Photo By Cpl. J Nava | Czech Republic airborne soldier Sgt. Rader Dano studies close order drill maneuvers,...... read more read more
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MCRD PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Czech Republic airborne soldier Sgt. Rader Dano is getting his chance to prove his mettle and resolve against the 11-week drill instructor school course and see if he has what it takes to wear the smokey bear.
“This is a very challenging course,” said Gunnery Sgt. Nicholas Gogol, squad instructor, Parris Island Drill Instructor School. “Sgt. Dano will be tested.”
After receiving a recommendation to participate in the course from his commander, Dano went through a series of tests, measuring his physical abilities, medical readiness and aptitude in English.
Once he was deemed fit to attend, Dano traveled to Parris Island to participate in class 3-11.
“It’s a great feeling to have been given the chance to come here and be in the course,” Dano said. “It’s very intensive, but I like it that way.”
According to Gogol, the initial shock at the intensity of the class is the first thing students
must overcome.
“A lot of times they’ll revert to the recruit mindset, and we as instructors have to snap them out of it,” Gogol said. “For Sgt. Dano it was definitely a culture shock. He was trained differently and he has had to adapt to the Marine Corps mindset.”
Although Dano is from an entirely different military he has had no problem adopting the Corps’ mindset of adapting and overcoming.
“Sgt. Dano is a good student. He’s very willing to do what is asked of him,” Gogol said. “Because of the language barrier he has to work even harder than some of the other students.”
Dano said within a year or two after he has returned to his unit, he will be allowed to train potential Czech Republic service members using the skills he is acquiring here.
“I like the leadership here,” Dano said. “I feel that I have learned very much from them so far.”
A relationship of mutual benefit exists between Dano and his peers.
“Sgt. Dano is going to make the students around him better as Marines and noncommissioned officers,” Gogol said. “They see how much Dano is putting out and how hard he works even with the language barrier. With him around no one has an excuse to complain or fail.”
If all goes well, Dano is scheduled to graduate June 22.
“I’m very glad to be here,” Dano said. “I like everyone’s attitude here and I think that I can learn very much from all my peers.”
Since October 1952 the Parris Island Drill Instructor School has been turning Marines into the hard-nosed and unwaveringly dedicated individuals every Marine still has nightmares about.
If Dano completes this challenging training cycle, he will have more than a campaign cover to bring back with him to the Czech Republic.
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2011 15:06 |
| Story ID: | 69582 |
| Location: | PARRIS ISLAND, RI, US |
| Web Views: | 211 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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