Marines

From:  Director, Drill Instructor School
To:   Incoming Students
Subj:  Welcome Aboard

1. I would like to commend you on your assignment to Drill Instructor School.  Drill Instructor duty is a highly demanding duty, but it will no doubt be one of your most rewarding tours.  Know that we will assist you in achieving your goal every step of the way.

I would like to take a moment to offer you some advice on things you can get accomplished prior to your arrival and to ensure that you are compliant on your command screening:

        a. We have seen myriad fitness levels during check-in; do not wait until you get here to get in shape.  If you are not running a high first class PFT prior to your arrival you will be behind your peers.  The most recent graduating DI School class had a Final PFT average of 280.  If you are not in running and hiking shape then start to make a concerted effort to improve your fitness level.  If you are not within height and weight standards then correct that now; do not presume that you will be able to remain in the course until you bring yourself within the standard.  Those out of Marine Corps standards will be immediately dropped from the course for non-compliance.  Expect a PFT and a weigh-in upon arrival.

        b. Have all of your uniforms inspection ready before you get here. You will receive numerous classes on uniform regulations during the course to include classes on how to mark your uniforms.  If your uniforms are not marked, then it is best to wait until you receive instruction from the DI School staff on how to execute this correctly.  Besides this one detail, your uniforms should be clean, serviceable, pressed, and ready for inspection.  I will also point out that Cash Sales aboard MCRD San Diego sells new uniform items at discounted prices.

        c. Take care of all the small things before you arrive at Drill Instructor School.  The curriculum is demanding and you will be challenged.  Outside distractions will affect your ability to focus on your studies while in the school.

        d. Ensure your command screening checklist is accurate.  When you complete your financial checklist be honest in your assessment.  Ensure your annual training requirements are up to date.  Those lacking in this area will be found noncompliant and commands will have to explain to HQMC why you failed to complete your annual training.  If you have received a waiver of any kind, make sure you hand-carry that with you when you check in and attach a copy to your command screening checklist.

        e. Get a complete, current physical; ensure it states “fit for DI duty” on that physical.  The fast-paced curriculum does not afford time to have you properly screened by medical.

        f. Disclose everything to your command during your screening process.  The time to bring up financial hardships and family instability is not here.

        g. Upon your arrival we will conduct a vehicle inspection and make sure you have current/valid insurance and registration. 

        h. I have attached a couple of “teach backs.”  It is beneficial for you to memorize the position of attention prior to your arrival.  You will be expected to recite that movement to one of the instructors verbatim a few days after your arrival.  Take the time now to get ahead.

        i. Study your basic Marine Corps knowledge.  Over 50% of each class fails the first Marine Corps Common Skills test.

2. It is very important to note that on certain nights throughout the training schedule you will be required to stay on base for risk management reasons.  You should discuss the overnight requirements with your loved ones, ahead of time, and make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.  A list of the nights that you will be required to stay are as follows:

        a. During the first week of training until you are secured to liberty the first weekend.

        b. Every Monday night for field day.

        c. Currently there are two nights and one morning on the schedule in which you will observe recruits undergoing training.  The night before the morning event you will be required to stay on base.

        d. During Recruit Training Observation.  The week prior to graduation, you will spend a week observing recruit training from reveille to taps.

        e. During Basic Warrior Training (BWT) week.  While at Weapons Field Training Battalion aboard Camp Pendleton you will be required to stay on base as you will be observing the crucible.

        f. The night prior to the five-mile and eight-mile hike aboard MCAS Miramar.

        g. Exact dates will be available upon check-in, when you receive a copy of the training schedule.

3. This letter is intended to allow you to be as prepared and as successful as possible. Those of you that take the time to mentally and physically prepare yourself before your arrival will have a definite advantage over your peers.  We look forward to working with each and every one of you.  If you have any questions or concerns contact the Chief Instructor at (619) 524-4417.

                                                                        Semper Fidelis,

                                                                        B.W. RICHARDSON