Parris Island, S.C. -- Two Swedish Marines from the Swedish Amphibious Corps visited Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Feb. 8 to observe the training recruits undergo on their journey to becoming Marines.
The visit was part of an ongoing effort by the United States Marine Corps to work with partner nations from around the world by inviting foreign military delegates to
view training.
Pfc. Eric Ramstrom, a force reconnaissance Marine from Uppsala, Sweden, was voted as Marine of the year for all of Sweden after his 11 months in training. As a surprise reward, he and Sgt. Marc Rantanen, another Swedish force reconnaissance Marine, were given the opportunity to see how Marines are trained in the U.S.,
he said.
During their time aboard the depot, the Swedish Marines observed drill practice, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training, swim qualifications and graduation.
The Marines were given an opportunity to negotiate the obstacle course, shoot in the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer and go down the rappel tower. It was the first time Ramstrom got the chance to rappel and he said he really enjoyed the obstacles.
They were given a chance to see the Parris Island Museum and play a round of golf at the Legends of Parris Island golf course,
as well.
In Sweden, the training Ramstrom received was focused on preparing the Marines for living in the woods, which is where most of their missions
take place.
While many of the values instilled and the emphasis on small-unit leadership remain the same, differences in the training of each force exist. For instance, U.S. Marines shoot from further distances and go through very different operational training.
“The training here focuses much more on close combat with the martial arts,” said Rantanen. “Our training is about long distances. We could be out for weeks at a time.”
Rantanen, of Stockholm, joined the military in 2004 and spent 15 months in training for the Swedish Marines. The first two weeks of that time was spent in a swamp.
Rantanen said he thought the Obstacle Course and the Confidence Course were two things that were good for building up the strength of recruits by physically preparing them in a unique manner.
In fact, Rantanen said the Confidence Course was what impressed him most about training at MCRD Parris Island.
“It builds up their mentality and teaches them to get control over their bodies in difficult situations,” he said. He added he couldn’t believe the sheer size of the Leatherneck Square training area and the obstacles.
“Everything is so big here. In Sweden, we call America the ‘king-sized country’.”
Firing at the ISMT was another highlight. The Swedish Marines fire different weapons from the issued M16-A4 service rifle and the M9 pistol. Both Marines enjoyed firing at the long distances from which recruits fire while training.
Despite the differences, the importance of working as a team and not as individuals was a similarity that was important throughout training. Swedish Marines, like their U.S. counterparts, reinforce the idea that a unit is not ready until every person within its ranks is prepared, Ramstrom said.
Rantanen said it was an honor to have the opportunity to experience another service’s training and exchange ideas.