History is the Teacher
Teaching newly commissioned officers how to successfully lead Marines is no small feat.
But the staff members from The Basic School know the first step is to learn the history of past military leaders.
To brush up on their tactical know-how, Marines from TBS staff attended a professional military education trip to Gettysburg National Military Park. The Marine Corps Association & Foundation sponsored the two-day tour for about 60 Marines to study enduring lessons of military art and science on the historical battlefield.
“As TBS staff members we’re effectively teaching our next generation of commissioned officers,” said Capt Joshua Rogerson. “We need to take our job extremely seriously and this is another step in our continuing education. It’s imperative we expand our knowledge of these battlefields that are close to us and are able to tap into them to enhance our learning.”
The trip was funded through MCA&F’s Commanders' Forum Program, which provides funding to assist Commanders in developing and providing forum opportunities specifically tailored to enhance their Marines’ knowledge of operational matters from a historical, cultural or operational perspective.
“You can only get so much out of reading a book,” said Maj Matthew McDonald, Assistant Operations Officer at TBS. “Seeing it paints the picture for you and brings it all together with a different perspective.”
Col Vince Goulding, USMC (Ret) and Marine Corps Gazette editor Col John Keenan, USMC (Ret) led the group in exercises and lessons as they studied the three days of battle, including the action of McPherson’s Ridge and Picket’s charge. MCA&F then funded the group’s one-night stay at the Comfort Suites of Gettysburg.
Rogerson said the trip was his third time to the Gettysburg battlefield, but he continued to learn from Goulding and Keenan about the details of the war. The pair described the personal relationships between the different generals on each side and why certain decisions were made, Rogerson said. They were “passionate” about the research and it “enhanced the study,” he said.
The Marine Corps Historical Company brought replica uniforms and weapons of both the Confederate States and United States Marine Corps from the Civil War. GySgt Williams, USMC (Ret) explained the details of the uniforms and how the ammunition was employed.
“Seeing how the equipment was used lent some understanding why the Civil War units fought the way they did,” Rogerson said.
The Marines also got a surprise visit from the man in the stovepipe hat.
Actor and historian Jim Getty professionally reenacted President Abraham Lincoln and taught the Marines about the famous president’s leadership during the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg.
McDonald said it was a different and fun way to learn about the battle.
“It’s a way to build camaraderie amongst the staff,” McDonald said. “We’re learning about history but also bonding with each other. They couldn’t afford this out of their own funds because money is tight, and to be able to have MCA&F provide funds for additional experts on battles helps make the experience that much better for the staff.”
To apply for funding from the Commanders' Forum Program, contact Col John Keenan USMC (Ret) at 800-336-0291, ext. 163 or j.keenan@mca-marines.org. To become an MCA&F member or donate to MCAF, log on to www.mca-marines.org.
More information about the program is available HERE.
"President Lincoln" teaches the Marines about the leadership decisions of the Civil War.
Member Oorahs!
Just a quick note of thanks to Patty Everett. I arrived home from a week vacation to find a package from the Marine Corps Association. I was expecting to find one of the magazines I requested, however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover both magazines were inside. In a time when it seems no one cares about customer satisfaction I am gratified to discover that customer service is not a lost art at the MCA. Once again I thank you for your efforts on my request. It may have been thing but the effort made a huge impression.
It is ALWAYS a pleasure to work with a consummate professional such as SgtMaj (Ret.) Frank Pulley. As the company 1stSgt for Hotel Company, MCT, SOI (West), I’ve attended a number of his briefs and one can visually see a positive change in the student’s attention levels as the SgtMaj delivers his presentation. The SgtMaj truly cares about the Marines and the Marine Corps and represents the MCA in an extremely admirable manner. It has been my experience that all Marines (including myself) benefit from the experience of attending a MCA presentation. And regardless of rank or years of experience, Marines should always seek to increase their level of proficiency and knowledge and MCA briefs provide us with that opportunity.
My Name is Sergeant Major Juan. M. Hidalgo, Sergeant Major of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) out of Camp Pendleton, CA. Sergeant Major (Ret.) Frank Pulley is one of my mentors and is someone that I have a tremendous amount of respect for. The MCA and SgtMaj Pulley do a phenomenal job in helping us recognize our Marines and Sailors and they continually demonstrate that they are always more than ready to support; anytime...Anyplace! And on behalf of the entire 13th MEU, I thank you very much!
I received my blouse last Friday and want to thank you for your efforts
in getting things done. Also, please thank the tailors involved in
making everything right and please give my sincere thanks to those who
made the decision to make the necessary corrections at no charge to me.
That in itself says a lot about your organization. The blouse fits
like a glove and actually looks and feels like new.
Thank you and all the staff who had a hand in correcting a problem and making an old man happy. Semper Fi
Sincerely,
I want to relay my many thanks to everyone at Marine Corps Association and Military Historical Tours for providing me the opportunity to experience such a wonderful trip to Russia. Had I not won this trip through MCA I may have never taken advantage of such fantastic travels. The group, the Russian Tour guide (Oleg Alexandrov) and Charlie Dunn were wonderful companions during the trip. It will be a memory I will cherish all of my remaing days on this earth.
Again, Many thanks and Semper Fidelis!
Christina,
Thank you for all your help over the phone today. Planning a Marine Corps Ball is a lot of time, energy and work.
Timothy C. Summers
Member saying thanks to our Customer Service Representative, Skylar Hand.
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You have been the easiest person I have ever dealt with since I have started MWR out here. You were very quick to respond to my every question and very knowledgeable about your work for an order over a phone that was my greatest experience. If you were in the Marine Corps Skylar I would write you up for a meritorious promotion. I will surely write it in my books to pass the word to the next MWR rep to continue the membership with you guys.
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Semper Fidelis!
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