Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- The Rifleman’s Creed, which is basic part of the Marine Corps doctrine, outlines the important relationship between a Marine and his rifle. That relationship begins during the first training day of recruit training.
Recruits of Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, began the journey to mastering their rifle during the Rifle Issue event aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Nov. 3.
During recruit training, each recruit is required to learn and memorize the creed, and its requirement is due to one simple fact.
“Every Marine is a rifleman,” said Sgt. Trevon L. Wilson, drill instructor, Platoon 2126. “With their rifle we’ll train them in marksmanship and drill, which will help instill an instant obedience to orders.”
Recruits arrived at the depot armory and lined up behind a workbench. They were issued and then inspected each piece of their rifle cleaning kit to ensure all the parts were functional and accounted for. After all gear was inspected, they were issued their M16-A4 Service Rifle. For some recruits, it gave them instant motivation to learn about their weapon.
“I wanted to learn every bit and piece so I know how to use weapon to the best of my ability,” said Recruit Jerry A. Ramos, Plt. 2126. “We’re considered the best fighting force in the world, so we need to be able to shoot like it.”
Over the course of recruit training, to fulfill the passages of the Rifleman’s Creed, recruits, some of who have never touched a weapon before, will learn all aspects of their rifle.
“We’ll teach them the parts, how to break down the weapon, simulate attacks with it during the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training, and with the help of primary marksmanship instructors, teach them to utilize and put rounds effectively down range,” said Wilson, a Downingtown, Pa., native. “They’ll also learn that during recruit training, the weapon they are being issued is their weapon. They will be required to memorize its serial number and have it on them at all times or always be able to account for it.”
The Marine Corps prides itself with the fact of ‘every Marine a rifleman.’ It is one of the critical aspects that allows for the flexibility with employing a Marine in a combat environment.
“In order to be ‘every Marine a rifleman’ you must be trained that way,” said Ramos, an Anaheim, Calif., native recruited out of Recruiting Substation Anaheim, Calif. “Once you master how to use it, no matter what job you have, you have to continue to be the best at it.”
Fox Company left the armory with their weapons at their sides in an effort to earn the title Marine. Their drill capabilities will be tested during Initial and Final Drill as well as their marksmanship skills at Edson Range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
“Most of everything we do it teamwork, but the rifle is about the individual,” said Wilson. “It’s critical that they focus and become one with the weapon or else they won’t be able to properly utilize it.”