Inspection builds recruit confidence

Photo By Cpl. Crystal Druery | Capt. Lambrato Mathurin, follow series commander, Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, inspects one of his recruits M-16 A4 service rifle April 9 during the Series Commander Inspection aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Co. B recruits spent a week cleaning their weapons, preparing their desert combat utility uniforms and reviewing Marine Corps knowledge they had learned so far at recruit training.  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

04.09.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Crystal Druery 

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego     

SAN DIEGO - Desert combat utility uniforms were pressed, M-16 A4 service rifles cleaned from being in the field the week prior and every recruit of Company B stood tall with confidence as Capt. Lambrato Mathurin, follow series commander, inspected recruits for the Series Commander’s Inspection.

Series commanders are officers who are in charge of half of a recruit training company. Through this inspection each series commander makes sure all recruits are learning the skills required of a basically-trained Marine.

Company B during week three of recruit training, experienced their Senior Drill Instructor Inspection. This helped prepare them for what their series commander would be looking for during his inspection. The series commander inspection gives Company B drill instructors a chance to show their officers what they have taught recruits up to week eight of recruit training.

“This inspection shows our series commander what type of product we’re putting out into the Marine Corps,” said Staff Sgt. Bryan Rivas, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1033, Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion.

When the series commander steps in front of a recruit, the recruit is expected to perform “inspection arms” properly to show that the weapon is clear of ammunition and safe for handling. This is a drill movement that involves pulling the bolt to the rear, checking the chamber for rounds and allowing the series commander to grab the rifle from the recruit’s hands. Mathurin then inspected each recruits’ M16 A4 service rifle for cleanliness.

“We spent a lot of time breaking down the weapons to clean them and practicing inspection arms with our drill instructors,” said Recruit Cody Stephens, Plt. 1033, Company B, 1st RTBn. “Our drill instructors take care of us by making sure we’re prepared before any task we’re given.”

Once Mathurin inspected each recruits’ weapon, he handed it back and asked basic Marine Corps knowledge questions. This shows the knowledge recruits have retained during training.

“I usually ask them why they joined the Marine Corps after I ask basic knowledge,” said Mathurin. “I watch to see if they maintain their bearing.”

While asking question the series commander inspects the recruits uniform, looking for signs that the recruits take pride in their uniform. For a week prior to inspection recruits iron and clip hanging strings from their desert utilities. They also make sure their cover is pressed and standing up straight.

“We look over each other,” said Stephens. “We’re a team and you’re only as strong as your weakest.”

After enduring all four inspections while aboard the depot, recruits are more confident in themselves. It is important recruits go through the numerous inspections so they realize how to properly wear each uniform. Once they are Marines they will be prepared for inspections held during their schools and duty station.

Company B will have their company commander’s inspection in two weeks, followed by their final physical and mental test the crucible. When they return from that they will have their last inspection, the battalion commander’s inspection and be finished with recruit training.

• Date Taken: 04.09.2012
• Date Posted: 04.19.2012 17:26
• Story ID: 87004
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US