Marine Recruits!!!

[murfef]

Well, we picked up a new group of recruits yesterday! I think I may be getting too old for this Drill Instructor stuff, either that or my little break was a little too long. Probably a little of both. My body is in what I like to call "extreme pain"! Especially my feet. And oh yeah, my voice is gone. Don't really have anything much to say about it, just wanted to complain I guess. LOL Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I'm enjoying my hour while the recruits are at Church and then back to it. Probably gonna sleep for a few minutes. :mad:

[HeloDriver]

I thought the Marines made you guys in some sort of factory. When going through flight school in Pensacola they turned us over to a DI for a few weeks. I had the considerable misfortune of having the last name of Studley. It was a rough go from the beginning. :) I remember going on 12 mile beach runs in sugar sand thinking my chest was going to explode. Gunny Richards would run the whole run backwards yelling remarks about our genealogy and sexual preference and not break a sweat. Ah, good times.

[mag3]

Well, we picked up a new group of recruits yesterday! I think I may be getting too old for this Drill Instructor stuff, either that or my little break was a little too long. Probably a little of both. My body is in what I like to call "extreme pain"! Especially my feet. And oh yeah, my voice is gone. Don't really have anything much to say about it, just wanted to complain I guess. LOL Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I'm enjoying my hour while the recruits are at Church and then back to it. Probably gonna sleep for a few minutes. :mad:

If I may, just out of curiosity.... Do they give you voice training at DI school? It sounds weird, I understand, but one would think that the DI's voice is an integral part of his/her toolkit, and preservation/proper control of it would be important not only for the Corps' opps, but also for "medical benefit cost" and other reasons....

As an aside, I enjoyed the "Military Channel" shows they did on the MCRD at Parris Island. I often wonder if any of either the recruits or DI's that were part of them are still there (or still in the Corps). One thing I didn't understand was where does the "series" fit in within the organizational structure (eg. Squad --> Platoon --> Company --> Battalion --> etc. etc.). I gather you're in a training series then, as opposed to being in the "receiving" unit.


Thanks for the work you folks do, BTW... You might just save one of those kids' lives someday. :clapper

[Webmaster]

If I may, just out of curiosity.... Do they give you voice training at DI school? It sounds weird, I understand, but one would think that the DI's voice is an integral part of his/her toolkit, and preservation/proper control of it would be important not only for the Corps' opps, but also for "medical benefit cost" and other reasons....


That's a good point, I know a number of heavy metal singers sought out voice coaching to be able to scream incoherently at a crowd without hurting their vocal cords.

[Puttzer]

I recall in the early 70's, the DI's sang the cadences. Really nice sounding and something we recruits took pride in.

Do the DI's still do this or have they dropped to the ARMY stuff.

[sea2summit]

Do the DI's still do this or have they dropped to the ARMY stuff.

Think so, last time I heard a Marine sing cadence it was actual words.

[mag3]

I recall in the early 70's, the DI's sang the cadences. Really nice sounding and something we recruits took pride in.

Do the DI's still do this or have they dropped to the ARMY stuff.

If you can find Jack Webb's movie "The D.I.," his junior D.I., Sgt. Braver (played by a real Marine, Sgt. Paul Prutzman) did some really nice work with cadences, as well as the commands themselves.


"Git....Git....Git!" :-D

[murfef]

If I may, just out of curiosity.... Do they give you voice training at DI school? It sounds weird, I understand, but one would think that the DI's voice is an integral part of his/her toolkit, and preservation/proper control of it would be important not only for the Corps' opps, but also for "medical benefit cost" and other reasons....

It's not a weird question at all, we get asked that a lot. We don't get any "voice training". What we get is a lot of screaming. You lose your voice and it comes back stronger. When you scream and nothing comes out but air, just keep screaming and it will "pop" (literally) and start to come back stronger. It's actually common to have blood on your lips etc from ripping up your throat. It's not healthy at all really, thats why most DI's always have an altered voice but really loud.

As an aside, I enjoyed the "Military Channel" shows they did on the MCRD at Parris Island. I often wonder if any of either the recruits or DI's that were part of them are still there (or still in the Corps). One thing I didn't understand was where does the "series" fit in within the organizational structure (eg. Squad --> Platoon --> Company --> Battalion --> etc. etc.). I gather you're in a training series then, as opposed to being in the "receiving" unit.

Yes, a lot of those people are still around. I've seen a couple of the DI's back at LeJeune (not DI's anymore) and one of the female recruits that was interviewed during that documentary actually lives here in my neighborhood and is still in the Marine Corps.
Here, the breakdown goes, Plt-Series-Company-Battalion. Basically the Company is split into two parts, Lead Series and Follow Series. This is basically for training so that the different training organizations can accomodate our size. IE, Lead Series will do Rapel tower in the A.M. while Follow Series does the Gas Chamber then we switch in the P.M. And yes, I'm in a training Company, F, and am in Lead series.


Thanks for the work you folks do, BTW... You might just save one of those kids' lives someday. :clapper

thanks so much, it always feels good to know that we aren't forgotten.


I recall in the early 70's, the DI's sang the cadences. Really nice sounding and something we recruits took pride in.


Do the DI's still do this or have they dropped to the ARMY stuff.

We do still do it (not the Army crap lol) but not until late in training. Don't want to give them anything to be happy about!!! lol

[sskasser]

As the proud Marine mother of one of those recruits Murphy turned into a Marine, I'm damn proud of the job he (Murphy) does! I know if the time comes that my son is out there doing what's he's trained to do in battle....that enemy is SCREWED!! OOOO RAH!

Give them baby recruits hell Murf and tell 'em to quit being so nasty! :smt079

[MedCop]

Take care of yourself so you can take care of those recruits...you are what makes a diff when it comes to survival.

Also....

Thank You

(From an Ex-Army Medic) My favorite cadence was the ones we sang, and yes it is true....we didn't sing many in the Army.

[mag3]

It's not a weird question at all, we get asked that a lot. We don't get any "voice training". What we get is a lot of screaming. You lose your voice and it comes back stronger. When you scream and nothing comes out but air, just keep screaming and it will "pop" (literally) and start to come back stronger. It's actually common to have blood on your lips etc from ripping up your throat. It's not healthy at all really, thats why most DI's always have an altered voice but really loud.


I guess that's why I'd have hoped the Marine Corps would provide some kind of voice training... since it isn't very healthy, I'd figure they'd at least want to try and prevent any major medical costs that arise, or lost time at work. As long as you have a solution that works for you and keeps you in good shape.



Yes, a lot of those people are still around. I've seen a couple of the DI's back at LeJeune (not DI's anymore) and one of the female recruits that was interviewed during that documentary actually lives here in my neighborhood and is still in the Marine Corps.

I'd like to see the Military Channel to do a "Where are they now" follow up. Given some of the personalities I saw, it would be truly interesting to see which of them actually found a career for themselves in the Marine Corps.

Anyway, the PT (believe it or not) actually seemed like fun. I'd probably need a few months in the PCP at my age before even attempting it, :-D but I'd love one day to be able to do the obstacle course challenges (eg. "slide for life" etc.). In fact, if the Marine Corps ever needs to make some side money, they might consider having the DI's PT'ing civilians on that course. I'd pay for it.... And I know you folks would get me in great shape!!!




thanks so much, it always feels good to know that we aren't forgotten.

My sister is currently in the Army Natl. Guard (Lt. Col.)and has been for almost 20 years. While her current billet keeps her state side with her 13 y/o daughter and 10y/o son, she was deployed for a year at FOB Speicher, near Tikrit.

No, we don't ever forget! :clapper:clapper:clapper

[FW]

I thought the Marines made you guys in some sort of factory.....
Even factory models eventually wear out :-D

[Me]

I was in the Coast Guard and my company in boot camp was the only one that sang cadence while marching. Our CC (same as a DI) was nuts for cadence and would play cadence tapes during our various cleaning duties to get us ingrained. We weren't allowed to sing cadence until 7th and 8th week. I remember doing all kinds of songs and different fancy marching techniques. My favorite was "to the winds".

Interesting team building as CG bootcamp was co-ed.

[HeloDriver]

Even factory models eventually wear out :-D


I think you're right Forest. I hit the big 40 this year. Thank goodness for replacement parts. :smt081

[murfef]

As the proud Marine mother of one of those recruits Murphy turned into a Marine, I'm damn proud of the job he (Murphy) does! I know if the time comes that my son is out there doing what's he's trained to do in battle....that enemy is SCREWED!! OOOO RAH!

Give them baby recruits hell Murf and tell 'em to quit being so nasty! :smt079

Thank you for the compliment Shirley!


I was in the Coast Guard and my company in boot camp was the only one that sang cadence while marching. Our CC (same as a DI) was nuts for cadence and would play cadence tapes during our various cleaning duties to get us ingrained. We weren't allowed to sing cadence until 7th and 8th week. I remember doing all kinds of songs and different fancy marching techniques. My favorite was "to the winds".

Interesting team building as CG bootcamp was co-ed.

I usually teach them that on about week 11, it is pretty neat.


I think you're right Forest. I hit the big 40 this year. Thank goodness for replacement parts. :smt081
Hahaha, tell me about it, I'll be 36 in June! For some reason, I thought it was a good idea to come down here at 34 years old.:smt102

[cracker]

dont be jealous of the army infantry, with all the money, training, and toys. i was there for 8, my sister was marine transportation, so i cant hate on you that much.

[skdvr]

I still sing cadence (Former Marine) from time to time to myself when I am on a run. I actually got into a conversation with a buddy of mine (another Former Marine) about cadences a few weeks ago, and we talked about of favorites and different versions of them. I was in for 8 years and I have been out for 8, it is amazing how that sticks with you.

I wanted to go to the Drill Field very badly, but I got selected for recruiting duty. That was shortly before I decided to get out.

Phil

[scububa]

I still sing cadence (Former Marine) from time to time to myself when I am on a run. ...

Phil

There's a cure for that you know....................quit running :smt102


Jim (Phil's trimix class buddy)

[murfef]

I'm still alive but not sure for how long. It's day four and I'm really starting to feel it. It would be nice to see my family for a little while (other than in bed asleep). Starting to see improvement in the recruits though so I guess that is ultimatly what makes it all worth it. Started putting a lot of pain in their bodies today. Thank God for the trusty Quarter Deck and the Pit!

[WEPIV]

Murf,

We talked about this a bit and I know my air force basic by no means equals marine basic but you know you are doing a very important job and I know you enjoy it, although maybe not every second. And I know you are moving fairly soon so is this your last bunch of recruits?
You’re taking civilians and making them into United States Marines -- and some of your recruits will need every bit of what you are teaching them to survive (literally) at their next duty station.
So, do your best as I know you will and when you have down time (however few and far between that is) and you’re not thinking about your happy little family think about our great springs and caves and the dives you have done and those coming up in the future.
I find that works for me when I'm away from my family and springs.

Gene

[contender]

Well, we picked up a new group of recruits yesterday! I think I may be getting too old for this Drill Instructor stuff, either that or my little break was a little too long. Probably a little of both. My body is in what I like to call "extreme pain"! Especially my feet. And oh yeah, my voice is gone. Don't really have anything much to say about it, just wanted to complain I guess. LOL Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I'm enjoying my hour while the recruits are at Church and then back to it. Probably gonna sleep for a few minutes. :mad:


I was at that same place in 1996, keep your head up and remember the importance of your job. I will tell you what you have heard a thousand times " Mind over matter, if you don't mind, it don't matter". Remember to leave work at work, don't bring it home...Semper Fi---3rd Bt. Shoot me a pm sometime, I would love to come back to PI on a pickup day as a spectator.

[planetoceandiver]

Well, we picked up a new group of recruits yesterday! I think I may be getting too old for this Drill Instructor stuff, either that or my little break was a little too long. Probably a little of both. My body is in what I like to call "extreme pain"! Especially my feet. And oh yeah, my voice is gone. Don't really have anything much to say about it, just wanted to complain I guess. LOL Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I'm enjoying my hour while the recruits are at Church and then back to it. Probably gonna sleep for a few minutes. :mad:

I was herded off the Trailways bus and stood in the yellow footprints on Paris Island 48 years ago. I first met my drill instructors there at what seemed like the middle of the night. Terror and confusion reigned that night and for the next few weeks but SSgt Tanis, Sgt Wood & Cpl Bodenhammer - guess I'll never forget them and I hope I never forget the lessons I learned there - soon had us shaped up and squared away.

If you're as good as they were, and I'm sure you are, your recruits too will be remembering and thanking you many long after their active service in the Marines are a distant memory. Keep up the good work. You're doing a very important job.

Thanks for your service and for your family's.

Semper Fi, brother.

[sskasser]

I was herded off the Trailways bus and stood in the yellow footprints on Paris Island 48 years ago. I first met my drill instructors there at what seemed like the middle of the night. Terror and confusion reigned that night and for the next few weeks but SSgt Tanis, Sgt Wood & Cpl Bodenhammer - guess I'll never forget them and I hope I never forget the lessons I learned there - soon had us shaped up and squared away.

If you're as good as they were, and I'm sure you are, your recruits too will be remembering and thanking you many long after their active service in the Marines are a distant memory. Keep up the good work. You're doing a very important job.

Thanks for your service and for your family's.

Semper Fi, brother.

Thank you!

Here's the yellow footprints. No amount of cajoling could convince him to step on them again for the photo. :D

http://www.cavediver.net/forum/gallery/files/1/7/2/2/cameron_s_graduation_160.jpg

[Me]

You guys are giving me flashbacks! Different branch, but similar nonetheless. I remember arriving by bus at Cape May and the CC stepping onto the bus with a friendly smile on his face saying "Welcome to Cape May!" that was the last friendly thing he said........the cranking began in the next sentence uttered from his lips.

[murfef]

Murf,

We talked about this a bit and I know my air force basic by no means equals marine basic but you know you are doing a very important job and I know you enjoy it, although maybe not every second. And I know you are moving fairly soon so is this your last bunch of recruits?
You’re taking civilians and making them into United States Marines -- and some of your recruits will need every bit of what you are teaching them to survive (literally) at their next duty station.
So, do your best as I know you will and when you have down time (however few and far between that is) and you’re not thinking about your happy little family think about our great springs and caves and the dives you have done and those coming up in the future.
I find that works for me when I'm away from my family and springs.

Gene

Whenever someone ask "how do you like being a Drill Instructor?", I always reply, "It's a love/hate relationship!" hahaha It truely is, I hate being away from my family so much, the kids are in bed when I leave at 0315 and are in bed when I get home at 2100, I hate how my feet bleed and my toenails tend to "just fall off", I hate how my throat bleeds and my voice makes my little girl cry sometimes, I hate how, at times, it seems like I'm putting in every ounce of my being into making them into something bigger than themselves and they (the recruits) don't even seem to care (like I'm supposed to feel sorry for them that they only had 8 hours of sleep and only 3 meals today). Having said those things, I love the reward at the end and that makes it all worth it. Its amazing to see a kids parents walk right past him because they don't recognize him and then are in complete shock at the transformation (that we don't always see because we are around them EVERYDAY:smt086! Then they go on and on about how much they appreciate us, it really makes me feel like I've done something good for the country. Not only that I helped make them into Marines but hopefully, I've helped make them into better citizens.

Not sure yet if we're leaving in July or not, hopefully I'll find out in the next couple of weeks. God, I hope so! Don't worry, I think of the caves and caverns all the time, that's why I spend my spare few minutes a day on here. haha I hope to get back down there and dive with you all again.




I was at that same place in 1996, keep your head up and remember the importance of your job. I will tell you what you have heard a thousand times " Mind over matter, if you don't mind, it don't matter". Remember to leave work at work, don't bring it home...Semper Fi---3rd Bt. Shoot me a pm sometime, I would love to come back to PI on a pickup day as a spectator.

3rd BN huh!! Slay them HOGS! Not sure if they were saying that then but its definantly a 3rd Bn thing now, we like to pick on them about it, that and the fact that EVERYTHING has to be blue!:rollguyI was a 3rd Bn recruit though, India company in 1992 so, I guess my loyalty lies with both. I was made there but have but in a lot of blood sweat and tears (literally on my first cycle!!) at 2nd Bn Fox Co.


Thanks so much for everyones responses. You're all so NICE.:roll::rollguy

[TMet]

I hated boot camp/SOI while I was there. But soon after I looked back and missed it. You really don't realize it while you're there, but its a blast.

Am I the only Hollywood Marine around? All this P.I. talk is driving me nuts!

Edit: I take back the hating SOI, that was fun. If I could make a career out just going through that over an over I would.

[sskasser]

I hated boot camp/SOI while I was there. But soon after I looked back and missed it. You really don't realize it while you're there, but its a blast.

Am I the only Hollywood Marine around? All this P.I. talk is driving me nuts!

Edit: I take back the hating SOI, that was fun. If I could make a career out just going through that over an over I would.


You know, I often thought it sounded like lots of fun! My son wrote home about getting to rappel, hike, camp, swim, target practice, play at the beach (or was that sand pit?), and wrestle with his buddies. Sounded like a blast! :smt081

[skdvr]

Am I the only Hollywood Marine around? All this P.I. talk is driving me nuts!



1994 Fox Co. San Diego.
Sr. D.I. Sgt Ivy
Heavy D.I. Sgt Watkins
D.I. Sgt Reyes
D.I. Sgt Brown

Damn there were two others who I just cannot remember right now.


Phil

[contender]

3rd BN huh!! Slay them HOGS! Not sure if they were saying that then but its definantly a 3rd Bn thing now, we like to pick on them about it, that and the fact that EVERYTHING has to be blue!:rollguyI was a 3rd Bn recruit though, India company in 1992 so, I guess my loyalty lies with both. I was made there but have but in a lot of blood sweat and tears (literally on my first cycle!!) at 2nd Bn Fox Co.


Thanks so much for everyones responses. You're all so NICE.:roll::rollguy

No, that saying was not around when I was there, or I don't remember hearing it. I was also a recruit in 3rd Bn. India Co., however I did like to eat at 2nd Bn. Chowhall, it always seemed to have the best food, or maybe that's because 2nd Bn. produces the best cooks in the Corps.:rollguy

[contender]

I hated boot camp/SOI while I was there. But soon after I looked back and missed it. You really don't realize it while you're there, but its a blast.

Am I the only Hollywood Marine around? All this P.I. talk is driving me nuts!

Edit: I take back the hating SOI, that was fun. If I could make a career out just going through that over an over I would.

You must be the only Hollywood Marine, I take it you used to live west of the river at one point. It makes for good times kidding about being Hollywood Marines, but in the end we are all still Lean(used to be), Mean, Amphibious machines.:snipe:

[hfig]

3rd Bn India Co. Pla 3060
Sr. DI SSgt Velez

What year were you on the Island?

I remember the same thing, chow was amazing over at 2nd Bn, I did my chow hall duty over there.


No, that saying was not around when I was there, or I don't remember hearing it. I was also a recruit in 3rd Bn. India Co., however I did like to eat at 2nd Bn. Chowhall, it always seemed to have the best food, or maybe that's because 2nd Bn. produces the best cooks in the Corps.:rollguy

[murfef]

No, that saying was not around when I was there, or I don't remember hearing it. I was also a recruit in 3rd Bn. India Co., however I did like to eat at 2nd Bn. Chowhall, it always seemed to have the best food, or maybe that's because 2nd Bn. produces the best cooks in the Corps.:rollguy

Ok, now we've got jokes!!! OK, funny, but we've also got some hero's. I know you were just kidding though, I actually did LOL! Cpl Dunham was a 2nd Bn recruit. funny though. I do notice though that it seems like the Hats over at 3rd must have a "No Running chit!" :rollguy

[TMet]

You must be the only Hollywood Marine, I take it you used to live west of the river at one point. It makes for good times kidding about being Hollywood Marines, but in the end we are all still Lean(used to be), Mean, Amphibious machines.:snipe:

Lived in Indiana when I enlisted. I guess its one of the weird states that still goes to the west coast even though east of the river.

1st Bn. C Co. Plt. 1085 for me
Sr. DI Sgt. Tipps
7/00

[mag3]

Lived in Indiana when I enlisted. I guess its one of the weird states that still goes to the west coast even though east of the river.

1st Bn. C Co. Plt. 1085 for me
Sr. DI Sgt. Tipps
7/00


Same for the Chicago metro area, at least at one point. A former boss of mine from there went to MCRD San Diego as well.

[adam0321]

3rd bn lima plt 3008. I am now at the marine combat divers course in panama city florida.

[murfef]

3rd bn lima plt 3008. I am now at the marine combat divers course in panama city florida.

I need to get in on that course. What are the pre reqs? Can anyone attend or what?

[adam0321]

unfortunatly not. You have to be a 0321(recon marines) with minumum two years on current contract.

[murfef]

unfortunatly not. You have to be a 0321(recon marines) with minumum two years on current contract.

Oh well, I guess 0369 isn't good enough. I figured that's how it was. Anyway, I'm on my way to V13 soon so I'll get to dive plenty.

[murfef]

Just thought I would give everyone an update. We graduate on Friday!! YAY!!!! It's been another long road but its winding down. We dropped about 10 of the original 35 and picked up the same amount from other companies. With such small Platoons, I thought we would have it a little easier but it actually seemed harder than the normal 80+ at times. Anyway, I'm excited to be finishing this cycle up, hope its the last one! It's Sunday so most of the Boys, Marines now, are at church and the rest are working on their uniforms for the Battalion Commanders Inspection on Tuesday morning. Maybe I can actually get back in the water now!!!

[mag3]

Just thought I would give everyone an update. We graduate on Friday!! YAY!!!! It's been another long road but its winding down. We dropped about 10 of the original 35 and picked up the same amount from other companies. With such small Platoons, I thought we would have it a little easier but it actually seemed harder than the normal 80+ at times. Anyway, I'm excited to be finishing this cycle up, hope its the last one! It's Sunday so most of the Boys, Marines now, are at church and the rest are working on their uniforms for the Battalion Commanders Inspection on Tuesday morning. Maybe I can actually get back in the water now!!!

Oorah! You all survived your Crucible! Did they get their EGAs yesterday morning, or do they (as ISTR) get them now, the day before graduation?

[murfef]

they got them yesterday morning. Now they figure, "I'm a Marine, I don't have to move fast". Oh wehll, it'll be over Friday. You getting ready for your Intro? Wish I could get down there with you for those dives, it still might happen but it isn't looking good. I'm gonna try still though.

[mag3]

they got them yesterday morning. Now they figure, "I'm a Marine, I don't have to move fast". Oh wehll, it'll be over Friday. You getting ready for your Intro? Wish I could get down there with you for those dives, it still might happen but it isn't looking good. I'm gonna try still though.

Lots of practice, buoyancy control, reel work, feeling for gear with eyes closed, valve drills etc. And if you can get there, that would be great...

[TONY CHANEY]

SSgt Chaney (USMC Ret.)
1st Bn, Alfa Co, Pla 1063
May-Aug 1983
PI