"Devil Dog"
Many years have passed since I graduated from
(MCRD) Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Like many institutions over the years change occurs. But the
customs and traditions are Semper Fidelis. The final product is a self disciplined
individual, who is motivated, pays attention to detail, and has the ability to adapt and adjust no matter what situation
arises and works until all goals are accomplished.
"Marine"
So what is military life like? I can't speak
for any other branches of the military. Life as a Devil Dog was a unique experience. An experience I share
with all former and active Marines. The only branch of the service that, "once your a Marine you'll always be a Marine".
Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon This video of the Corps platoon is what team work and being one unit looks like. The same
could be said for any team. It looks easy but having everyone doing the same thing at the same time takes a lot of work.
Just like a movie, forming and coaching a team in any sports it's the coming together through hours of practice that makes
the team able to perform when it's the most important.
So you want some of this everyday? This actor R.Lee Ermey wasn't acting. He was an actual Marine Corps Drill Instructor
1965-67. Served in Vietnam 14 months. Marines of various times can appreciate this video. While his use
of vulgar terms might not be in vogue today. He creates the general atmosphere that bring back memories for all recruits
who've stepped off the bus and on the yellow footprints.
Once a civilian you did as you pleased
Mom or dad could tell you nothing
You're the one living your life
You make the decisions
You're now signed and sealed to serve in the USMC/Military
Sounds like a great life
But wait.
You have to pass basic training
You have to learn your job
You have to go anywhere for duty and you have no control over this.
You might be in a combat area.
Will you have a chance to decide to re-enlist or not?
What about education?
What about the money the military says they will provide you with?
Know what your getting yourself into before you sign and swear in.
So you think you want to be a Marine?
Your decision might be based on your lifestyle. You want to get away
from someone or something. You think your ready to branch out on your own. Believe me when I tell you the military
and the Marine Corps is not what you think it is.
You won't be able to talk very much. All you do is react to the orders
given and do it. Does this sound familiar? Your parents or guardians ask you to do something and you have the
choice to do it or not. In the military you can't refuse. If you do refuse you must pay the price of your actions.
A price is also paid for deciding to do or not to do something. But in the military it's a different world.
Once you sign up and take the test get through the processing. Remember
the long lines standing around hurrying somewhere only to wait long hours. This is what the military is all about.
Hurry up and wait. You've come all this way and now you finally believe your going to accomplish something.
Your college dreams of earning money toward your education is a hook the
military uses to entice recruits to sign up. Your education will not be able to get under way until your military commitments
are met. The job you've selected can you get the same type of job in the civilian job market? Think about this.
Your going to give 4 years of your life away. Now that the military
is engaged in combat in the Middle East don't think for one minute that your not going to go and fight. How do you think
that so many young men and women sign up and once they get put in the combat zone they now want to quit. It's easy to
serve in the military when your life is not on the line. Your life is on the line once you sign up. Don't believe
any other stories.
If you believe that you can serve and you owe the country and your fellow
service men and women then maybe you are making the right decision. It's not easy. It's not full of fun.
It's a job. It's an experience that only other Marines can tell you about. Talk to everyone about your decision
so you can have input from someone other than a recruiter.
MCRD where the bus ride ends and the yellow footprints began. You ready
to take a journey to becoming a "Marine". Let's Go
Camp Pendleton where we humped mount mother...The steepest mountain
that seemed to never end and get steeper as we climbed. The soil was muddy and wet. Rain continuing to fall.
Drill Instructors running back and forth up and down the mountain. While recruits struggled and tried to make it up
to the top. You'll never forget the experience.
Meridian Miss. school-training. Navy all around us. The
climate was muggy and mosquitoes had a free meal.
Orders MCAS Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii. The most beautiful base
that I've had a chance to call my home duty station for 3 and half years.
Barbers Point
Hickam Air Force Base
MCAS Iwakuni Japan
Olongapo
Phillippines
Osan Air Force Base Korea
Yuma Arizona
Eagle Globe and Anchor
To the Men and women of our U.S. Military,
Thank you for your efforts, strength
and determination in the fight against terror. I wish you a speedy and safe tour.
May we appreciate our freedom that we take for granted in
the United States of America.
I wish for all families around the world to live in peace, love
and have the opportunity to choose what type of lives you'll live.
Any stories from our Armed Forces can be sent and will be placed in this section. If any armed service personnel want to link please provide your website
address.
