About

In 1992 the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) established a resident commander's program for board selected and slated colonels and lieutenant colonels. The Spouses Workshop was established in March of 1993 to build on the successes of the Commanders Course. The workshop’s purpose is to help prepare spouses of slated commanders for their role as team members in the command. In 2013, the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps established a resident program for newly selected sergeants major which was to similarly mirror the goals and purpose of the Commanders Course.

In past years the Commanders Program and Sergeants Major Course were deliberately offset from one another which only provided one-week for combined training on specific portions of their particular courses. Additionally, the Spouses Workshop has historically only been available to commanders' spouses. In FY15, all three courses will be combined providing maximum opportunity for commanders and sergeants major to interact as well as a new opportunity for sergeants' major spouses to attend the Spouses Workshop. This new construct is formally titled "Cornerstone: The Commandant's Combined Commandership Course".

The President, Marine Corps University (MCU), as executive agent for the CMC and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, annually conducts two Cornerstone courses. Attendance is mandatory for commanders and sergeants major either prior to or shortly after taking command or assuming their role as a Senior Enlisted Advisor. Attendance for spouses, while not mandatory, is highly encouraged.

Contact Us

Information Coming Soon

FY24 Courses

24-1 (October) Cornerstone Course - Current presentations will be provided to all attendees upon completion of the course. 

Commander and Sergeant Major travel dates: Sunday 15 October 2023 and NET 1630 on Friday 27 October 2023.  Exceptions made for OCONUS travelers.

Check in: Monday 16 October 2023 from 0700-0730 at Gray Research Center, MCU

FY23 Recruiting Station Commanding Officer travel dates: Saturday 21 October 2023 and NET 1630 on Friday 27 October 2023

Check in: Monday 23 October 2023 from 0700-0730 at Warner Auditorium, MCU

Required Uniforms: MARPAT Utilities, business casual for the last day.

Funding: Funding letters will be available for active duty in MCTIMS 45 days prior to travel. Further guidance will be provided closer to the course date.

24-2 (April) Cornerstone Course:  The date(s) for the spring 2024 Cornerstone will be announced in the near future, and you will be able to register for the spring course(s) at that time.

FY23 MarAdmin

Previous Courses

Please email MCU_LLI@usmcu.edu and the presentation requested can be emailed to you directly.

Registration Form

Download Here

Resources

• MARADMINS

• *UPDATED 19 MAY 2023* First 90 Days, Commanders Programs, and Commander Training Checklist

• Functional Area Checklists for Commands

• *NEW* Commander's Guide to Environmental Management

• *NEW* Command Suicide Prevention and Risk Mitigation Strategies

• *NEW* Diversity & Inclusive Leaders Resources

• *NEW* Military Occupational Specialties Manual- NAVMC 1200.1H, 7 Sep 2022 (CAC enabled)

• Commander's Materiel Readiness Handbook

• Commander's Leadership Handbook

• Commander's Readiness Handbook

• Commander's Supply Management Handbook

• Aviation Commander's Handbook

• Marine Corps Communication Handbook

• Civilian Personnel Management-DoD Instruction 1400.25

• Accommodation of Religious Practices in the Marine Corps

• DOD NCO Handbook

• Grayisms

• SAPR Guide 2022 

• Commander's Smart Pack: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response 2022

• Labor and Employee Relations (Civilians)

• Transgender DOD Instruction

• Wounded Warrior Leader's Guide

• 6th MCD CO's Intent and Guidance

• How to Eradicate a Scourge

• OPERATION RESTORE VIGILANCE 

• *NEW*  Communications Directorate Media Training

• Aspects of Leadership: Ethics, Law, and Spirituality

Sergeants major at cornerstone

Graduates of Cornerstone will serve as principle advisors who are educated in organization behavior theories, philosophies, techniques, and practices required to advise and assist battalion/squadron level commanders.  Who will possess the competencies and ethical grounding to serve in senior leadership positions.

Required Reading

• MCDP 1 Warfighting

• MCDP 1-0 Operations

• MCDP 2 Intelligence

• MCDP 3 Expeditionary Operations

• MCDP 4 Logistics

• MCDP 5 Planning

• MCDP 6 Command and Control

• MCO 1200.17 MOS Manual

• MCO 6100.13 Physical Fitness Program

• MCO P1040.31J Retention Manual

• MCO P1400_32D CH2 PT 1 Promotions Manual

• MCO P1610_7F W CH 1-2 PES

• MCO P1900.16F with CH 1 and 2 SEPSMAN

• MCO P5060.20 W CH 1_1 Drill and Ceremony

• MCO P5060.20 W CH 1_2 Drill and Ceremony

• MCO P5060.20 W CH 1_3 Drill and Ceremony

• MCO P5060.20 W CH 1_4 Drill and Ceremony

• MCO P5800.16A CH 1-5 LEGADMIN

• The Armed Forces Officer

• Chosin - Chosin Introduction

• Chosin - Commandership at the Chosin Reservoir Part A

• Chosin - Commandership at the Chosin Reservoir Part B

• Chosin - Commandership at the Chosin Reservoir Part C

• Bastion - 1_AR 15-6 Bastion Investigation Report (Final-UNCLASS, 19 Aug 13)

• Bastion - 2_The Untold Story of the Battle of Bastion (Aikins, GQ, Sep 13)

• Bastion - 3_Inside the Sept 2011 Kabul USEMB Attack (Aikins, GQ, Mar 12)

Documents

Admin: Roles and Challenges

Colonel Command

Focus Paper CSEL from Joint Staff

Marine Corps History Division

Profession of Arms (Pre-Read)

Professional Resume

SgtMaj Brief to the CO

SgtMaj Holub

Sum up your leadership in six words

Weekly Reports

PURPOSE AND INTENT

Educate Commanders, Sergeants Major and their spouses on the fundamental authorities, responsibilities, programs, and practices that contribute to a successful command tour.

The curriculum will maximize the use of small group guided discussions with current and former Commanders, Sergeants Major and their spouses in order to permit a frank exchange of observations, ideas, and methodologies.

Points of Contact

Spouse Committee Coordinators
Mrs. Jennifer Butler

About

The Workshop's objective is to present issues and concepts that Commanding Officers, Sergeants Major, and their spouses can discuss - to give spouses ideas, options, and best practices as well as provide them a peer network for support and encouragement.

Spouses Workshop 20-1

HISTORY OF THE SPOUSES WORKSHOP

1991, the Commandant directed the establishment of a course for slated Commanders.

1993, pilot Spouses program rolled out. The curriculum was developed from relevant aspects of the Navy’s CO/XO Seminar, the Command Team Seminar, and the Army Command & Staff College, then assembled using the acumen of a large committee of experienced Marine spouses.

2013, Sergeants Major course established for newly slated SgtsMaj.

2015, Commander’s course & SgtsMaj course combined – now known as Cornerstone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: ​What is the dress code? Am I allowed to wear nice looking denim pants/jeans/jackets?
A: ​The dress code is business casual to include slacks or skirts, blouses, sweaters, or dresses. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on tour and to lunch in town. Please no denim, leggings, jeans or flip-flops  

Q:​ ​What’s the weather going to be like? 
A: ​Please check weather.com or equivalent site for forecasts. It is a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket for the auditorium. Also we recommend that you bring an umbrella.

Q:​ How much time will I have with my spouse and/or our friends who will be at the course as well?
A: ​There are many joint presentations with Marines and spouses. Most days will end before 5 PM, which allows for socializing with friends over dinner. Spouses will also be given opportunities to network during scheduled breakout lunch sessions, while on tours, during transition times, and in small group sessions. 

Q:​ What expenses will I incur?
A: ​ Spouses will be responsible for all meals. *Non-local Marines and spouses will receive per diem for this training. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the week, or you may bring your own. If you have allergies, ingredient sensitivities, or diet restrictions, please consider planning ahead with purchases from the Commissary located on base. * Local attendees will not receive any funding. Additionally coffee will be available from the local snack bar next to Warner Auditorium.  You can pay a one time flat fee for bottomless coffee and utilize your own thermos.

Q:​ Can I bring a tablet or laptop with me, and is there Wi-Fi available?
A: ​Recommend bringing a laptop/iPad or other materials for note taking and accessing digital content. Don’t forget chargers to use each night in preparation for the next day. All presentation materials will be made available electronically for future reference. Wi-Fi is available in the education buildings.

Read Aheads

Spouse's Workshop Binder (updated 23 Oct 2022)

MCO 1754.9B-Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program

Social Roster Guidelines

DoD Instruction 1342.22 Military Family Readiness

DD Form 2793- Volunteer Form (required for Command Team Members)

USMC at a Glance

Marine Corps Rank Structure

Marine Corps Acronyms

Marine and Family Programs Campaign Plan 2021-2024

Turnover Binder Example

Social Media Handbook

Social Media Do's and Don'ts 

Eight Rules for Great Military Spouses

Etiquette and Manners -Quick Guide

Command Ideas

It Worked and Best Practices

Resources

Marine Corps Volunteer Services Management- MCO 5380.2

MCCS Policies Manual MCO P1700.27B W CH 1

My Career Advancement Account - Scholarships and Tuition Assistance for Spouses

Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program

Why We Entertain

Entertainment Guide and Menus

Entertaining Ideas

Marine and Family Programs Spouses

OSC Diva Book

The Entertaining Pad

Website Links

Battle Book for the Company Commander Spouse- Army War College

Presentations and Materials

Spouses Workshop Binder                                          

Marine Corps 101                                                               

Medical Officer of the Marine Corps          

Social Media

Etiquette

Dr. Vandenbroek on Mental Health

Social Media                                                            Etiquette

Dr. Vandenbroek on Mental Health