Make them Marines
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 2003722163228
Story by Cpl. Ethan E. Rocke



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(July 18, 2003) -- It is a day of reckoning. Fear, anxiety and anticipation fill the musty air as the smell of sweat permeates throughout a calm, quiet squad bay.

Eighty-nine young men sit in tight, neatly formed rows, their legs crossed, backs rigid, and brains tormented by the mystery of what awaits them behind the closed door directly in front of them.

Behind the door are four men, relaxed but also anxious to meet what lies just outside. They wait and wait, until finally, the signal comes for them to step outside and begin another 12-week mission doing what they do best--making Marines.

Day one of recruit training is a very important day for both recruits and drill instructors. The drill instructors have to establish a position of authority and command respect not only with their voices but also with how they carry themselves. The recruits must give them that respect.

The first time recruits meet their drill instructors is a formal process. Introductions are made, and speeches are given.

But once all the standard speeches have been made, the real training process must begin.

The drill instructors receive the command - the command everyone has been waiting for. "Drill instructors take charge of these recruits and make them Marines."

It is this command that unleashes a power - a sense of urgency, speed and intensity within the squad bay that has what seems like the chaos of a tornado.

This will be a long, stressful day for the recruits, and it's only the first of a 12-week cycle. This is just the beginning.

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Sgt. Fernando Galvan, drill instructor, Platoon 3013, Company L, sprints past recruits as they hustle back to get in position on line inside the squad bay.
Photo by: Cpl. Ethan E. Rocke



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Recruits are required to stand perfectly still at the proper position of attention. On pick-up day, drill instructors begin the training process that eventually makes this instinctive in recruits.
Photo by: Cpl. Ethan E. Rocke



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A recruit shouts the standard reply "Aye Aye, sir!" as Sgt. Shevor McCloud, drill instructor, Platoon 3013, Company L, directs recruits back into the squad bay.
Photo by: Cpl. Ethan E. Rocke

The Drifter