San Diego -- People join the Corps for different reasons but it all stems from what they have heard and seen about the Marines in the past.
Recruits of Company C, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, received history classes aboard the depot, Nov. 15.
“History is one of the things that keeps Marines united, it is what we have in common," said Sgt. Gersom C. Canlas, academic instructor, Instructional Training Company, Support Battalion.
While in recruit training, recruits receive six classes on history, dating back to the birth of the Marine Corps at the Tun Tavern in 1775 to present day wars in the Middle East. Recruits will be expected to retain this information for Training Day 55 when they will take a comprehensive exam about everything they learned in the classroom during recruit training. The history they learn not only prepares them for the test but also prepares them to continue the legacy of the Corps.
"We not only teach recruits the subjects they need to pass the comprehensive exam, we also teach them the core values, and how important they are to Marines past and present,” said Canlas, a San Jose, Calif., native.
While the classes were on the history of the Marine Corps, recruits also received academic instruction on uniform care, customs and courtesies and a variety of classes essential for a basically trained Marine.
During the class, Canlas, showed videos and clips to engage the recruits and get them interested in the subject.
“Teaching recruits these classes is a great thing,” said Recruit Jerry Yinka, Platoon 1042. “Everyone in recruit training is striving to become a Marine and the only way we can become a well-rounded Marine is to not take these classes for granted and soak in as much as we can.”
According to Canlas, 33, the classes are more than just teaching the recruits but its also about showing them the pride Marines hold.
“History is the foundation that makes us who we are, past, present and future. It’s important to teach it to recruits so they have that foundation to build upon,” said Canlas.
While these recruits have just begun recruit training, they are now armed with the Corps’ history to continue to pursue their goal of becoming Marines.
“I am excited for the rest of recruit training,” said Yinka, a Tucson, Ariz., native. “From here on out I will learn as much as I can and when the time comes, be the best Marine I can be.”