Random Thoughts of Nothingness

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

I try not to keep you all waiting for updates too long and this entry is probably full of random nothingness. So with that being said, I am just checking in with a not-so-lengthy blurb of random thoughts.

Your recruits have been staying extremely busy and extremely tired. Not to worry, it’s the preferred method by both DI and trainee. It takes their minds off being homesick and the time goes by much faster.

You are probably taking boot camp from the outside day by day right now, but your recruits are most likely taking their days chow by chow. It’s the easiest way for them to estimate what time it is, as they are not authorized a clock or any type of time-telling item.

After spending a grand total of 15 minutes in the company office today, I took a moment to listen to the way we speak amongst ourselves. I came to realize that if we took some random person who isn’t military savvy and invited them into our conversation, they wouldn’t have a clue what we were talking about.

Jargon is a way of the military in general. Marines use so much of it, you might think we are talking in a different language. I can honestly say recruits are 90% lost when it comes to the terminology. Even I don’t know every acronym the Marine Corps has to offer. (and I am 100% guilty of pretending like I know what they are talking about and then Googling it later.)

For example, Staff Sgt. Jackson told a recruit to pound on the hatch, sound off, stand at attention in front of the CO and report in. He even showed him how to do it.

This translates into: Bang on the door with your first, yell recruit on deck and stand tall with your hands on your trouser seams in front of the commander and say Recruit “Last Name” reporting as ordered.

The recruit walked-in, slapped the door frame and then I stopped paying attention. I just shook my head and wondered why recruits make things so difficult for themselves. But then it came to me, these recruits are so intimidated by their drill instructors, they only hear half of what they are told, and common sense goes out the window. Everything else that is said is forgotten because they are too busy concentrating on how to not mess up and impress the Marines who will most likely become their inspiration for achievement. (next to you all, of course.)

Give them some time, they will catch on and things will become easier for them.

LAST, but not least…

There is a common cold that goes around every company when they receive new recruits. We call it the recruit crud. It’s disgusting and it sucks, but it goes away. However, a small cold should be expected when you bring 86 people together from different states and make them live together. Besides, what would be the benefit of free medical if you never had to use it anyway?

THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Today I saw the DIs force their recruits to put on sun block. Safety is paramount in the Marines, and it certainly doesn’t end here.

GET SOME
Rank structure is important to abide by in the military. Over the years, some ranks have been lost in time such as the technical sergeant. This might make for an interesting conversation starter in your next letter…

SCUTTLEBUTT
When photos become available (which will be VERY soon) they can be found here or by visiting the Gallery page and clicking on the link.

[Editors Note: Opinions expressed are not to be considered an official expression of the DoD, DoN, or the USMC.]