MCRD PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Parris Island hosted a very special Marine guest last week. Captain Exon Oswaldo Ascencio, El Salvador Marine Corps, visited the Depot as part of a yearlong training schedule.
Traveling from a country that is slightly smaller that Massachusetts with a population around 6,353,681 people compared to the United States' 280,562,489 (as of July 2002 according to the CIA World Fact book), was a bit different than he was used to, but Ascencio said this training was the chance of a lifetime.
"Many officers from around the world would like to be in the U.S. Marine Corps, but I, I am getting a chance to do it and learn," said Ascencio.
Ascencio began his training schedule in February 2002, when he arrived at Lackland AFB, Texas, where he took a two-month course in English before heading to officer training in Quantico, Va. Before heading home in mid-January, he will tour different Marine Corps facilities, including the Depot.
Visiting Parris Island and watching different aspects of recruit training brought back memories for Ascencio.
"I remember my own trip in the gas chamber. We use an old C-130 instead of a little building like here, but I remember standing there in the front of the line and watching the canister roll toward me. I tried to escape for the door, but was stopped by this giant arm holding me there."
According to Ascencio, there are many similarities in the way the Marines in El Salvador and Marines in the U.S. train; including recruit training.
"Since the U.S. taught us, we use their doctrine and training techniques. Of course, the technology is very different in my country, but we take what we can with our capabilities," he added.
On average there are 56 phone lines and 250 televisions per 1,000 people in El Salvador compared to 640 phone lines and 806 telephones in the U.S., according to the The World Bank Group. However Ascencio said the huge gap in technology doesn't stop the El Salvador Marines.
"At the higher levels, there are big differences because of technology, but when you break it down to platoon levels, we still fire the M-16, the .50-cal and the 203 and leadership is taught at every level-just like the U.S. Marines."
Ascencio said one of his biggest challenges in training was the temperature extremes in the United States.
The average temperature in El Salvador ranges from a yearly high of 93 degrees Fahrenheit in August and a low of 60 degrees in January, but Ascencio said the weather he faced while training in the U.S. helped ensure he was getting the best training possible.
"I put it as a personal challenge and not an obstacle that couldn't be beat. As a military, you have to prepare in all aspects and train to be able to handle any situation."
As he heads back to El Salvador this week with his newly gained knowledge and skills, Ascencio said, "I believe I've been in the best unit around the world-the United States Marine Corps and I'm proud to have been here. The United States Marine Corps will be in my heart for the rest of my life."