Welcome to Parris Island ... the journey to becoming a Marine starts here

[thedrifter]

Welcome to Parris Island ... the journey to becoming a Marine starts here
Submitted by: MCRD Parris Island
Story Identification #: 200486111522
Story by Cpl. Thomas Perry



MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (Aug. 6, 2004) -- Eighteen unnaturally quiet individuals sit motionless as their clothes gather pools of nervous sweat, which echoes their unanimous belief that they made a terrible mistake. Questions such as, "What have you done?" and "When can we leave?" occupy their thoughts, while the driver smiles as if he enjoys their trepidation.

The bus slices through the primal darkness and blinding fog like an osprey with a tail wind. The passengers sense that their conveyance thrives on fear and relishes haste.

Thirteen weeks from now they will laugh, recalling their first hours on the island with a smile, but 13 weeks is 91 days and 91 days can seem like an eternity at 2 a.m.
As the bus jerks to a halt, the four tires and 18 hearts stop. The front door folds open and the silence screams "run."

Confident footsteps are heard approaching as the most intimidating person the young men have ever seen enters the bus like a statue on wheels. "Get off my bus," screams Mr. Strangehat. For a second no one moves, as if salvation lies within their dampened seats.

Recruiting commercials and fire breathing monsters dance through their heads, as their new friend shows no signs of slowing down or shutting up. The confused passengers stumble into the moonlit street to find another statue directing them to stand on sets of yellow footprints that are worn from years of devil pups' first steps.

"Welcome to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island," grumbles Mr. Strangehat.
America's future heroes are cold, tired, hungry and disheveled, but after thirteen weeks, they will reflect their drill instructors' high standards of excellence. They will be strong, confident and infused with a sense of pride not easily matched anywhere by anyone. With these first yellow steps, the transformation begins.

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Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Lisa Packard motivates a new recruit during the first night of recruit training July 27. Recruits are hurried off of a bus and into the receiving building in order to begin processing in the initial phase of becoming a Marine.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Brian Kester

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The first order a new recruit will receive is, 'get off of my bus right now.' The second order is, 'get on my yellow footprints right now.' Thousands of Marines have stood on these symbols of the future throughout Marine Corps history, and thousands more will continue that tradition during the late hours on their first night aboard the Depot.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Brian Kester

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One of the first items that recruits will receive is a Smart Card, which is similar to an Automatic Teller Machine card. It is one of the only forms of money that recruits are allowed to use during recruit training.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Brian Kester

continued.........

[thedrifter]

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Recruits are given time to make one phone call home as soon as they arrive aboard The Depot. The short call must follow strict guidelines. 'This is recruit Smith. I arrived safely on Parris Island. Do not send any food or bulky items. I will contact you in three to five days via postcard with my address. Bye.'
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Brian Kester

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These are the hatches that separate newly-arrived recruits from the civilian world they have left behind.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Justin J. Shemanski

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Individuality ceases as each Marine recruit receives the same haircut. During their first night aboard the Depot, recruits will get their basic uniform issue following their trip to the barber shop.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Justin J. Shemanski


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Ellie