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As I mentioned earlier, my nephew’s graduation from Marine Boot Camp had a big effect on me.
He became a basically-trained Marine on Friday, August 18, 2006, part of “M” Company, Third Battalion, Platoon 3068.
Here’s how things looked, from a proud Aunt’s perspective…
A First-Hand Account of Graduation from Boot Camp
I was so overwhelmingly impressed by what I saw that day:
The “formal” procedures involving the top-notch musically-inclined Marine band along with a good deal of ceremonial sword spinning, cannon-blasting, and flag waving…
Marine recruits standing at attention — for hours, in the blazing sun, in a series of lines & groupings — all part of the process to graduate 566 young men & women on this day…
It is said a canine mascot helps by “boosting the morale of his fellow troops and recruits, and showing visiting families what a “real” devil dog looks like.
The English bulldog was unofficially adopted as the Marine Corps mascot during World War I, when the German Army had reportedly nicknamed the attacking Marines “Teufelhunden,” meaning “Devil Dogs.” Source
The precise movements of Marine officers and the recruits. From solid, meaningful salutes of respect to clenched fists of the recruits as they walk… Perfection is what everyone strives for here. And it’s evident that it’s the ultimate sign of respect…
On F
ebruary 15, 1949, a separate “command” was activated for the sole purpose of training female Marine recruits. This command has since been designated the 4th Recruit Training Battalion and is the only battalion in the Corps to train female recruits.
Source: globalsecurity.org
Girls with guns…
The crowd, filled with oh-so-proud mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, girlfriends, boyfriends, children and more! The pride was SO evident on this day… a relative’s pride for their remarkable Marine, and the Marine recruits’ pride for their own mastery of the impossible…
One, in particular impressed Jim & I to no end… He worked as hard or harder than his recruits — in the hot blazing sun — moving 90-miles-an-hour at all times — determined and focused on the task at hand. For nearly an hour (after the graduation ceremony) we watched him interact with his recruits. He never asked his recruits to do something without lending a hand himself — even menial tasks like picking up trash in the bleachers and out on the sidewalks. We also watched him “lay it on” one recruit (we’re talking HARD! Tough! In-your-face! and MEAN!), so we truly saw this guy’s gruff & mean side. Yet it was evident that he was so easy to respect and learn from at the same time. Kudos to all of the drill instructors who are fair & balanced like this… truly a class act.
Online video: Parris Island Marine recruits & drill instructors
FAQ for parents & visitors at Parris Island graduation.
I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” ideas that most wouldn’t think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed over 10 years before switching gears to pursue activities that I’m truly passionate about. I’ve worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo — to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
This was my platoon! I have no pictures of my platoon at graduation, so thank you for this! I was in Plt 4026, The tall female in the second row with short hair! I recently EASed as a Sergeant. Best 5 years of my life! OohRah!