United States Marine Corps

The title of US Marine http://www.marines.com/ is a very distinguished honor that can bestow a man or woman. One of the first things is the contacting a Marine recruiter in the area you live in. There the recruiter will do a short evaluation to see if you qualify as a candidate for the Marines. From a preliminary back ground check, verify high school graduation or GED. The next step will be to get into the nearest MEPS station for processing, which can take from a day or two to a week or so. If the person goes through the medical, psychological screenings, can complete an initial physical fitness test to measure what kind of condition the person is in. After processing if you meet the criteria then you will be shipped to boot camp.

The Marines have 2 basic training sites. The first is MCRD SAN DIEGO, Ca. They take recruits that live west of the Mississippi River for training. Which is another crazy acronym that stands for Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Oh first piece of advice the Marines use acronyms to abbreviate every thing to make it easier to remember. The second is MCRD Parris Island, S.C. which takes recruits that live east of the Mississippi River for training. Upon arriving at the desired resort location, the men and women begin a grueling, rigorous , training schedule. Initially the recruits are picked up the first week by receiving phase, where the last phone call home for a while is allowed to let family know of there arrivals. The famous yellow foot prints from getting off the bus showing the proper way to stand at attention. To the initial clothing handout that lovely shade of green, or olive drab.. The recruits are issued their M16A2 service rifle, of course with the rifle creed " this is my rifle there are none other like it......." By the end of the week the Senior drill instructor will meet his training platoon for the first time. I still remember mine GySgt Strathers, followed by Ssgt Brown, Sgt. Reiner missing one but it has been 20 some years ago. How time flies when your having fun in the Cali sun.

Boot camp is broken down into three phases. First phase starts out with teaching the recruits the history , customs, and courtesies of the corps. Every thing starts out at a lower level and slowing increases with the progression of training. From proper hygiene to rifle care, learning general orders, chain of command. The second phase training sets the bar higher as the training gets harder. The recruits learn more about team work, a single man can accomplish some things but a team can be indestructible. This is where recruits learn the basics of shooting. Sight alignment sight picture, BRASS- breath, relax, aim, stop, squeeze, one shot one kill never missed never will Marine Corps Rifleman deadliest on the planet. When firing a rifle people will anticipate the shot BRASS will help control the shooters breathing to get a better shot. This is where recruits will eventually qualify with their M16. Shooting from the 200,300, and 500 yard lines with a time limit. Ensuring that each shooter maintains a complete safe weapon while not on the firing line. Third phase consist of all previously learned skills plus learning to don and clear gas mask in cs chamber. Prepping for final inspections and drill before graduation day.

One of the last things a recruit will do is participate in the "Crucible" a 2 and a half day exercise where basically a squad size unit will use th training received to accomplish preset missions. With approximately 58 miles of marching to test endurance over the exercise, leadership abilities, teamwork. Going long periods with little sleep or food simulating combat situations. To achieve the objectives and stay strong as a team. West coast recruits hump up Mt Mother F_ _ _ e_ _r the nick name is fitting . A 26 mile hump up and down a mountain. I honestly didn't think I was going to make that. Our DI's pushed us, encouraged us and motivated all of our platoon to succeed. One of my greatest moments in life once done. Then comes graduation day, where a recruit becomes a United States Marine, the proudest day of any Marines life. Marching across the parade deck and that final eyes right ready front. Still brings tears of pride, joy, accomplishment, that I honestly cannot describe with words .

What is a Marine? A Marine is a highly trained rifleman, that performs a secondary job called a MOS. From a cook , infantry, artillery, motor transport, to administration, aviation, and some many more jobs to list with more training to complete. There is no low job in the Marines each job supports the whole in its own way. From graduation day til your EAS or retirement you will carry the title of Marine. Last fact about Marines is it is the only branch of the military that can be sent into a combat situation without declaring war for 90 days without the consent of congress. Semper Fidelis Marines past present and future may god be with you. If you would like more information about the United States Marine Corps contact the recruiter nearest to you by calling  1 (800) MARINES.