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Marines from Marine Corps::r::::n::Recruit Depot San Diego were::r::::n::head inspectors May 14, during::r::::n::the San Diego Unified School::r::::n::District’s Junior Reserve Officer::r::::n::Training Corps’ final drill::r::::n::competition at Kearney High::r::::n::School.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Crystal

Marines judge San Diego JROTC competition

14 May 2011 | Lance Cpl. Crystal Marine Corps Training and Education Command

Marines from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego were head inspectors May 14, during the San Diego Unified School District’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps’ final drill competition at Kearney High School.

Four drill instructors from 3rd Recruit Training Battalion were on hand to judge the competition. Like recruit training, the drill instructors inspect the cadets uniforms and hygiene. Additionally, they judge performance, precision, alignment, spacing, and the cadet commander’s control of the team.

The cadets, who were stressed due to the finality of the competition, also had the added tension of Marine drill instructors judging every move. Despite the pressure, cadets were grateful to have Marines present.

“We’re not scared of them. We just highly respect them, and knowing they’d be here added a lot of pressure,” said Marine cadet Gunnery Sgt. Angelia Mendoza, a junior from Mission Bay High School.

Army drill sergeants and Navy personnel also participated in judging. However, Mendoza, captain of the four-man unarmed fancy drill team, and her fellow cadets, explained that it was helpful to have Marine drill instructors there.

“They (Marine drill instructors) know what to look for when inspecting our uniform. The Army drill sergeants hit us for their uniform standards,” said Marine cadet Gunnery Sgt. Jacquelyn Moran, a junior from Mission Bay High School.

When Moran was asked how she felt about Marine drill instructors, she simply answered they seem to have “super powers.” She and her fellow cadets agreed Marine drill instructors displayed to them the epitome of a Marine.

“The drill instructors set the standard by their conduct and bearing, so when the cadets get out there to be inspected they know what ‘right’ looks like,” said Army Lt. Col. David Guzman, one of the directors of the San Diego Unified School District.

Not only did the JROTC enjoy having drill instructors involved in their competition, the drill instructors enjoyed helping young cadets. “This is a good program for kids to get a head start on drill moves,” said Staff Sgt. James Foster, a 3rd Recruit Training Battalion drill instructor.

The schools rely on the partnerships of the different services, explained Shawn Loescher, one of the directors of San Diego Unified School District. Each service brings something different to the table.

“Two things Marines bring to the event are professionalism and compassion,” said Loescher.

An award ceremony was held to announce the winner May 21 at Patrick Henry High School.

Mira Mesa High School won the four-man unarmed fancy drill team and 10-man unarmed fancy drill team. Madison High School took four-man armed fancy drill team and 10-man armed fancy drill team.


Marine Corps Training and Education Command