Photo By Cpl. Bridget Keane | Capt. Roger Hollenbeck, series commander, Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion,...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO - Capt. Roger Hollenbeck, series commander, Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, held a stoic expression as he walked through platoon 2133, Co. F, Oct. 22 aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
He tested the recruit’s confidence and bearing as he asked questions regarding their military occupation specialty, leadership traits, and other Marine Corps knowledge.
This was their series commander’s inspection, the second of four inspections that recruits go through in training. These inspections are held in order to see how recruits have progressed in Marine Corps knowledge, core values, and rifle and uniform maintenance.
“This is the beginning of their third phase of training, the recruits should have a certain level of confidence,” explained Gunnery Sgt. Armonzo Pittman, drill instructor, Platoon 2133. “By now, they should be able to conduct themselves as third phase recruits and they should be confident in their abilities.”
The inspection ensures that each recruit can properly clean and maintain their M-16A4 service rifles and remember their Marine Corps history and knowledge, while properly wearing their inspection-ready desert utility uniform.
When a recruit is being looked over, they first perform “inspection arms,” which is done to show that the chamber of the rifle is cleared and can be safely inspected. The inspector also looks to see if the recruit can execute “inspection arms” with confidence and precision.
Their rifles are then closely checked for cleanliness; they’re expected to be free of dust, rust and other discrepancies. The cleanliness of a rifle is important because dirt and rust can cause malfunctions.
While their rifles are being inspected, recruits are asked various questions about the Marine Corps.
“This is their second inspection since their senior drill instructor inspection,” said Pittman, a 32-year-old Memphis, Tenn. native. “The senior drill instructor inspection is supposed to be chaotic, we don’t give them enough time to answer questions just so we can see how they react under pressure. This inspection is to see where their confidence level is.”
Although the recruits are being tested on knowledge, the inspector also asks more personal questions such as why they chose the Marine Corps over the other branches of service, what was their toughest challenge throughout recruit training and what they’re taking away from their training experience.
This inspection is also to see how the recruits will act around high ranking Marines, explained Pittman.
“When you first get here, you’d walk around an entire building just to avoid a drill instructor,” said Recruit Andrew Palacious, Plt. 2133. “But now that we’re almost Marines, we should be able to speak to a high ranking Marine without any hesitation.”
Once the recruit’s rifle has been inspected, it is returned to them. They complete “inspection arms” by sending the bolt home, and finishing the drill movement.
One of the traits that Marines have instilled in them throughout recruit training is confidence, which is the feeling or consciousness of one's ability. By demonstrating this leadership trait, Marines are able to excel in mission accomplishment throughout their careers.
Co. F displayed military bearing and have shown that they are confident in what they have learned so far in recruit training. The series commander’s inspection is just a small step to prepare them for other inspections and the many tests they will face as they begin their Marine Corps careers.
| Date Taken: | 10.22.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 10.29.2012 13:55 |
| Story ID: | 96923 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 95 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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