Semper Fi Spring Fex

Semper FI and FEX training. This year was an odd one; that fact needs no elaboration. What we could have done is stayed home, mustered over the phone, and waited until the coast was clear to resume operations. Thanks to our staff and battalion leadership, we did quite the opposite. Though forced to compromise in some regards, Semper Fi pushed the envelope for what could be done while still negating unnecessary risk. Semper Fi Physical Training remained rigorous, building both physical strength and mental toughness, qualities that we know must work in unison. The briefs we received were poignant, varied, and practicable, focusing on topics that can be applied in both military and civilian settings. An increase in Small Unit Leadership Evaluations and Leadership Reaction Courses pushed upper and lower classmen to think about and rehearse the fundamental skills and leadership qualities that we will one day see in our enlisted men. Throughout the year, Semper Fi hikes served as a reminder of the toughness that will be required of us in the coming years and the reason that we train the way we do. Here at university, it is easy to lose sight of the expectations that the Marine Corps has for us as part of its officer corps: to train our marines into a deadly fighting force. Regardless of MOS or assignment, officers must maintain this mindset. Our experienced leadership uses Semper Fi events to reinforce this. The bi-annual Field Exercises, though abbreviated this year, were an excellent opportunity to maneuver small units under stress, familiarize ourselves with our weapons, and this spring, to cooperate with a unit outside our chain of command. It was a blast to work with the candidates from the Platoon Leaders Course in Spokane, and their relative inexperience provided an invaluable opportunity to teach and reinforce our own ideas. Though we all look forward to a more normal year, Semper Fi was able to take advantage of the opportunities given to us this year, turning it into a training time that was both productive and realistic.

MIDN Jones, L