MCRD San Diego, Calif. -- Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is helping to make quality citizens of the recruits arriving to recruit training.
On May 21, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, began Week Eight of recruit training also known as Team Week.
“It gets them away from the platoon, it’s the first time they are expected to be recruits under their own unsupervised,” said Sgt. Jeffery Walke, drill instructor Platoon 1074, Co. D, 1st RTBn.
Team Week allows recruits to spend time volunteering with various organizations and Marines aboard MCRD. It gives recruits the ability to show they are able to remain disciplined without a drill instructor nearby.
“Some are put into more of a billet to supervise others to make sure they get the job done,” said Walke. “They are given more leadership responsibilities.”
The recruits help with tasks such as cleaning, organizing and preparing supplies for the next line of recruits to arrive to the depot.
“It’s a continuous learning experience, they seem to enjoy what they do -- putting the war bags together for future recruits,” said Lena Buckles, material handler, recruit PX.
Many of the organizations are grateful for the help they receive from the recruits, enjoying the company they receive on an almost weekly basis. Recruits help about 10 different organizations a day during team week.
“I’ve been working here for 22 years and it’s been a blessing. I love the recruits,” said Buckles.
For recruits who do not get paired with a specific organization, the day is often spent assisting with cleaning buildings and collecting trash.
“A lot of the job they do is policing the area,” said Walke. “When you come on base it looks pristine and that’s the way it should be.”
Many tasks on base are completed with recruit assistance, allowing them to use various skills they have learned in recruit training.
“The skills in boot camp have helped us to complete these tasks,” said Denzel Carson, Plt. 1075, Co. D, 1st RTBn. “Since there is not a drill instructor guiding us we can put our discipline and bearing to the test without fooling around.”
The Marine Corps encourages volunteer work after recruit training as well by awarding the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal to any Marine who is continuously involved in volunteer work with civilian communities.
“It feels like we are making this base a better and cleaner environment,” said Carson, 19, a California native.
Team week marks the first week of Phase Three for the recruits of Co. D, who are scheduled to graduate June 22.