Navy’s general counsel witnesses recruit training

Courtesy Photo | The Honorable Paul L. Oostburg Sanz (center), general counsel for the Navy, places his right hand over his heart as the national anthem plays during a graduation ceremony at the Peatross Parade Deck July 29. Oostburg Sanz visited the depot to observe recruit training.  

PARRIS ISLAND, SC, UNITED STATES

08.04.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Erin Tansey 

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island           

MCRD PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Honorable Paul L. Oostburg Sanz, general counsel, or chief legal officer, of the Navy, visited the depot July 27-29 to witness the steps in recruit training that are key in the journey to the title Marine.

Oostburg was invited to the July 29 graduation as the reviewing official and said he decided to see more than that and get an understanding of how Marines are made.

During his stay, Oostburg Sanz watched Table 1 firing at the ranges, pugil stick training at Leatherneck Square and the Crucible at Page Field.

“There is a lot of mysticism of Parris Island and the intensity and importance of the training that people go through to be part of one of the finest fighting forces,” said Oostburg Sanz. “Only being here for a few hours, you get a sense of understanding of what that means.”

The small glimpses he had of recruit training gave him a good view into the life of recruits during their 13 weeks aboard the depot, Oostburg Sanz added. He was most impressed with how the recruits handled their lessons in problem solving during the Crucible.

“The recruits had to come together and work as a team and think as a team,” he said. “It was very inspiring to see, especially because they are very young individuals.”

An aspect he respected was not just the training but the drill instructors, who spend every day with the platoons and put time and care not only into the mission, but into the health and well-being of the individuals throughout their time, Oostburg Sanz said.

Since Oostburg Sanz took office in March 2010, he has visited other bases such as Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. This trip to Beaufort was to understand where the Marines he works with came from.

“Whether it’s Parris Island or San Diego, there is a shared experience,” he said. “This gave me a good sense of the community and what it’s all about.

“I’m honored to have been called down to be the reviewing official and to have a chance to see more of this place than just the graduation,” Oostburg Sanz said.

“I can’t speak for other services, but if anyone has an opportunity to come here, seize the opportunity and get an understanding of why Parris Island is so important to the Marine Corps.”

• Date Taken: 08.04.2011
• Date Posted: 08.04.2011 16:35
• Story ID: 74849
• Location: PARRIS ISLAND, SC, US