Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Secretary of Defense tours depot: Honorable Mr. Robert M. Gates observes recruit training

    Secretary of Defense tours depot: Honorable Mr. Robert M. Gates observes recruit training

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Rodion Zabolotniy | Brig. Gen. Frederick M. Padilla, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot...... read more read more

    PARRIS ISLAND, SC, UNITED STATES

    05.19.2011

    Story by Cpl. Sarah Fiocco 

    Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island           

    MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates visited Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, May 13, to observe some of the events that take place during recruit training.

    During his tour, he observed recruits at the Crucible, rifle range and Leatherneck Square to examine field training, weapons training and the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training respectively.

    At each event, Gates was greeted by a different Marine overseeing the exercise who explained how that particular aspect of training contributed to the development of Marines. The tour offered Gates a firsthand look at the hard work and dedication it takes to train recruits.

    “[The training] looks very realistic,” Gates said. “It puts recruits through all the terms they might face. I like how they incorporate the combat skills with the core values.”

    Gates said he could tell by observing the training that the events effectively test the recruits’ determination.

    “To me all of the tasks looked difficult, but I’m an old guy,” Gates joked. “The marksmanship at the 500-yard line looked very difficult. At my age, I can barely see the target much less hit it.”

    Gates also said the Crucible impressed him, adding that he believes there is a value in the way the culminating event requires teamwork in all of its exercises.

    “It was good for him to come out and see how the Marine Corps trains its recruits,” said Staff Sgt. Maurice Cannon, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of Leatherneck Square.

    Cannon, a martial arts instructor trainer, explained the MCMAP training process to Gates. He said the physical, mental and spiritual discipline found in martial arts plays a vital role in the growth of basically trained Marines.

    “It was important for him to know how our core values tie into MCMAP,” Cannon said. “Each class has a tie-in, whether it’s a warrior study or a martial-culture study. These tie-ins help in the transformation from civilian to Marine by making them better warriors and citizens.”

    Cannon said discussions with the recruits help them to make better decisions in situations they may face when they become Marines.

    After Gates watched recruits train in various events, he had lunch with the men and women directly responsible for producing basically trained Marines and gave the drill instructors time to ask questions and talk about issues.

    “At first it was kind of intimidating because he’s so high up in the chain of command, but he told us to relax,” said Sgt. Brandon Ireton, a drill instructor with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion.

    Even though the drill instructors were holding a conversation with the chief executive officer of the United States Department of Defense, who answers directly to the president and sits above the joint chiefs of staff, Ireton said the discussion felt as comfortable as if they were speaking with any other person.

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.19.2011
    Date Posted: 05.19.2011 14:56
    Story ID: 70682
    Location: PARRIS ISLAND, SC, US

    Web Views: 188
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN