Final Drill 101 - Senior drill instructor marches platoon straight

[thedrifter]

Final Drill 101 - Senior drill instructor marches platoon straight past perfect score to break Depot record
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 200373124913
Story by Cpl. Ethan E. Rocke



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(July 2, 2003) -- Final Drill 101 - A drill instructor from 1st Recruit Training Battalion set a new mark for excellence in final drill competition aboard the Depot June 17, recording a better than perfect score to shatter the Depot's previous record for the competition.

For Staff Sgt. Andy S. Beavers, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1078, Company B, it truly was his final drill competition here as he scored a 101 and finished out his time "in the trenches" with a performance that will not easily be matched or surpassed.

Beavers' long-time friend, Staff Sgt. Leopoldo Ruiz, series gunnery sergeant, Company B, held the previous record with a score of 99, and Beavers had made it his goal to beat his friend's record.

"Before I went out there, I told him I was going to beat him," Beavers said. "I felt confident when I started, but I had no idea I would be as successful as I was."

A score of 100 is considered a perfect score in the competition, but drill instructors can earn a maximum of five bonus points for the addition of a personalized song-like cadence, or what drill instructors like to call "sing-song."

Drill masters rate a drill instructor's sing-song and decide how many bonus points he should receive for the extra effort.

Beavers received the maximum five bonus points possible for his sing-song.

He was gigged a meager four points for minor discrepancies such as improper execution of eyes right and return sword and improper arm swing.

Platoon 1078 was selected as Company B's honor platoon thanks to Beavers' record-setting performance, which was crucial for his platoon's come-from-behind victory in the battle for honor platoon recognition

"The platoon was on. I was on, and everything felt right that day," Beavers said. "This is a rewarding end to a demanding tour on the drill field. I'm ecstatic."

The meticulous attention to detail that helped Beavers set a new record is part of a Company B tradition, according to Ruiz.

"Bravo has a reputation in RTR for being exceptional at drill," he said.

Beavers is currently enjoying a well-earned break from the drill field and will be the new follow on series gunnery sergeant for Company B.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image...Beavers_lr.jpg

Staff Sgt. Andy S. Beavers, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1078, Company B, set a new record during the company's final drill competition June 17. Beavers scored a 101 during the competition, breaking the previous record of 99.
Photo by: Cpl. Ethan E. Rocke


The Drifter

[MUSTANG0369]

It seems this thing has made it everywhere........That was a good day.

LT Beavers
DI - SDI - SerGysgt (former)

[maverickmarine]

Outstanding job! I was in Bravo company back in 89' but we were more strong than anything else. LOL.

[rvillac2]

OoohFreakinRah, Lt. Beavers.