Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. -- Several Coast Guard instructors left Parris Island with a Marine sized dose of values-based training tactics, as well as much more information than they expected to find.
The group, which is one out of four researching possible enhancements to their recruit training program, hoped to find new ways of instilling values into their trainees, said Coast Guard Master Chief Steve Dykema, a battalion commander at the Coast Guard Training Center. Dykema's job is similar to that of the Recruit Training Regiment sergeant major. Five company commanders, the equivalent to Marine drill instructors, were also in Dykema's group.
"The way the drill instructors lead discussions on values, some of the Crucible events we saw we know we will be able to use (and) seeing the different approach to recruits during each phase are three things that will be very beneficial to us," Dykema said.
"I learned a lot more than I thought besides Core Values," agreed Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Sanchez, a company commander. "It enlightened me to how you guys do business. I learned a lot more than what I would just reading an article or watching a movie."
The group was split into three pairs, each following a different schedule to gain the most out of their visit.
One pair, Dykema and Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Zarella Butler, reviewed various aspects of training, spanning from Phase 1 to Graduation Day.
"There are simple things that can be done to enhance our recruit training," Dykema said. "We already have a good program, but we've seen some minor tweaks that can make our program even better."
The second pair, Sanchez and Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Joseph, followed recruits out to the Crucible.
"The most important thing was the motivation," Sanchez said. "Even when times were tough, the drill instructors kept them going.
"I think the motivation will keep them (Coast Guard recruits) wanting to keep going and to do better, he added. They will work harder and stronger to go out there and be the best Coast Guardsmen they can be."
The final pair, Coast Guard Petty Officers 2nd Class Christopher Hall and Chad Vanover, embedded with Phase 1 and Phase 3 platoons, from lights to lights.
"Our particular job was to see the interaction between the drill instructors and the recruits during Phase 1 and Phase 3," Vanover said. "When they show nothing but enthusiasm and intensity, the recruits feed off of that. We're already pretty intense, but I want to bring back more of that."
Vanover also noted the level of competitiveness between the platoons. "I think the competitiveness instills pride in the company (platoon). It gives the recruits a sharper edge," he said.
Hall hopes to implement a "dittie" system similar to the ones drill instructors use to keep the recruits in a routine.
"Everything from drill ditties to hygiene ditties to motivational chants - all those ditties bring motivation and enthusiasm and build pride in themselves and their unit," Hall said.
No matter what aspect each individual liked the best, they all agree the trip was a success. "We have been very impressed by what you do here," Dykema said. "We have a lot of respect for the Marine Corps, and it was great to spend a week here."