San Diego -- Over the past twelve years, the threats of terrorist attacks have become an unfortunate reality for the U.S. While to some it may just be a fleeting fear or thought, for Marines it’s an ever-present threat.
From the day they raise their right hand and take the oath of enlistment, aspiring Marines solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Recruits of Company K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, received a class on terrorism awareness aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 3.
“I joined the Marine Corps because I was raised to be proud of our country and to want to give back,” said Recruit Zachary Janovich, Platoon 3222, Co. K, 3rd RTBn. “When I earn the title Marine, my job will be to defend our country with my life.”
Terrorism awareness starts in recruit training, where recruits receive a class that defines terrorism. The class also teaches them about the different types of terrorists, threat conditions, how to react to terrorist attacks, and how to protect themselves from terrorists.
“This is one of the most important classes they will take during recruit training because everything they learn in it will help them protect and safeguard themselves and their families against enemy threats,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas Gerberding, drill instructor, Plt. 3227, Co. K, 3rd RTBn.
Terrorism is the calculated use of violence or threat of unlawful violence to instill fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological, according to the Department of Defense.
Throughout the class, the instructor shared stories of current, past, foreign and domestic terrorist attacks and illustrated the importance of situational awareness at all times.
Being aware doesn’t only apply to time of war or duty, terrorist threats do not discriminate and can happen at any time and place. An essential part of protecting oneself is to remain unpredictable, according to Gerberding.
Some of the points emphasized most during the class were how to help protect oneself from terrorist threats. The top five methods include; maintain a low profile, protect your automobile, be unpredictable, and remain vigilant.
Similar to many of his peers, Recruit Daniel Holzem, Plt. 3222, Co. K, 3rd RTBn., seldom thought about terrorist threats. However, the classes and training he’s received while on the Depot have given him a different perspective and realization that threats are out there and very real.
For many recruits like Holzem, this may have been their first exposure to terrorism awareness however, it won’t be their last. Terrorism awareness training is an annual requirement for all Marines.
“Knowing is half the battle and knowledge is power,” said Holzem. “If we go out unaware and without knowledge we won’t be able to complete our missions.”