MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Three United States Coast Guard drill instructors, known in their service as company commanders, arrived aboard the Depot Sunday, to begin a six-day visit of Parris Island.
Chiefs Steve Hoagland, Dave Barkalow and Crystal Sparks traveled from USCG Training Center Cape May, N.J., to gather some ideas by observing Marine Corps recruit training that could potentially enhance training for their own recruits.
Although the chiefs said they were not really sure what to expect, this being their first trip to a Marine Corps installation, all found there were more similarities between the two services than anticipated.
"You get a stereotype of Marines from television and the media," said Sparks. "It actually turned out to be nothing like what I had thought at all. The similarities are overwhelming. I'm starting to put the pieces together about where we may have picked up some of the things that we use."
Picking up new training methods was the main focus of the company commanders. Even though they agreed that this had already been partially accomplished in the first couple of days of the tour, they were eager to learn more.
"I'm excited about going to the museum and finding out about Marine Corps history," said Barkalow. "I'm afraid I don't really know too much about it, and it will be interesting to find out."
One thing they had found out about the Corps was the equipment and methods used in weapons training.
"Weapons Battalion was extremely impressive," said Barkalow. "I was blown away by the technology."
With their newfound knowledge and understanding, the company commanders said they will depart Saturday with a great sense of satisfaction.
"I think the trip has been absolutely beneficial," said Sparks. "This is a great way of doing business. At minimal a cost, we've discovered some new ways of doing things that we will carry back with us."
Before the end of their visit, the company commanders will have received a taste of the Depot in all aspects, including a tour of Drill Instructor School, the gas chamber, Leatherneck Square and the Crucible.