CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN– Maj. Heath Ruppert guides a class discussion in an Expeditionary Warfare School class Sept. 21 at the College of Distant Education and Training building aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. - CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN– Maj. Heath Ruppert guides a class discussion in an Expeditionary Warfare School class Sept. 21 at the College of Distant Education and Training building aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The EWS trains company grade officers to serve in an expeditionary environment by focusing on the foundation, doctrine and operations of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Through these classes Marines gain a thorough understanding of the MAGTF, which is made up of four core elements: the command element, ground combat element, aviation combat element, and logistics element. This class provides education through practical application and critical thinking. They then receive feedback about why or why not their idea or plan would work. Ruppert is the MAGTF planner officer with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and instructor of the EWS.

Students of the College of Distance Education and Training’s Command and Staff School enjoy the graduate the two-year course, June 4 at the community center on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Students attended a three-hour class every week for two, eight-month, academic years while still fulfilling their duty as active service members. The students’ commitment to continuously improve personally and professionally was paramount to be successful in the course, according to James Hopkins, the regional director for the CDET, Marine Corps University, Okinawa. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul/Released) - Students of the College of Distance Education and Training’s Command and Staff School enjoy the graduate the two-year course, June 4 at the community center on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Students attended a three-hour class every week for two, eight-month, academic years while still fulfilling their duty as active service members. The students’ commitment to continuously improve personally and professionally was paramount to be successful in the course, according to James Hopkins, the regional director for the CDET, Marine Corps University, Okinawa. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul/Released)

Service members reflect on their shared history during a professional military education tour April 11 at the black-sand beaches of Iwo To, Japan. More than 50 service members toured the island to gain a better understanding of what Marines before them went through during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The service members are with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Service members reflect on their shared history during a professional military education tour April 11 at the black-sand beaches of Iwo To, Japan. More than 50 service members toured the island to gain a better understanding of what Marines before them went through during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The service members are with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Sgt. Maj. Brian D. Olea, left, and Lt. Col. Curtis V. Ebitz, right, promote Sgt. Brandon R. Crook Nov. 1 at the summit of Mount Suribachi on Iwo To, formerly known as Iwo Jima. Olea is the sergeant major and Ebitz is the commanding officer of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Crook is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force planning specialist with the squadron. - Sgt. Maj. Brian D. Olea, left, and Lt. Col. Curtis V. Ebitz, right, promote Sgt. Brandon R. Crook Nov. 1 at the summit of Mount Suribachi on Iwo To, formerly known as Iwo Jima. Olea is the sergeant major and Ebitz is the commanding officer of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Crook is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force planning specialist with the squadron.