MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego -- With one event on their mind a group of yelling drill instructors ran through Company D Platoons before one of their first big tests April 20 aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
“This is their first Marine Corps inspection,” said 1st Sgt. Lucas Harold, Co. D first sergeant, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, about the impending Senior Drill Instructor Inspection. “It helps the seniors gauge the progress of their recruits and identify their faults.”
Various drill instructors stopped in front of the recruits, demanding answers to Marine Corps knowledge questions, and for the recruits to perform “inspection arms,” a drill movement that shows the weapon is clear of ammunition and safe to inspect. Recruits are required to perform it properly.
“All of the drill instructors try to create a stressful environment during this inspection,” said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Williamson, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1074, Co. D, 1st RTBn. “This tests the recruit’s military bearing and simulates performing under pressure.”
As the drill instructors ran around inspecting recruits, the senior drill instructor observed to see which recruits needed extra attention. He also inspected recruits himself.
The senior drill instructor is the recruit’s acting father figure, providing a helping, yet stern hand. The recruits know their seniors have high expectations of them. Performing in front of their seniors helps prepare the recruits when being inspected by other senior Marines.
“Good morning sir!” one of the recruits yelled before performing “inspection arms.” The drill instructors would then test the recruit’s knowledge by asking a Marine Corps related question. Many recruits cracked under pressure and would answer the question while performing the drill movement, which isn’t allowed in drill.
“I think this helps show us we can still focus on what we’re suppose to do even in a stressful environment,” said Recruit Justin Larson, Plt. 1074, Co. D, 1st RTBn. “I was able to keep my bearing and perform ‘inspection arms’ without messing up.”
Inspections at recruit training also help enforce confidence. If they can’t perform under pressure confidently, it could cost them their own life or the life of a fellow comrade.
“If you’re in combat and freak out, you won’t be able to focus on what you need to do to complete the mission,” said Larson, 19-years-old.
Larson and the rest of Co. D have been in training for three weeks now, already overcoming many mental and physical obstacles. During this time, Co. D recruits have begun to grasp the basics of drill and absorbed basic Marine Corps knowledge through classes and re-enforcement from the drill instructors.
“We’ve practiced ‘inspection arms’ every day. The repetitiveness helps drill become second nature,” said Larson.
They have also been taught to pay attention to detail and properly maintain their Marine pattern (MARPAT) desert uniform.
“This is the first time they have had to put everything they’ve learned together,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jody Clark, drill instructor, Co. D, 1st RTBn. “Causing them to pay attention to every detail will translate over in combat.”
While being inspected, their uniforms are examined to ensure the recruits are taking pride in their uniforms. Drill instructors want to ensure their recruits will go into the Marine Corps understanding what is expected of them, and to perform with confidence.