thedrifter
01-16-04, 07:56 PM
JROTC paves way for recruit-training success
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 2004115121051
Story by Sgt. L. F. Langston
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(January 16, 2004) -- Throughout high school, dedicating himself to a rigid military lifestyle was his way of picking himself off the couch and doing something.
Once just a face in the crowd, PFC Roberto M. Chavez, guide, Platoon 3132, Company L, gradually worked his way up to leading his platoon.
Born in Chula Vista, Calif., and raised in nearby National City, Chavez realized he was becoming a couch potato and not progressing in school. He decided to immerse himself in the Marine Corps JROTC program at Sweetwater High School in National City.
"It wasn't until 9th grade JROTC that I became motivated to excel," Chavez said. "In order to be promoted, you had to make good grades.
"I used to hang out with friends that just played video games and did nothing. I stopped hanging out with them and started hanging out with guys in JROTC."
Chavez started picking up leadership skills. "I looked at my JROTC instructors as mentors," said Chavez.
"He showed a lot of initiative and was an overall high achiever," said retired Gunnery Sgt. Jesus Tavares, a JROTC instructor at Sweetwater.
"I learned what camaraderie was all about being in JROTC," Chavez said.
The Marine Corps JROTC program became a foundation for Chavez's success, giving him a well-rounded view of leadership skills, physical fitness, academics and community services.
"He was a super student, and I wasn't surprised he carried what he learned here onto recruit training," said retired Chief Warrant Officer Gerry Forand, another JROTC instructor at Sweetwater.
Taking on the duties as platoon guide came easily for Chavez. He participated in the JROTC rifle program's drill team and four-man exhibition drill team.
"He definitely sets the pace for the platoon," said Chavez's senior drill instructor, Staff Sgt. Tony S. Cruz.
Chavez participated in a series meritorious promotion board that would advance him to the company meritorious promotion board.
"During the series board, his knowledge and bearing were locked on. He's a strong runner with a 300 physical fitness training score," said Cruz.
Chavez missed winning the board, but the respect he has gained from his fellow recruits is strong.
"He started out slow and worked his way up. He deserved being company honorman," said squad leader, PFC Bradford Cunningham, Platoon 3132.
Chavez's commitment to excel and become a leader has been evident through his actions, but he is aware there's always room for improvement and learning.
Leading his platoon with pride and confidence off the parade deck, Chavez will take his 10-day leave period visiting friends, family and JROTC cadets.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200411512124/$file/RECRUIT_lr.jpg
PFC Roberto M. Chavez, guide, Platoon 3132, Company L, used his four years of JROTC experience to his advantage in recruit training, working his way up to top recruit in his platoon. Photo by: Sgt. L. F. Langston
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/BBB7D62FC9CCA83985256E1C005E60A4?opendocument
The Drifter
:marine:
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 2004115121051
Story by Sgt. L. F. Langston
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(January 16, 2004) -- Throughout high school, dedicating himself to a rigid military lifestyle was his way of picking himself off the couch and doing something.
Once just a face in the crowd, PFC Roberto M. Chavez, guide, Platoon 3132, Company L, gradually worked his way up to leading his platoon.
Born in Chula Vista, Calif., and raised in nearby National City, Chavez realized he was becoming a couch potato and not progressing in school. He decided to immerse himself in the Marine Corps JROTC program at Sweetwater High School in National City.
"It wasn't until 9th grade JROTC that I became motivated to excel," Chavez said. "In order to be promoted, you had to make good grades.
"I used to hang out with friends that just played video games and did nothing. I stopped hanging out with them and started hanging out with guys in JROTC."
Chavez started picking up leadership skills. "I looked at my JROTC instructors as mentors," said Chavez.
"He showed a lot of initiative and was an overall high achiever," said retired Gunnery Sgt. Jesus Tavares, a JROTC instructor at Sweetwater.
"I learned what camaraderie was all about being in JROTC," Chavez said.
The Marine Corps JROTC program became a foundation for Chavez's success, giving him a well-rounded view of leadership skills, physical fitness, academics and community services.
"He was a super student, and I wasn't surprised he carried what he learned here onto recruit training," said retired Chief Warrant Officer Gerry Forand, another JROTC instructor at Sweetwater.
Taking on the duties as platoon guide came easily for Chavez. He participated in the JROTC rifle program's drill team and four-man exhibition drill team.
"He definitely sets the pace for the platoon," said Chavez's senior drill instructor, Staff Sgt. Tony S. Cruz.
Chavez participated in a series meritorious promotion board that would advance him to the company meritorious promotion board.
"During the series board, his knowledge and bearing were locked on. He's a strong runner with a 300 physical fitness training score," said Cruz.
Chavez missed winning the board, but the respect he has gained from his fellow recruits is strong.
"He started out slow and worked his way up. He deserved being company honorman," said squad leader, PFC Bradford Cunningham, Platoon 3132.
Chavez's commitment to excel and become a leader has been evident through his actions, but he is aware there's always room for improvement and learning.
Leading his platoon with pride and confidence off the parade deck, Chavez will take his 10-day leave period visiting friends, family and JROTC cadets.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200411512124/$file/RECRUIT_lr.jpg
PFC Roberto M. Chavez, guide, Platoon 3132, Company L, used his four years of JROTC experience to his advantage in recruit training, working his way up to top recruit in his platoon. Photo by: Sgt. L. F. Langston
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/BBB7D62FC9CCA83985256E1C005E60A4?opendocument
The Drifter
:marine: