Having been on Recruiting Duty...
For several years now, I've become pretty laid back with Customs and Courtesies when dealing with civilians... What has been the most rewarding aspect of being on Recruiting Duty, and been in charge of several Recruiting Sub-Stations, is that you can absolutely see the change in young men and women who complete the challenge of becoming a Marine... Having said that, the one thing I am reminded of on a daily basis, is that I was once one of these kids, who so valiantly has committed to service in Our Corps... Most of them strive, on a daily basis to meet the expectations that we have of them, and they haven't even been to Recruit Training... "Poolees" are in a "Pool" waiting for their chance to chew nails and earn Our Eagle, Globe, and Anchor... When civilians stop me on the street, and thank me for my service, if a Poolee is with me, I tell them to thank the Poolee, he/ she is the future of Our Corps, and deserve more thanks in this day and age than I do... Poolees face more resistance from their peers, family, school officials, than ever before in our Country today... It really means something today, to make the committment to serve the Corps, not that it hasn't meant anything in the past, but that we as Marines should respect that committment now more than ever... Look around long enough, and you will see that joining the military today, much less the Marine Corps, is not the most "popular" thing to do... For those young Marines that posted up, remember that you not too long ago, were wearing the famed "Poolee shirt" with pride... I'm one that will slap the spit out of your face if you f*$k with my Pool... Redman, PM me and I'll get you info on your local Recruiting Office, and you can see firsthand the future of Our Corps, the GySgt that is in charge is a good friend... Semper Fi!!