FORT STEWART, Ga. — The Marne Leaders Development Course (MLDC) at Fort Stewart, Georgia, is a comprehensive program designed to enhance the leadership capabilities of Marne Soldiers serving in team, squad and platoon leader positions. The course focuses on promoting professional and personal growth through the development of emotional intelligence, mindset, self-awareness, leadership skills, self-care, sleep and communication. MLDC, which spans three days, aims to prepare Soldiers for the multifaceted challenges of leadership in the military."
"As we develop our programs at the 3rd Infantry Division such as Marne Guardians, the Company Commander and 1st Sgt Course, and most recently the Marne Leaders Development Course, we've been able to reach every rank from Pvt. to Company Commander," said Senior Enlisted Leader of the 3rd Infantry Division, Command Sgt. Major Johnathan Reffeor. " By adding MLDC to the triad of 3ID's programs, we're addressing concerns up and down the chain of command, solving issues internally, and getting our leaders to invest in our people."
Effective Army leaders prioritize the welfare of their troops, lead by example, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Through a focus on practical life skill problems, MLDC sharpens a leader's ability to lead soldiers with empathy, foresight, and situational intelligence in areas where they may lack life experience. Ultimately guiding, motivating, and empowering soldiers to accomplish missions.
“My main motivation for attending the Marne Leadership Development Course is to sharpen my communication skills,” said Sgt. 1st Class John Powell, assigned to Division Artillery at the 3rd Infantry Division. “Leadership involves managing expectations, developing plans, and ensuring growth by overcoming personal biases to align with team goals. This course allows us to focus on how we can improve.”
Throughout MLDC, Soldiers explore the impact of emotional intelligence, mindset, leadership philosophies, relationships, communication, self-care and healthy outlets. Each day of the course delves into specific topics, paired with practical exercises that collectively build a robust framework for effective leadership.
“For me, self-reflection is critical,” said Staff Sgt. Zachariah Lang, assigned to Division Artillery at the 3rd Infantry Division. “Being able to discuss communication barriers and the dynamics of leadership openly gives us the tools we need to effectively lead our formations.”
In military operations, Soldiers are given a mission to be accomplished. It is then up to leaders to motivate, develop and guide their formations towards mission success, overcoming challenges along the way.
“The hardest part about leadership is confronting personal biases, as a leader you must validate the biases of your team and realign them with the mission at hand,” said Powell. “Acknowledging your team’s situation and expressing the potential to overcome the scenario is imperative. Small incremental growth builds up to success and as everything is combined, you will achieve your final goal.”
The initiative to improve the Army’s ready force is at the forefront of the Marne Leadership Development Course, giving Soldiers the tools to be effective leaders.
“Soldiers are coming out of this course more mindful of how they think and respond, more present and oriented on their impact on the people around them,” said Jenna Weinstein, Master Resilience Trainer.
The Marne Leaders Development Course at Fort Stewart is an invaluable program for developing well-rounded, emotionally intelligent and effective leaders. By focusing on personal wellness, emotional intelligence, communication and self-care, the course equips Marne Soldiers with the tools to lead confidently and empathetically. MLDC fosters an environment of growth and continuous learning, ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow are well-prepared to face the challenges ahead.
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