MCRD Parris Island, S.C. -- Recruit Mac made his recruit graduation debut Jan. 3, when he officially took on the rank of private in the United States Marine Corps.
Mac began training Sept. 19, coinciding with the medical retirement of Iron Mike, former Depot Mascot, after four years of service to the Marine Corps.
Mac's handler, Cpl. Mary Jo Haskell, Depot adjutant's office awards clerk, has been with Mac every step of the way, and feels he has made a world of improvement, even though he was reluctant to sit, as he was commanded to do, during his graduation.
"We've been working with K-9, coming to the Visitor's Center on Family Day to get him used to people and he goes to work with me every day. We've been practicing for graduation and going to obedience training which was probably the hardest for Mac," said Haskell, as Mac leans against her leg, taking a quick nap after his graduation.
"He has done very well compared to what he was in the beginning," said Haskell. "He's got a lot more discipline, he listens a lot better, and he's becoming more of a dog than a puppy."
This is the first graduation Mac has appeared at, only fitting since this is his graduation as well. Though his time in the spotlight is short during the ceremony, he must master several commands, some of which he will be evaluated on as he begins regular duties now.
"We didn't do graduations before, so now we'll be there every week," Haskell said, describing how Mac's life will change now that he is a Marine. "The command looks at all the things that he does wrong, they look at a lot more now because he is a Marine. If he does something wrong, he gets counseled for it and it goes into his SRB."
The mascot's Service Record Book is no joke. He will be evaluated on performance and promotions will be awarded on his time in grade and time in service, just like any other Marine. He can also qualify for meritorious promotions, according to Haskell.
"I'll try to keep him in line," she said. "I hope he realizes he's working. It's a fine line he has to walk. The military police dogs at K-9 know they are working, but he has to realize when he's out at graduation and getting petted, he's working."
While the lists of resemblances between Mac and his predecessor are lengthy, including a dislike for the band, Mike's former handler, Sgt. Barry St. Onge, training NCO for Headquarters and Service Battalion, see all too many variances in their personalities. For one thing, Mike's favorite toy was a bowling ball, while Mac favors fetch toys, including a racquetball.
"You try not to compare the two dogs because they are completely different personalities," said St. Onge. "Anybody who knows bulldogs knows that they are very interesting characters. Mac is still a puppy and its hard to hold his attention ... its easy for his attention to stray.
"Mike was a lot more stubborn, so with them you get the best and worst of both worlds. They are very loyal and good companions. They are right by your side. Where Mac is more playful, Mike was sterner. Mike knew what he could get from you and he would push you to the edge to get it."
Still, St. Onge and Haskell both agree on one thing about Mac.
"He's good to go," both said.
As Mac acclimatizes himself to life as a Marine, Mike is settling well into the life of a retired Marine.
"Mike is handling retirement pretty well," laughed St. Onge. "He is living with 1st Sgt. Richard Van Bortel. He rides around with him in his truck and in his RV.
"First sergeant's wife fixes Mike breakfast every morning and he loves it. He definitely loves it," said St. Onge. Like any good retired Marine, Mike has added about 15 pounds to his figure, but is "trying to trim down."