MCRD San Diego -- As recruits shuffled onto the parade deck with their rifles in hand, the senior drill instructor took his position ready to lead his platoon through yet another challenging test in recruit training.
This was the recurring scene for all platoons with Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, as they prepared for the final drill competition aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego June 18.
Final drill consists of a series of drill movements that recruits learn from the moment they arrive aboard the depot. They are graded by judges, known as drill masters, who look for how well a platoon performs each drill movement.
Recruits are taught the basic fundamentals of drill to instill discipline, teamwork and instant obedience to orders, according to Gunnery Sgt. Scott C. Chromy, drill master, 1st RTBn.
“Overall I believe the company did very well,” said Chromy. “Three out of the five platoons graded above average. They surpassed my expectations.”
When teaching drill, recruits are taught by drill instructors the importance of attention to detail, how to handle a rifle and that final product is what matters the most.
“How a platoon drills is a direct reflection of their drill instructors,” said Chromy. “This is something we’ve been waiting for. It’s going to show us how much effort their drill instructors put into teaching their recruits drill and the fundamentals of it.”
Although drill is managed and taught by drill instructors from start to finish, recruits feel a sense of pride in unit and responsibility as a platoon when marching to the cadence of their drill instructors, according to Recruit Micheal A. Mitchell, guide, Platoon 3269, Co. M, 3rd RTBn.
“(Recruits) have to learn how to come together in order for everyone to move and sound as one,” said Mitchell. “A lot of heart goes into it when we drill. We feel a sense of ownership which helps us work as a team.”
Platoon 3269 won final drill out of the five competing teams with a score of 78.5.
Final drill is one of the culminating events for recruits during recruit training, said Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey E. Liske, senior drill instructor, Platoon 3273, Co. M, 3rd RTBn.
“It’s one of the last events they will do as a platoon,” said Liske. “They are above and beyond the level of what you would consider a basically trained recruit.”
The recruits passed final drill and moved forward as they prepared to face the Crucible, a 54-hour sleep and food deprived, team building training exercise. The company is scheduled to graduate July 6.