Photo By Sgt. Walter D. Marino II | Hours after final drill Staff Sgt. Salvador Morales, senior drill instructor, Platoon...... read more read more
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Final drill is where every movement of marching is under a microscope. Everything from pivots to arm swings are evaluated and graded. It is one of the last tests of recruit training and although every platoon shoots for first place, even if they don’t get it, they all take away certain lessons.
Recruits of Lima Company, Platoon 3246 competed in final drill Aug. 6, aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Although they finished in 5th place, many recruits and drill instructors believe it was a valuable experience.
“I’m proud of my platoon. They put the effort into it big time,” said Staff Sgt. Salvador Morales. “I think that’s what drill is about; seeing how much they have improved through the whole cycle. Anybody can look at initial to final drill and see the improvement in discipline.”
Hours after the competition finished Morales took his platoon back to the parade deck to practice their drill. The synchronization of movements looked as methodical as a seconds dial on a clock – steady and timed perfectly.
Faces looked focused and determined. To the untrained eye recruits appeared perfect but Salvador explained it was the fine details that his platoon was marked on.
“It was the small things that cost us the points, like boots to weapons and cover and alignment,” said Salvador.
Recruits agreed that there were some areas in drill they missed the mark and were disappointed about not earning first. However, recruits did acknowledge the bigger picture.
“Drill is important because it teaches attention to detail and discipline but there is always going to be someone that messes up,” said Recruit Michael B. Castaneda, squad leader, Plt. 3246. “The real challenge is listening to the drill instructors and ultimately becoming a Marine.”
Castaneda explained he believes many of the drill instructors have seen combat and it is for that reason they put such an emphasis on discipline in drilling.
“Recruits need to understand that the reason drill instructors blast you for touching your face is that if you’re in combat, even the slightest movement when you’re not supposed to can get Marines killed,” said Castaneda, a National City, Calif., native.
Recruit leadership felt the build up to drill also taught teamwork.
“Some recruits needed help with drill,” said Recruit Kaleb W. Carpenter, squad leader, Plt. 3246. “We were able to teach them how to do things like pivot better and answer any questions they had about drill movements. A lot of teamwork makes up a platoon. You need to work together to have the right outcome.”
As Salvador marched his recruits off of the parade deck, it appeared both drill instructor and recruits understood that marching is about more than a first place medal.
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.09.2012 13:12 |
| Story ID: | 92919 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 160 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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