HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- As explained in the 2026 National Defense Strategy, the Department of War is ensuring the joint force is ready to deter, and if called upon, to prevail by achieving the Nation’s objectives. To reinforce this joint focus, the 1st Special Operations Wing sent a security forces Airman to train alongside Marines and Sailors during a Marine Corps Corporal Course, Class 1-26, Feb. 17, 2026, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.
From foundational leadership classes to land navigation and combat warfighting, the month-long professional military education opportunity is designed to build leadership skills, reinstill discipline and magnify joint force compatibilities.
“Shared training assists in building camaraderie, mutual respect and trust across branches,” said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christopher DeNardo, an Aviation Training Support Group –23 training chief. “It helps break down stereotypes, fosters professional relationships, and reinforces the importance of a unified effort in joint operations and mission accomplishment.”
The Corporal’s Course is a standard leadership training course for Marines new to the grade of E-4, the first tier in their non-commissioned officer rank structure. While every Marine is expected to be able to lead, NCOs are expected to lead the junior enlisted while setting the standard of performance and behavior.
According to the instructor, the course also exposes Airmen to the other branches’ standards and traditions.
“Marines and Navy have different values than the Air Force does, and it's great to learn those values,” said the Airman attending the course. “They have a lot of discipline, and I admire all of them.”
The Airman explained that while each service has a distinct purpose with different objectives, they need to work together to accomplish the same mission.
The course exposes junior service members to sister-service terminology while exploring new concepts like planning processes and command and control structures, noted the course instructor.
“This common understanding is vital for effective communication and coordination on the battlefield,” said DeNardo.
While the Corporal’s Course can be challenging, it’s a valuable learning opportunity and reinforces the “one team, one fight” motto, added the instructor.
Corporal’s Course students, regardless of branch, are training to be more effective joint leaders for future operations.