LAAMU ATOLL, Maldives -- Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) concluded bi-lateral training with members of the Maldivian National Defense Force on the Laamu Atoll with a graduation ceremony here today.
Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 11th MEU, has setup is a non-commissioned officer leadership course and martial arts classes for the soldiers of the 20th Special Task Force, MNDF from Dec. 14-20.
“Currently, the MNDF does not have an NCO course available,” said 1st Sgt. Gamboa, the CLB-11 first sergeant. “We are laying the foundation for them to build a more permanent resident enlisted leadership course.”
The CLB-11 Marines along with Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 11th MEU, instruct the MNDF students on everything from customs and courtesies and drill to infantry and leadership skills.
While the NCO’s attend their leadership course, the junior enlisted soldiers receive martial arts training from Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructors. The soldiers, attending the 20-week long special task force course are instructed in a condensed version of tan belt skills.
**For more information about the 11th MEU (SOC) visit their website athttp://www.usmc.mil.