SAN DIEGO -- Recruits of Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, eagerly waited for commands from their unit leader during final drill aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego March 18.
Final drill is one of many events during recruit training that platoons participate in to determine which will graduate honor platoon.
For recruits, competing in drill was an opportunity to prove to their drill instructors that the countless hours spent practicing on the parade deck was worthwhile and that with every step they took in unity, they were closer to winning the trophy.
However, learning and performing drill means more than winning a trophy. It is used as a tool by drill instructors to instill discipline, obedience and build camaraderie within the platoon.
From the moment recruits step foot aboard the depot, they are taught the fundamentals of drill. The basic drill movements let drill instructors move platoons from one place to another in a standard and organized manner, while teaching them to respond to orders without hesitation.
“Drill is a foundation of recruit training; it teaches discipline and instant willing obedience to orders,” said Sgt. Todd Talley, drill instructor, Platoon 2123, Co. F, 2nd RTBn. “It also builds camaraderie in the recruits by teaching them to work together.”
Camaraderie is the spirit of good-fellowship. Without it, units may fall apart because of the lack of cooperation.
According to Talley, a 25-year-old Baltimore native, the camaraderie instilled through drill teaches recruits how to work as a team and encourages them to police each other.
“They’ll not only correct each other when it comes to drill, but also for (uniform) inspections,” said Talley.
Yet, like many challenges in recruit training, building camaraderie isn’t easy. Recruits come from different walks of life and the tendency to butt heads is not uncommon.
“There is a lot of tension at first, but in the end, (drill) brings us together because we are working for a common cause,” said Pfc. Brandon Blair, Plt. 2123, Co. F, 2nd RTBn.
In drill, recruits are no longer individuals. They have to work together and move as one, explained Blair, a 19-year-old Casey, Ill. native.
“The change was dramatic; we went from not being able to stay in step to being able to close our eyes, listen to each other’s heels and stay in step,” said Blair.
The camaraderie built through hours spent drilling gave each recruit confidence, not only in themselves but in their fellow recruits. They are able to comprehend every movement and trust that each recruit would be able to execute the move correctly, explained Talley.
“(Drill) is something that they’ve all been working hard for,” said Talley. “They’ve been talking about it a lot.”
Regardless of which platoon walked away with honor platoon, the recruits of Co. F displayed confidence and ability to work together as a team, traits that every Marine should possess.