Thirty U.S. Marines graduated a three-week Corporals' Course June 28 at 11 Degrees North community center.

The Combined Joint Task Force Ã? Horn of Africa-sponsored (CJTF-HOA) course provides new or soon-to-be corporals the basic knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful small-unit leader.

"There were two goals behind the initiation of this course here," said U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Scott Mykoo, CJTF-HOA chief senior enlisted leader and course director. "First, give Marines the opportunity to attend a course while deployed. Second, build turnover to allow for ease of conducting future courses. I believe we accomplished both."

Throughout the duration of the course, instructors focused on several topics including public speaking, service history and traditions, joint operations, professional conduct and warfighting tactics.

"Public speaking was an important portion of the course because young leaders must be capable of communicating their ideas and instructions clearly and with confidence," said USMC Staff Sergeant Christopher Harrison, chief instructor. "The Marine Corps Traditions [class] was also very important. The only way to keep these traditions is to involve them into our way of life and emphasize their importance with our younger Marines."

To conclude the course, each student was tested during a practical operations event, which included land navigation, small-unit tactics, radio procedures and IED detection and control.

"The event is designed to assess the students' leadership abilities and willingness to work as a team," said Harrison. "It's stressed from day one and is a testament to what the students have learned."

The students were then recognized during a graduation ceremony, with U.S. Army Brigadier General William Glasgow, CJTF-HOA deputy commander, as guest speaker.

"This course trains our Marines to the proper standard," said Glasgow. "Now you are all leaders. It's now your job to motivate and ensure your Marines are ready for any and all missions. You are now the head of the spear."

During the ceremony one Marine was named the class honor graduate for his superior accomplishment during the course. This individual was selected by his peers and instructors.

"I felt extremely proud when I was announced as the honor graduate," said USMC Corporal Sohail Selky. "To be recognized and selected by my instructors and peers was an incredible honor."

Although another course is not currently scheduled, one may be held at CJTF-HOA in the near future.

"It is my hope the future leadership from units assigned to Camp Lemonnier will take what was created and continue this endeavor by conducting future classes," said Mykoo.