources like the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and family readiness personnel.
“There was a lot of information,” said Sgt. Tony Reese, Electronic Key Management System operator, Marine Corps Base Hawaii and seminar attendee. “I can see ways I (to improve) already. All of the courses were beneficial in some way, shape or form.”
Collier said the information and resources presented were well received by the Marines in attendance.
“They got a wide aspect of what they need to be doing out there as true leaders,” Collier added. “I think the Marine Corps is getting it right. We are promoting the best of the best and these Marines were receptive of the information (provided to) them."
When the seminar concluded, the Marines received certificates of completion as well as a book from the Commandant’s Reading List for SNCOs, donated by the Marine Corps Association.
“I think this is a good thing, building the foundation for young staff NCOs to become senior SNCOs and the future of the Marine Corps,” Collier said.