thedrifter
12-23-03, 08:03 AM
'It's a pride thing' - Marine Corps pride is chief's driving force on drill field
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 20031219162820
Story by Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(December 19, 2003) -- Marine Corps pride is what drives Gunnery Sgt. Alejandro Rivera in his career on the drill field.
Rivera is the series gunnery sergeant of four platoons in series 1037, Company C.
Reflecting back on his 11 training cycles aboard the Depot, Rivera said he feels proud of the Marines he has helped mold.
"Eleven cycles is an accomplishment - that is a feat in itself," Rivera said.
Some might call this dedication crazy, but others would be very impressed.
"It's all the pride you take in your job," said Rivera.
He spent five of his cycles as a green-belt drill instructor before taking on more responsibility as a senior drill instructor for three cycles.
He completes his last of three cycles as a series gunnery sergeant today.
"The more you demand from recruits and the more you demonstrate by your own example will determine the quality of recruits that you send out to the operating forces," said the 30-year-old.
Rivera's first sergeant said he believes Rivera's work ethic has developed while on the drill field.
"He served his time well on the Depot," said 1st Sgt. Robert D. Huguley, first sergeant, Co. C. "He used his time well in preparation for the operating forces. He will make a good first sergeant, when his time comes."
According to Huguley, Rivera gives his troops a strong sense of understanding. He is not one dimensional on points of view.
"The experience and leadership you gain here makes you a better Marine," said Rivera. "You do your time in the trenches and people see how you work and your perspective."
According to Rivera, he takes his job very serious.
"The reason I am so serious is because recruits have to earn a drill instructor team's stamp to become U.S. Marines," said Rivera.
"That drill instructor team gives their stamp of approval, saying the recruits have met all requirements and are ready to go to the operating forces. We as drill instructors must believe in that," he said.
Rivera's pride and professionalism shines through in the work he does.
"That stamp of approval is why I believe every drill instructor comes to the drill field.
They come to make a positive change in the quality of recruits going out to the operating forces of the Marine Corps," Rivera said.
Rivera will be assigned to Support Battalion while he awaits orders to 1st Marine Division, where he will likely run into, and end up working with many of the men he trained to become Marines.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20031219162841/$file/DI_lr.jpg
Gunnery Sgt. Alejandro Rivera, series gunnery sergeant, series 1037, Company C, has trained 11 cycles of recruits during his tour of duty aboard the Depot. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/CE0D3D861C68077D85256E010075F35D?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger
:marine:
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 20031219162820
Story by Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(December 19, 2003) -- Marine Corps pride is what drives Gunnery Sgt. Alejandro Rivera in his career on the drill field.
Rivera is the series gunnery sergeant of four platoons in series 1037, Company C.
Reflecting back on his 11 training cycles aboard the Depot, Rivera said he feels proud of the Marines he has helped mold.
"Eleven cycles is an accomplishment - that is a feat in itself," Rivera said.
Some might call this dedication crazy, but others would be very impressed.
"It's all the pride you take in your job," said Rivera.
He spent five of his cycles as a green-belt drill instructor before taking on more responsibility as a senior drill instructor for three cycles.
He completes his last of three cycles as a series gunnery sergeant today.
"The more you demand from recruits and the more you demonstrate by your own example will determine the quality of recruits that you send out to the operating forces," said the 30-year-old.
Rivera's first sergeant said he believes Rivera's work ethic has developed while on the drill field.
"He served his time well on the Depot," said 1st Sgt. Robert D. Huguley, first sergeant, Co. C. "He used his time well in preparation for the operating forces. He will make a good first sergeant, when his time comes."
According to Huguley, Rivera gives his troops a strong sense of understanding. He is not one dimensional on points of view.
"The experience and leadership you gain here makes you a better Marine," said Rivera. "You do your time in the trenches and people see how you work and your perspective."
According to Rivera, he takes his job very serious.
"The reason I am so serious is because recruits have to earn a drill instructor team's stamp to become U.S. Marines," said Rivera.
"That drill instructor team gives their stamp of approval, saying the recruits have met all requirements and are ready to go to the operating forces. We as drill instructors must believe in that," he said.
Rivera's pride and professionalism shines through in the work he does.
"That stamp of approval is why I believe every drill instructor comes to the drill field.
They come to make a positive change in the quality of recruits going out to the operating forces of the Marine Corps," Rivera said.
Rivera will be assigned to Support Battalion while he awaits orders to 1st Marine Division, where he will likely run into, and end up working with many of the men he trained to become Marines.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20031219162841/$file/DI_lr.jpg
Gunnery Sgt. Alejandro Rivera, series gunnery sergeant, series 1037, Company C, has trained 11 cycles of recruits during his tour of duty aboard the Depot. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/CE0D3D861C68077D85256E010075F35D?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger
:marine: