thedrifter
03-07-08, 05:09 AM
Preparing for the final test
By Cpl. Carrie Booze, MCRD San Diego
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (March 7, 2008) -- The new Marines of Company C stood tall and proud in their Service “A” uniform on Shepherd Memorial Drill Field for the battalion commander’s inspection, March 4.
The battalion commander’s inspection is the final seal of approval for the new Marines, where they are tested on bearing, appearance and Marine Corps knowledge, said Staff Sgt. Steven Scott, senior drill
instructor, Platoon 1054.
The Marines began to prepare their uniforms and weapons for inspection the same day they returned from field training.
They spent a total of approximately 40 hours preparing their uniforms and meticulously cleaning the rifles of any dirt that has accumulated during their field training, according to Scott.
“Inspection preparation was very time consuming, because everything needs to be perfect and there are a lot of regulations to follow,” said Pfc. Matthew Loar, Platoon 1053. “We underwent numerous inspections
from our drill instructors in our squad bays before our final official inspection.”
Loar, a Tulsa, Okla., native, said that Marine Corps traditions are displayed through a Marines appearance, so it is important to take pride in their uniforms because that is what sets them apart from other services.
In addition to a Marine’s physical appearance, it is also important for them to memorize Marine Corps knowledge, which they begin learning as soon as they step foot on the depot.
During the inspection Marines can be asked questions about Marine Corps knowledge, weapons, customs and courtesies, traditions, uniform regulations, rank structure and their chain of command, said Scott.
The Marines are also required to memorize their rifle serial numbers within a few days after receiving their rifles and be able to recite it during inspections.
“Accountability of weapons is paramount, therefore the Marines must constantly count their weapons to ensure they are all present, and memorize the serial numbers to make sure they have their own rifle,” said
Scott.
The inspection lasts approximately two hours, and is very strenuous on the Marines’ bodies, said Scott.
He said that he advises the Marines not to lock out their knees and to keep an active mind to prevent from getting light-headed or passing out during the inspection.
There are always benches and jugs of cold water present behind the formation for the recruits who are unable to stand for the entire inspection.
“Marines can expect to have regular uniform inspections in the Fleet Marine Force and have to stand for long periods of time, so our purpose is to teach them the basic inspection procedures,” said Scott.
“All of the Marines of Company C passed their final inspection, and I am confident that they are prepared both physically and mentally for the Fleet Marine Force,” said Scott.
Ellie
By Cpl. Carrie Booze, MCRD San Diego
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (March 7, 2008) -- The new Marines of Company C stood tall and proud in their Service “A” uniform on Shepherd Memorial Drill Field for the battalion commander’s inspection, March 4.
The battalion commander’s inspection is the final seal of approval for the new Marines, where they are tested on bearing, appearance and Marine Corps knowledge, said Staff Sgt. Steven Scott, senior drill
instructor, Platoon 1054.
The Marines began to prepare their uniforms and weapons for inspection the same day they returned from field training.
They spent a total of approximately 40 hours preparing their uniforms and meticulously cleaning the rifles of any dirt that has accumulated during their field training, according to Scott.
“Inspection preparation was very time consuming, because everything needs to be perfect and there are a lot of regulations to follow,” said Pfc. Matthew Loar, Platoon 1053. “We underwent numerous inspections
from our drill instructors in our squad bays before our final official inspection.”
Loar, a Tulsa, Okla., native, said that Marine Corps traditions are displayed through a Marines appearance, so it is important to take pride in their uniforms because that is what sets them apart from other services.
In addition to a Marine’s physical appearance, it is also important for them to memorize Marine Corps knowledge, which they begin learning as soon as they step foot on the depot.
During the inspection Marines can be asked questions about Marine Corps knowledge, weapons, customs and courtesies, traditions, uniform regulations, rank structure and their chain of command, said Scott.
The Marines are also required to memorize their rifle serial numbers within a few days after receiving their rifles and be able to recite it during inspections.
“Accountability of weapons is paramount, therefore the Marines must constantly count their weapons to ensure they are all present, and memorize the serial numbers to make sure they have their own rifle,” said
Scott.
The inspection lasts approximately two hours, and is very strenuous on the Marines’ bodies, said Scott.
He said that he advises the Marines not to lock out their knees and to keep an active mind to prevent from getting light-headed or passing out during the inspection.
There are always benches and jugs of cold water present behind the formation for the recruits who are unable to stand for the entire inspection.
“Marines can expect to have regular uniform inspections in the Fleet Marine Force and have to stand for long periods of time, so our purpose is to teach them the basic inspection procedures,” said Scott.
“All of the Marines of Company C passed their final inspection, and I am confident that they are prepared both physically and mentally for the Fleet Marine Force,” said Scott.
Ellie