The training process for infantry MOS's has come a long way in 40 plus years. Having been a plank holder in the Infantry Training School, (converted from the 2nd MarDiv Infantry Training Company circa fall of 1979), this level of advanced training is extremely interesting to hear about. The fact that there is some concern about the level of students not making it to graduation is of concern to the authors is a good sign. One assumes that the 0311/31/41/51/52 Marines at the advanced course have the basic POI behind them have had time in the Fleet or related active duty command and are back for enhanced training to further their ability to support MAGTF operations at some point in the future. Without a doubt small unit leader capability and development is the absolute back bone of Marine leadership and very specifically to Marine Infantry. Fire team, squad, platoon level training is like harassment at TBS, ongoing and ever changing.
Getting to my observation, having read the entire post twice, the training sounds great, but there may be a morale problem of some kind, maybe not at the school, but a malaise none the less that is contributing to the failure rate. this is not hard to imagine and similar to problems we had in 1979-80 as the old ITS was ramping up and the pipeline was getting fed, not every young Marine wanted to be there, and we only had 4 weeks to accomplish the POI and get Marines to the FMF across the river to Camp LeJeune. To say that the period of 2019 to the present has been difficult for the officers and enlisted entrusted with the training is saying a great deal. Imagine the scuttlebutt of the Marines returning for advanced training. If the MLR and SIF are the path forward why bother with this advanced infantry training? Good question Marine.
We had some real issues and problems with the training, the initial POI itself, and just simply ramping up to meet training and graduation requirements. If there is no clarity for the students and what they are there for and ergo under motivated to be there, you have a problem. An angry unmotivated Marine is like a bad rash and it can spread fast. This not news to the authors. the questions is now what?
The post is as usual, is a very well written and important document, happy to provide further ancient insight and reasoning for this postulate of a morale issue, it needs more than a old 0302 wise guy throwing shade at the issue in a simplified manner. but, it has been and will remain so, that if you think you have a problem you do, until you find out you don't.
The connecting file is a great resource, the articles are timeless (mostly) and this response is meant to be positive and contributory.
Regarding the "Brilliance in the Basics" concern-especially 1000 and 2000 level skills that should have already been introduced at IMC and sustained in unit, why not implement a 03XX 1000 AND 2000 level proficiency exam that is part of annual training for all 03 Marines? Something like the CCA or IPA could work, and the sustainment interval is 1 year. 1 standard fleet wide from Hawaii to Lejeune so that everyone can be on the same page and friction is reduced for students preparing to attend advanced and unit leader courses.
The training process for infantry MOS's has come a long way in 40 plus years. Having been a plank holder in the Infantry Training School, (converted from the 2nd MarDiv Infantry Training Company circa fall of 1979), this level of advanced training is extremely interesting to hear about. The fact that there is some concern about the level of students not making it to graduation is of concern to the authors is a good sign. One assumes that the 0311/31/41/51/52 Marines at the advanced course have the basic POI behind them have had time in the Fleet or related active duty command and are back for enhanced training to further their ability to support MAGTF operations at some point in the future. Without a doubt small unit leader capability and development is the absolute back bone of Marine leadership and very specifically to Marine Infantry. Fire team, squad, platoon level training is like harassment at TBS, ongoing and ever changing.
Getting to my observation, having read the entire post twice, the training sounds great, but there may be a morale problem of some kind, maybe not at the school, but a malaise none the less that is contributing to the failure rate. this is not hard to imagine and similar to problems we had in 1979-80 as the old ITS was ramping up and the pipeline was getting fed, not every young Marine wanted to be there, and we only had 4 weeks to accomplish the POI and get Marines to the FMF across the river to Camp LeJeune. To say that the period of 2019 to the present has been difficult for the officers and enlisted entrusted with the training is saying a great deal. Imagine the scuttlebutt of the Marines returning for advanced training. If the MLR and SIF are the path forward why bother with this advanced infantry training? Good question Marine.
We had some real issues and problems with the training, the initial POI itself, and just simply ramping up to meet training and graduation requirements. If there is no clarity for the students and what they are there for and ergo under motivated to be there, you have a problem. An angry unmotivated Marine is like a bad rash and it can spread fast. This not news to the authors. the questions is now what?
The post is as usual, is a very well written and important document, happy to provide further ancient insight and reasoning for this postulate of a morale issue, it needs more than a old 0302 wise guy throwing shade at the issue in a simplified manner. but, it has been and will remain so, that if you think you have a problem you do, until you find out you don't.
The connecting file is a great resource, the articles are timeless (mostly) and this response is meant to be positive and contributory.
Regarding the "Brilliance in the Basics" concern-especially 1000 and 2000 level skills that should have already been introduced at IMC and sustained in unit, why not implement a 03XX 1000 AND 2000 level proficiency exam that is part of annual training for all 03 Marines? Something like the CCA or IPA could work, and the sustainment interval is 1 year. 1 standard fleet wide from Hawaii to Lejeune so that everyone can be on the same page and friction is reduced for students preparing to attend advanced and unit leader courses.