DI achieves goal, shapes new Marines

Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Gary Wiedner, senior drill instructor, Platoon 3227, Company K, stands in front of his platoon during graduation practice April 16. It has been his job, with the help of his fellow drill instructors, to set the example for the new Marines as they go through recruit training.  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

05.15.2010

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego     

By Sgt. Shawn Dickens

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO - He stands contemplating the answer to the question of why he joined the Marine Corps all the while he adjusts his uniform, ensuring it looks perfect.

Before Wiedner came to the depot, he spent time working in the fleet as an administration clerk. He was a motivated young Marine with a goal in mind: he wanted to be a drill instructor.

"I can tell you why I became a drill instructor," said Staff Sgt. Gary Wiedner, senior drill instructor, platoon 3227, Company K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.

"I still believe in the legendary drill instructor," said Wiedner. "They are the cream of the crop, setting the standard for others to emulate."

He knew he had what it took to be one of the men who he held in such high regard and proved it by being meritoriously promoted to every rank from lance corporal all the way to sergeant.

His accomplishments didn't go unnoticed.

"I had a first sergeant who was a prior drill instructor who became my mentor," said Wiedner. "He found out my goal of going to D.I. school and made sure I was ready for what was yet to come."

His mentor put him through the gamut of what he would have to do once he made it to drill instructor school. Having to constantly give classes and do close order drill and sword manual filled his schedule, but ultimately it prepared him to succeed once he hit the drill field.

"It was like I went to drill instructor school before I even got accepted to drill instructor school," said Weidner. "All the hard work paid off though."

It was that extra attention and having someone to look up too that helped him reach his goal, he said. He hopes to be that inspiration for his junior Marines.

"When I leave here, I am going to do my best to be the example for my junior Marines that my old first sergeant was for me," he said. "I want them to look at the example I set and say, 'I want to be like Staff Sgt. Wiedner.'"

Wiedner's advice for junior Marines thinking about becoming drill instructors is to be humble.

"This job will consume you, so be ready," said Wiedner. "But you will get back what you put in."

• Date Taken: 05.15.2010
• Date Posted: 05.15.2010 19:21
• Story ID: 49741
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US