Marines Graduate Corporals Course in Afghanistan
(July 22, 2010) |
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| | CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (MCN - 7/17/2010) — Marines
from 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) graduated a 3-week
Corporals Course at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 17.
As certificates were presented, the Marines lined up in rows
waiting for their names to be called. At the front of the
line was a small-framed female Marine; her name was called
first. |
Cpl. Chelsey Young, a combat engineer with Engineer Company,
Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st MLG (FWD), was named the
honor graduate of her class of 30 students, consisting of
Marines from CLB-5, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 9th
Engineer Support Battalion and 1st MLG (FWD). For her
achievement, she received a noncommissioned officer's sword,
which she proudly carried along with her graduation
certificate.
It was an “unexpected” accomplishment, said Young after the
ceremony. She earned the top score in the class – a 99
average – just .75 points higher than the runner-up, Cpl.
Christopher Miller of G-3, 1st MLG (FWD).
Young said one of the most challenging aspects of the course
was the grueling physical training, |
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan-Cpl. Chelsey
Young, 20, from Westland, Mich., recites the
Noncommissioned Officer's Creed during a
Corporals Course graduation ceremony at Camp
Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 17, 2010. Young
was named the honor graduate in her class of 30
students. She earned an average grade of 99,
narrowly beating the runner-up by .75 points..
Photo by Sgt. Brandon
Owen |
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which included a 6-mile hike with full gear,
running in the Afghanistan heat, physical
fitness tests and field operations. |
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“At that moment when you're the most tired,” she said, “you
just have to tell yourself to keep going.”
Young, who scored a 300 on her physical fitness test,
boasted she was able to shave off 48 seconds from her run
time during the course – she now clocks in at 18 minutes, 32
seconds for the 3-mile run.
Although she was the tiniest Marine in the class – weighing
in at 95 pounds – her motivation to succeed carried her
through the challenging course. She also credits her chief
instructor, Gunnery Sgt. Antonio Hairston, to helping keep
her motivated.
“Gunny Hairston gave a lot of motivating speeches,” she said
of the former drill instructor who now serves as the company
gunnery sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company, 1st
MLG (FWD).
The course helped her realize “what type of leader I was,”
said Young, 20, from Westland, Mich. One of the most
important things she learned from the course, she said, is
“always look out for your Marines.”
The ceremony ended with the Marines belting out the NCO
Creed, their voices echoing off the mess hall walls. Despite
her small size, Young stood tall among her peers as they
bellowed in unison, “I will never forget that I am
responsible to my commanding officer for the morale,
discipline, and efficiency of my men. Their performance will
reflect an image of me.” | |
Article and photo by SSgt. Jennifer Brofer
1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)
Copyright 2010
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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