CDET Theme and Nav, v3

Sergeants Course

Distance Education Program

College of Distance Education and Training

The Sergeants Course distance education program (DEP) provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assume leadership roles of greater responsibility and to successfully perform the duties of a small-unit leader with confidence and decisiveness.

The instruction places emphasis on leadership, warfighting, training, and administrative and communication skills that are necessary for a sergeant to function at the squad level, lead Marines in combat, and mentor junior Marines.

This DEP is a MarineNet self-paced curriculum (EPME5000AA) divided into nine subcourses.

Subcourses

EPME5110AA, Administration

This subcourse teaches how to assist the commander in maintaining good order and discipline within the unit by utilizing all facets of the military justice system, and in ensuring that proficiency and conduct markings are assigned in accordance with the regulations set forth in the Marine Corps Individual Records Administration Manual (IRAM). Additionally, the student will gain a better understanding of the performance evaluation system (PES) as it directly relates to career progression, personnel assignments, and other personnel management decisions. It consists of three lessons: Military Justice System, Proficiency and Conduct Marks, and Performance Evaluation System.
EPME5120AA, Communication

This subcourse provides the student with the necessary tools to properly draft and review various types of correspondence, as well as the tools to plan, prepare, and deliver an effective oral presentation. The student will also learn about the role of public affairs, the importance of the media and how to positively engage with them during an interview, and operations security. It consists of three lessons: Prepare Administrative Correspondence, Deliver an Oral Presentation, and Interact with the Media.
EPME5210AA, Warfighting

This subcourse defines and further explains the Marine Corps' warfighting philosophy by introducing and examining the contents in MCDP 1, Warfighting, which includes topics such as preparing for war and the nature, theory, and conduct of war. To better understand our nation's security requirements, inter-Service collaboration—otherwise known as joint operations—is discussed and expanded upon, as are the aspects and guidelines of counterinsurgency operations. It consists of three lessons: Warfighting, Joint Operations, and Counterinsurgency.
EPME5220AA, Squad Operations

This subcourse familiarizes the student with both offensive and defensive fundamentals; the basics of improvised explosive device (IED) defeat; and the purpose, types, and elements of a patrol. The six troop-leading steps (BAMCIS) will also be reviewed as they directly relate to the successful application and implementation of small unit leadership. It consists of three lessons: Squad Offensive Fundamentals, Squad Defensive Fundamentals, and Patrolling.
EPME5230AA, Tactical Planning

This subcourse hones the student's warfighting skills through the focused study of tactics. A framework for understanding and demonstrating how to make sound tactical decisions will be introduced, as will the two concepts that are used to make and evaluate sound decisions: the nine principles of war and the six tactical tenets. It consists of three lessons: Tactical Fundamentals, Troop Leading Steps, and Combat Orders.
EPME5240AA, Tactical Tools

This subcourse focuses on conveying how to properly employ crew-served weapons systems, how to read a map and utilize a compass, and how to generate a casualty evacuation request utilizing a nine-line request form. The student will become familiar with the characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of various crew-served weapons; the student must choose which weapon system best accomplishes a designated task in a number of scenarios. The student will also be reminded of all the features on a map, the components of a compass, and the proper way to determine and follow an azimuth. Lastly, the student will be introduced to an effective method of quickly organizing and transmitting a medical evacuation—otherwise known as a casualty evacuation. It consists of three lessons: Weapons Employment, Land Navigation, and Casualty Evacuation.
EPME5300AA, Training

This subcourse introduces the student to the unit readiness planning (URP) process and the steps associated with it. The systems approach to training; operational risk management; and the planning, scheduling, and coordinating of unit training will also be discussed. The student will also become familiar with the importance of physical fitness, as it is an essential component of combat and individual readiness. Also, the purpose, components, and application of guided discussions will be introduced. It consists of four lessons: Introduction to Unit Readiness Planning, Manage Training, Implementing Combat Conditioning Sessions, and Guided Discussion.
EPME5410AA, Leadership I

This subcourse focuses on enhancing the student's understanding of the structure, mission, history, values, ethos, customs, and traditions that sustain the Marine Corps' proud heritage and legacy as the nation's premier force in readiness. It consists of four lessons: The Marine Corps Organizational Structure, History of the Marine Noncommissioned Officer (NCO), Foundations of Marine Corps Leadership, and Drill and Ceremonies.
EPME5420AA, Leadership II

This subcourse covers the mentoring, counseling, education, Combat and Operational Stress Control, and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs. It gives insight into how to effectively mentor and counsel junior Marines to further their personal and professional development and how to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with combat and operational stress. The Request Mast process is also described in detail to include the purpose, roles, responsibilities, and steps required to complete the procedure. It consists of three lessons: Advise Subordinates on Career Progression, Leadership Programs and Resources, and Request Mast.

Eligibility

The Sergeants Course DEP is available to sergeants and above. It is a PME requirement for promotion from sergeant to staff sergeant.

Completion Benefits

Higher Education

The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends 3 lower-division bachelor's or associate degree credits in Principles of Supervision.

Resources

Contact the MarineNet help desk for any information or guidance about CDET's distance education programs for enlisted Marines.

Transcripts can be obtained via MarineNet.