MCRD San Diego -- High school administrators, teachers, counselors and reporters from Recruiting Station San Antonio and Houston experienced a week-long synopsis of Marine Corps recruit training during the Educators Workshop Monday through today. Drill instructors greeted the bus loads of visitors similarly to the way they greet every recruit on the famous yellow footprints. The drill instructors use the yellow footprints as an initial chance to make their intimidating presence known to the recruits. They run and yell, quickly describing the rules of training.
"I was very nervous when we first met our drill instructors because I didn’t know what to expect. They were very intimidating," said Amy Garrey, guidance counselor, Oakridge High School, Houston.
Classroom briefs describing the entire enlistment process, including recruiting, joining the Marine Corps, boot camp graduation, and the Fleet Marine Force, and informed the educators about Marines’ lifestyles.
"My favorite class that we were given was the recruiting class. I didn’t realize how many hours of work are put into one recruit," said Gina Thomas, guidance counselor, Wheatley High School, Houston.
Educators were invited at the end of the first day to take part in the Bayonet Assault Course on the depot. They maneuvered through obstacles, crawled through tunnels and carried rubber M-16A2 service rifles while wearing flak jackets and Kevlar helmets.
"I was surprised at how difficult the Bayonet Assault Course was," said Garrey. "I run marathons, but after this course I was exhausted. I didn’t realize how heavy all the gear was."
The educators also visited Weapons Field Training Battalion, Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., to witness weapons firing and field training.
"It was enlightening experiencing a small part of what recruits go through," said Thomas. "I learned the importance of discipline and now realize that the reason behind all of the drill instructors yelling is to instill discipline and focus."
Educators leaving the depot today said that they have a better understanding of the Marine Corps and the young men and women who embody it.