Marine Corps boot camp was one of the most formidable challenges I have accomplished in my life. This is one of my greatest accomplishments and to this day makes a lasting impression on my life. The military is not for everyone, but if one is looking for a test to challenge their heart, will and perseverance, Marine Corps boot camp will serve this purpose. The journey to become a United States Marine was a long one; it was thirteen weeks of intense training, discipline and education. The Marine Corps takes everyday young people from all walks of life and transforms them into United States Marines. With the constant watchful eyes of a team of drill instructors and the continuous motivation from fellow recruits it is a goal that can be achieved.
When many young men and women graduate from high school, they are indecisive about what to do with their future. For me it was the same way: my decision to join the Marine Corps took two years after I graduated high school. When I remember some of the choices I have made in my life, joining the Marine Corps was the best decision overall. After many physical and intelligence tests prior to the start of basic training the journey began with a fight to San Diego, California the location of the recruit depot for the western side of the United States.
Marine Corps boot camp is divided into three phases. The division of the three phases is designed to reduce an individual to their lowest levels, both mentally and physically. This is done to build the young recruits back up into the image of a United States Marine. Phase one is the breakdown phase, phase two is marksmanship and field training, and phase three is final issue, inspection and graduation.
Phase one starts recruit training, it began with a difficult physical training regime and constant classroom instruction. The classroom study included Marine Corps history, rules and regulations to name a few of the subjects. During this time the drill instructors kept a close eye on everything that takes place during the whole day, therefore there is no margin for error. If a mistake in conduct was made, one would feel the wrath of a very irritated supervisor. The end of the first phase included final testing and an initial physical fitness test to measure the levels the recruits have reached.
Phase two of the training schedule commenced with a bus trip to Camp Pendleton, California. This was the home for my platoon for the next four weeks. The first half of the four week session was marksmanship training. Every recruit was taught the correct and safe order of operations to handle and fire their weapons. With constant supervision and the discipline that was being instilled into each recruit incidents are rare. The high point of the marksmanship training was qualification day on the rifle range. Every individual fires their weapon for a score from the two hundred fifty, three hundred, and five hundred yard lines.
The final two weeks of this training phase was field training. Recruits learned from several situations of a combat environment. There are no comforts of home during this session of training, because the last two weeks are spent living in tents and sleeping in sleeping bags for the duration of the second phase. There are several obstacle courses, close combat instruction and even the dreaded gas chamber that the recruits of platoon 1014 accomplished before we had to tackle the unbearable twenty mile hike. At the conclusion of this hike is a monstrous mountain nicknamed the “grim reaper”. Standing at the bottom and looking up at the task at hand, many things passed through our minds. With self determination and confidence, the platoon conquered the massive mountain. Once on top of the grim reaper, it seemed like a foothill as we gazed down from its rocky peak.
The final phase of recruit training was one of the most anticipated times in the platoons newly found Marine Corps life. It begins with a week of work, where recruits are dispatched throughout the base to help out wherever needed. Once the work week was completed final uniforms were issued and tailored. During this time the drill instructors, diligently worked to get the platoon ready for the final commanding general’s inspection. Once graduation day arrived, every member of the platoon was trying to control their emotions. It is the culmination of hard work and perseverance that brought platoon 1014 to this day. It is a day that will stay with us for a very long time.
When I joined the Marine Corps, I had no idea what direction my life was going. I was a young man fresh out of high school, one who was craving challenge and adventure, and thereby being subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Marine Corps did just that challenged my mind, body and soul. I was a changed man, different from the one who stepped off the bus just thirteen weeks before. As I grew during my time in boot camp, the same had happened to all of my fellow marines that crossed the parade deck on graduation day. No matter what hardships life will serve, it cannot take away the honor and pride the Marine Corps has instilled in me.
