MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment are participating in a section chief course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 18–June 5, 2015.

About twenty infantry Marines were chosen to participate in the course, which teaches them to improve their ability to operate howitzers. The five-week course shows them how to operate every position on the weapon systems safely.

The howitzer is a type of artillery that shoots projectiles such as high-explosive shells, and guided artillery shells at low and high angles and normally requires a crew of five to operate. In combat, section chiefs help operate the howitzer and maintain safety when firing.

Corporal Cristobal Cartagena, an infantryman and a student in the course said that the first Marine is responsible for lowering and raising the loading tray and firing the weapon when given the command. The second Marine is in charge of putting powder inside the chamber after the round has been inserted and primed, while the third Marine cuts powders and hands them to the second Marine. The fourth Marine places the rounds onto the loading tray then the fifth Marine fuses the rounds and rams the round into the chamber.

The section chief ensures the safety of each Marine operating the howitzer, keeping a watchful eye on all the tasks at hand. In a combat environment, safety and supervision is paramount to the mission.

“As far as combat goes, you are always going to need a section chief in charge of a howitzer,” said Sgt. Wesley Luther, an instructor at the artillery training school with 1st Battalion 10th Marine Regiment. “If you don’t have section chiefs, then you can’t operate a weapon system.”

Marines were given leadership roles throughout the course. During combat scenarios, given to them by their instructors in practical application, they had to use the capabilities of others in their sections, while proving their own leadership abilities and ensuring the weapon systems were ready to be used.

Luther said the ultimate goal of the course is to make sure each Marine is confident in their ability to lead; the section chief is in charge of the howitzer, and needs to be the most knowledgeable.

The students learned each tangible facet of the weapon system, and also acquired a better understanding of how to lead their fellow Marines, said Corporal Dontavius Bell, a rifleman and a student participating in the course.

“You learn the misfire procedures, about the ammo, how to shoot and become a better leader,” said Bell. “You also learn how to lead your Marines and teach them what you know.”