thedrifter
09-30-06, 07:35 AM
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Sep. 29, 2006) -- One of the most iconic images that perfectly represents the Marine Corps and its ethos is the drill instructor. Dressed to impeccable standards, bursting with authority and driven with confidence, they are the proverbial linchpin in forging ordinary civilians into Marines.
Yet, there is another kind of instructor, one whose job is as integral in shaping Marines as any other. However, they aren't spoken of with the same fever as their counterparts. They are the School of Infantry instructors, the men who train Marines to do what's been done since 1775: close with and destroy the enemy.
Instructing at the School of Infantry is a tough and challenging position which previously offered little incentive.
However improvements and incentives to become an SOI combat instructor have improved immensely. Now considered a "B" billet alongside drill instructors, recruiters and Marine security guards, Special Operations Command, SOI combat instructors now take home special duty pay. The extra billet helps make a Marine more promotable.
As combat operations continue unabated in the Middle East, the need for SOI combat instructors never ceases.
"There's always a need for instructors," said Oldham. "Because of the Global War On Terrorism, we have instructors being called up for deployment, so we constantly need replacements to fill in the gaps."
Infantry Marines like Oldham often choose SOI combat instructor duty over other "B" billets because of the familiarity of the environment they'll teach in.
"I had no desire to be a recruiter, and I wanted to be able to see my family, so I chose to be an instructor," recalled Oldham. "I wanted to stay within my element, because in other "B" billets you tend to lose your Marine Occupational Speciality credibility."
Those wishing to take on the challenges of teaching young Marines as a combat instructor must first attend the Marine Combat Instructor Course.
Over a seven-week period of instruction, Marines go over basic weapons systems, conduct live-fire exercises with weapons ranging from hand grenades to anti-armor weapons, go on conditioning hikes and learn the formal way to properly teach Marines.
To graduate, Marines must demonstrate their ability to teach basic field marksmanship, the basics of setting up a defensive position, live-fire squad maneuvering and every Marine's important role in providing defense.
"It's almost like going through the same thing as the young Marines, only we do it in a faster manner and with more emphasis on teaching," said Oldham, a native of Portland, Ore.
Marines from a variety of military occupational specialties have volunteered for instructor duty at both SOI and Marine Combat Training, a three week training period akin to SOI but for non-infantry Leathernecks.
"SOI is constantly evolving, because we receive combat veterans who come here to teach, and they all bring their personal experiences with them," said Oldham. "If approved, we try to implement them into the course."
After one year of teaching Marines at SOI, Oldham takes pride in his work and the abilities of the Leathernecks under his guide.
"My favorite part of the job is teaching the Marines because they are so eager to learn everything," said Oldham. "They always keep us on our toes, and with some of the questions they ask, even we have to look up the answer."
For more information on becoming an SOI combat instructor, contact your career planner.
Ellie
Yet, there is another kind of instructor, one whose job is as integral in shaping Marines as any other. However, they aren't spoken of with the same fever as their counterparts. They are the School of Infantry instructors, the men who train Marines to do what's been done since 1775: close with and destroy the enemy.
Instructing at the School of Infantry is a tough and challenging position which previously offered little incentive.
However improvements and incentives to become an SOI combat instructor have improved immensely. Now considered a "B" billet alongside drill instructors, recruiters and Marine security guards, Special Operations Command, SOI combat instructors now take home special duty pay. The extra billet helps make a Marine more promotable.
As combat operations continue unabated in the Middle East, the need for SOI combat instructors never ceases.
"There's always a need for instructors," said Oldham. "Because of the Global War On Terrorism, we have instructors being called up for deployment, so we constantly need replacements to fill in the gaps."
Infantry Marines like Oldham often choose SOI combat instructor duty over other "B" billets because of the familiarity of the environment they'll teach in.
"I had no desire to be a recruiter, and I wanted to be able to see my family, so I chose to be an instructor," recalled Oldham. "I wanted to stay within my element, because in other "B" billets you tend to lose your Marine Occupational Speciality credibility."
Those wishing to take on the challenges of teaching young Marines as a combat instructor must first attend the Marine Combat Instructor Course.
Over a seven-week period of instruction, Marines go over basic weapons systems, conduct live-fire exercises with weapons ranging from hand grenades to anti-armor weapons, go on conditioning hikes and learn the formal way to properly teach Marines.
To graduate, Marines must demonstrate their ability to teach basic field marksmanship, the basics of setting up a defensive position, live-fire squad maneuvering and every Marine's important role in providing defense.
"It's almost like going through the same thing as the young Marines, only we do it in a faster manner and with more emphasis on teaching," said Oldham, a native of Portland, Ore.
Marines from a variety of military occupational specialties have volunteered for instructor duty at both SOI and Marine Combat Training, a three week training period akin to SOI but for non-infantry Leathernecks.
"SOI is constantly evolving, because we receive combat veterans who come here to teach, and they all bring their personal experiences with them," said Oldham. "If approved, we try to implement them into the course."
After one year of teaching Marines at SOI, Oldham takes pride in his work and the abilities of the Leathernecks under his guide.
"My favorite part of the job is teaching the Marines because they are so eager to learn everything," said Oldham. "They always keep us on our toes, and with some of the questions they ask, even we have to look up the answer."
For more information on becoming an SOI combat instructor, contact your career planner.
Ellie