San Diego -- Graduating recruit training with the title “Marine” involves developing in different areas such as physical strength, knowledge and teamwork. Customs and courtesies are skills that are taught in recruit training. These are the primary ways Marines show respect and acknowledge one another.
For recruits of Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, respect was demanded on Jan. 7 when they arrived at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the classroom setting was just another example of how drill instructors instilled it.
Classes are used to teach recruits different areas of Marine Corps knowledge and are continuous throughout recruit training. Recruits learn about topics such as: Marine Corps history, uniform regulations, traditions, leadership principles and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, among others.
On Jan. 16, recruits of Co. F learned some of the basic Marine Corps customs and courtesies and the proper way for every Marine to conduct themselves.
One recruit found the particular customary way Marines celebrate the Marine Corps birthday particularly motivating.
“I learned a lot about the Marine Corps birthday. I particularly enjoyed learning about the cake cutting ceremony. Giving the first piece of cake to the oldest Marine and the second piece to the youngest, symbolizing every Marine in between those two,” said Recruit Rex C. Martinez, Platoon 2125, Co. F, 2nd RTBn. “It means so much to every Marine out there. I think it’s very motivating the way Marines care for their Corps. They take so much pride in not just everyday life, but in every thing they do.”
For some drill instructors customs and courtesies is more than just tradition and proper behavior, but a way to show acknowledgement and respect to fellow Marines.
“Customs and courtesies help Marines build respect for each other. It’s not just about rank, it’s to show respect that we have for other Marines,” said Staff Sgt. Bruno M. Nascimento, Plt. 2125, Co. F, 2nd RTBn. “Customs and courtesies are what set us apart from everyone else. It allows for Marines to posses not only morals but values.”
Customs and courtesies are things Marines use in everyday endeavors and the learning should start sooner rather than later. A simple proper greeting makes a huge difference, according to Nascimento.
“A proper greeting of the day is the foundation of customs and courtesies. It enhances the respect that we have for each other,” said Nascimento. “Recruit training is where you develop that foundation. It’s important to learn it while on the depot. Customs and courtesies enhance the foundation that was established by Marines who came before us, who saw the bigger picture.”
Now that these recruits have learned customs and courtesies, graduation marks the day recruits of Co. F begin their career as United States Marines and continue the legacy of those who came before them.