Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Wright | Lance Cpl. Justin Bull speaks to poolees of Recruiting Substation Boston with infantry...... read more read more
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BOSTON - “Man, this thing is heavy,” commented a poolee as he picked up an M32 Grenade Launcher. “Well,” said the Marine next to him, “if you want to be infantry, you’ll have to get used to that kind of weight.”
The poolees (future Marine recruits) of Recruiting Substation Boston, Recruiting Station Portsmouth, were treated to a unique learning experience when the USS Arlington (LPD-24) docked in the Port of Boston for Fleet Week Boston, March 14. While touring the ship was open to the public, the Boston poolees had a tour of their own conducted by the contingent of Marines on board, giving them a taste of the amphibious nature of the Corps.
“One thing about the Marine Corps a lot of people aren’t aware of is the (Marine Expeditionary Unit) side of our operations, where we integrate with our Navy brothers and sisters aboard their ships,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Eddy, a RSS Boston canvassing recruiter. “While the majority of us focus on ground operations, we are an amphibious fighting force at our core, able to launch these large-scale operations from naval ships.”
The tour was a refreshing break from the usual Initial Strength Test, and learning Marine Corps terms and history that pool functions at substations bring. The contingent of Marines aboard the Arlington set up displays of vehicles and weapon systems while their Navy counterparts showcased various aspects of the ship and an on-board helicopter.
“The tour was a great experience, getting to see firsthand (what goes on with Marines on a ship),” said Joan Corporan-Fabian, a RSS Boston poolee. “Not only did we get to hold different weapons, but we got to talk to Marines who aren’t recruiters. What they told us about the Marines lets us know our recruiters aren’t lying to us.”
Following the tour and displays, the poolees were treated to an occupational specialty panel, where 10 Marines with different jobs spoke about their individual trades.
“We were in their shoes at one point, and any information we could give was beneficial,” said Lance Cpl. Justin Bull, a rifleman with the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment out of Norfolk, Virginia. “As cheesy at it sounds, we really are having an impact on possible future Marines here.”
RS Portsmouth is part of the 1st Marine Corps District, the Marine Corps recruiting effort in the Northeastern region of the United States.
| Date Taken: | 03.14.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2015 09:15 |
| Story ID: | 164886 |
| Location: | BOSTON, MA, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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