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MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2022) – MCRD San Diego hosted 39 civilian leaders from universities, businesses, and corporate America participating in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) to learn about life inside the Marine Corps.
Participants in the JCOC received a first-hand experience of Marine Corps boot camp. Their morning began as they unloaded busses directly on to the iconic Yellow Footprints, where over the following 20 minutes Marine Corps drill instructors provided a mock receiving experience, allowing the participants to put themselves in the shoes of a Marine Corps recruit as they first arrive at recruit training. Following their high intensity introduction to the Marine Corps, the group visited a squad bay to receive a mock introduction to their drill instructors before enjoying a meal with some of the Depot’s permanent personnel at Duncan Chow Hall. The highlight of the morning was the practical application of the 60-foot rappel tower, a tool used to instill confidence in Marine Corps recruits. JCOC participants donned Marine Corps combat utility uniforms and fastened themselves with harnesses before proceeding to fast rope from the center of the tower with assistance from the Depot’s Marine Helicopter Rope Suspension Technique masters.
“It’s important for us to show these influential members of society what we do here on a daily basis because often times things get glamorized through movies like ‘Full Metal Jacket,’ to where they think they know exactly what we do here,” said GySgt. Danielle Brinkman, an academics chief with Drill Instructor School, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. “This opportunity gives us a chance to show civilians a behind the curtains look, so they can see how important it is that we’re here and why we do what we do.”
During their visit, participants also attended the graduation ceremony for the newest company of U.S. Marines, who have spent the past 13 weeks undergoing the Marine Corps transformation process, learning the customs and traditions of the Marine Corps, and proving that they meet the Corps’ high mental, moral, and physical standards. Following the ceremony the group huddled together on the Parade Deck to take a picture with Brigadier General Jason L. Morris, the commanding general of MCRD San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, before proceeding to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to continue their day learning about the Marine Corps.
“While every branch has its own culture, feeling, quirks, and sense of community, there’s something about the Marines that just feels so different… it’s not that the other branches aren’t equally impressive, but the Marine Corps in general just feels like a different planet and it is absolutely for the betterment of the Marines and the betterment of this country.” said Mike Goldberg, a JCOC participant.
The JCOC is the DOD’s oldest and most prestigious public liaison program, which was establish in 1948. It is the only Secretary of Defense-sponsored outreach program that enables American business and community leaders to have a full immersive experience with their military. Americans learn about their military and the men and women who serve.
Participants are nominated for the conference by senior military officials or alumni of the program and selected because of their influence. This year’s group includes leaders from academia, financial institutions, entertainment industry, and professional sports.
| Date Taken: | 10.28.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.28.2022 18:02 |
| Story ID: | 432263 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, MCRD SAN DIEGO HIGHLIGHTS MARINE CORPS CAPABILITIES FOR CIVILIAN LEADERS PARTICIPATING IN THE JOINT CIVILIAN ORIENTATION CONFERENCE, by CPT Joshua Collins, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
