Marines finish Revolutionary War PME series with trip to George Washington Distillery

Photo By Valerie OBerry | Marines of H&S Bn. go inside the Washington Gristmill Distillery to learn about entrepreneurship and how the mill produces flour and cornmeal. (Photo by Jeremy Beale)  

QUANTICO, VA, UNITED STATES

09.01.2017

Story by Valerie OBerry 

Marine Corps Base Quantico

The Marines conducted this trip as the final component of their Revolutionary War era PME series in which the battalion strived to foster a better understanding of the Marine Corps’ 241 years of existence. The Marines also traveled to Washington's Crossing, Yorktown and Fort McHenry.
“After one year of Professional Military Education trips, completing this final PME on the Revolutionary War era was a gratifying achievement,” trip organizer Maj. Christopher Smith, H&S Bn. operations officer said. “We wanted to improve the morale of the Marines in H&S Bn. while connecting the dots between historical events and current practices in order to achieve a better understanding that things we do and experience today can be traced back 200 years where our history first sparked the tried and tested methods inspired today.”
According to Smith, the Gristmill and Distillery are rich with history, providing insight into the latter years of President Washington's post-Revolutionary War endeavors. It also was a worthwhile, fun learning experience for Marines to unwind and learn about the lighter side of history.
The Revolutionary War PME series was designed to leverage the area's bountiful access to historic sites and battlefields through study and touring locations so young Marines could develop a greater understanding of tactics and methodology of single battles and the overarching strategic effect when combined.
For the 2018 calendar year the battalion will be moving forward to the American Civil War era where they will continue their study of historical events.
“The Marines of H&SBn. will further develop a deeper appreciation for the area’s rich historical heritage, gain insight into successful and failed battle strategies and build unit cohesion,” Smith said.
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• Date Taken: 09.01.2017
• Date Posted: 09.14.2017 16:07
• Story ID: 248313
• Location: QUANTICO, VA, US