San Diego, Calif. -- “These recruits are entrusted to my care. I will train them to the best of my ability. I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained Marines, thoroughly indoctrinated in love of the Corps and country. I will demand of them, and demonstrate by my own personal example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality, and professional skill,” recited Capt. Juan Plancarte, series commander, Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, as his drill instructors echoed June 8 aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Upon pick up, drill instructors recite the drill instructor creed to their new platoon of recruits. Adopted in 1956, the creed is meant to lay down the foundation of what is expected of a drill instructor.
This is the first day recruits meet their drill instructors. These will be the individuals willing and capable of molding each recruit into basically trained Marines over 12 weeks of training.
“I was nervous and anxious waiting to meet my drill instructors,” said Recruit Adam Cisneros, Plt. 1021, Co. B, 1st RTBn. “But once they started talking, I was inspired to listen and go about what they said to do while trying my best.”
Over the past few days the recruits have been under the care of receiving drill instructors in order to process paperwork. It’s not until the series commander lets his drill instructors takeover on pick up day that the recruits have a real taste for what the rest of recruit training will be like.
“Pick-up is a shock for the recruits,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Phelan, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1021, Co. B, 1st RTBn. “We’re trying to get the house (squad bay) set up and instill obedience to order.”
The main goal of Friday pick up is to get the recruits into their new routine. The senior explains his and his fellow drill instructors roles. While the senior is supposed to mirror a father figure, he’s still a drill instructor, ready to give a stern hand when needed.
“Once our senior started talking to us we realized we could confide in him,” said Cisneros. “Our other drill instructors are there for drill and making sure we’re disciplined.”
Each drill instructor has their own role but they are all accountable for each recruit’s safety and well being. The first step in doing so involves making sure each recruit has their bag that consists of their identification cards and money. They then check every recruits gear to make sure they have what they need to begin training.
As soon as the drill instructors take charge they begin shaping each recruit, one step at a time, into Marines. Pick up day is only the beginning of their long journey ahead, to earn their Eagle, Globe and Anchor and the title United States Marine.