This week I wrapped up my training to be a liaison for the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned (MCCLL) in Iraq.  We spent the week reviewing software/database systems, processes, procedures, and tools then ended the week having to give a mock brief about MCCLL to the Commanding Officer to ensure we knew what to do when in theater.

Interestingly enough, a few squids (Navy) and fly boys (Air Force) sat in on the training to try to gain an understanding on how the Marine Corps does business.

Briefly, my job in Iraq will be to continually communicate and provide training and information to every Marine Corps command in the Al Anbar province.  You can think of MCCLL as trying to ensure Marines utilize best practices.  We collect information and conduct interviews to understand what works, what doesn’t work, and how to improve upon virtually anything. 

Marines have been successful because of knowledge gained from Marines that came before us.  Now, MCCLL is leading the way with the other service branches hence why the other branches sat through our training too.

Now again, I am going to the Al Anbar province.  Al Anbar is the largest province in Iraq and encompasses much of the country’s western territory.  It shares borders with Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia and is predominately Sunni.  Before 1976 the province was known as Ramadi; before 1962, it was known as Dulaim.

Not only was the training top notch, the Marines and civilians working for MCCLL had great personalities, drive, and commitment to improve how the Marine Corps operates.

MCCLL sets the bar high for the liaisons and expects much.  Just the sort of environment I like and need to be engaged with.  I look forward to helping my Marine Corps to the best of my abilities.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

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