Originally Posted by
DIBLO7
There are several times throughout the cycle that you will be giving instructions just for the sake of it. That's just the nature of the beast.
But on that, while generally the other candidates do listen and do what they are supposed to do; but there are times where they are looking out for themselves.
Take for example you're the platoon sergeant and you're trying to get the whole platoon to do something, but there is one guy that doesn't have his gear marked so he is trying to finish that up. To him getting his gear marked is his priority, especially since the rest of the platoon will be fixing whatever the other issue is. Your job is to either (a) let him gaff you off and do what he wants, (b) force him to stop and help the platoon, (c) grab a couple other candidates to help him out and still get the other job done, or (d) none of the above. Depending on what you choose can have drastic repercussions on how the platoon sees you.
One important thing I noticed during my time there was this: When you first get there most of the candidates don't know each other and agree during the admin week that everyone will look out for one another, and this is good. However, as the training goes by and three or four of you are completely responsible for one of the candidates finishing anything you come to the realization that unlike recruit training you are about to become leaders of Marines. If numbnuts next to you cant even manage to mark his gear correctly how is he going to have the attention to detail to lead anyone? Now your outlook changes from lets hook everyone up to, holy crap this guy is going to get people killed.
I actually have lost some sleep at night because I feel responsible for one of our candidates graduating..he has no business being a Marine, let alone an officer of them..
Oh, and "verbal encouragements" will get you slammed so hard its not even funny. NEVER say anything along the lines of "good job guys" when you're walking around. Just take my word for it.