This week we caught up with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, and asked recruits for their impressions of the first week of boot camp.
Receiving week is a crucial part of Marine Corps recruit training. During receiving week recruits are stripped of their individuality and thrust into a new way of life.
When the new recruits arrive to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island they are “greeted” by a drill instructor barking orders at them to grab their belongings and get off the bus.
At the receiving building recruits have their paperwork processed, are taken to medical to get vaccinations and are issued uniforms and rifles all while on very few hours of sleep.
The new recruits have accepted this challenge in order to achieve the title of United States Marine.
“The first two days were rough. “I’m trying my best to get the hang of this new way of life.”
- Recruit Thomas Tefft from Fresno, Calif.
“If you don’t do what you’re told its going to be rough, this is where you learn discipline, and become something better.”
- Recruit Andre Campbell from Homestead, Fla.
“I came here because I wanted to make a difference, I know I need to work for that, and I’m willing to do so.”
- Recruit Dean Szostek from Westfield, Mass
“I’m happy to be here, this is what I wanted”, said recruit Keniel Burgos from Guayama, P.R. “I know I’ll be challenged but all I want is to become a Marine.”
- Recruit Keniel Burgos from Guayama, P.R.