MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego -- Standing at attention with their Service “A” uniforms perfectly fitted and pressed, M-16 A4 service rifles aligned with their right dress shoes, recruits of Company F waited to be inspected by their company commander, Capt. Bryon Chen, April 7 aboard the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego parade deck.
This was the recruits’ third inspection during recruit training, so they knew what to expect. Capt. Their commander inspects the recruits' rifles and uniforms, and asked basic Marine Corps knowledge questions. During the inspection, recruits are expected to maintain their bearing even if they are nervous or frustrated.
“Everything in recruit training is a building block,” said Gunnery Sgt. Enrique Lopez, drill instructor, Platoon 2135, Co. F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. “Throughout the various inspections, they learn to be confident in themselves when someone steps in front of them.”
To help ensure their recruits beam with confidence, Co. F drill instructors teach the recruits how to put their uniforms together properly and inspect them in full uniform prior to the inspection while recruits answer random knowledge questions.
“We make sure to look over each other after our drill instructors do,” said Recruit Daniel Sixto, Platoon 2133, Co. F, 2nd RTBn. “You can’t be an individual. It’s all about teamwork.”
Drill instructors are the recruits’ role models. To ensure they’re portraying a positive image of the Marine Corps, drill instructors also inspect one another regularly and wear the various uniforms as perfectly as possible.
“Recruits strive to emulate the drill instructors they see,” said Lopez. “Even once they leave recruit training, we’re the image they always keep with them as portraying what’s right or wrong.”
Recruits also require confidence in the cleanliness and serviceability of their weapons. If their service rifles aren’t clean, they get points deducted during the inspection. Drill instructors stress the importance of maintaining a clean weapon, because in combat, proper weapon maintenance prevents the occurrence of jamming due to dust and sand build up.
When handing their service rifle to their company commander, recruits must perform inspection arms. This drill movement involves pulling the bolt to the rear, checking the chamber for rounds and allowing the commander to grab the rifle from their hands. Recruits practice this and other drill movements constantly to achieve perfection.
“During our first inspection I was nervous,” said Sixto. “When I get nervous my hands get sweaty and I can’t pull the bolt back. Since I’ve been practicing a lot I’m not as nervous for this inspection. I’m more confident in myself.”
Drill instructors also make sure to review all of the Marine Corps knowledge they have taught the recruits thus far. This helps recruits answer each question with confidence.
Overall, the recruits walk away with a better understanding of how Marine Corps inspections are held. This prepares them for their final inspection before graduation and most importantly, inspections they’ll encounter further on in their Marine Corps careers.