Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Some may feel that the culminating event of recruit training to becoming a Marine is the Crucible. Though recruits do earn their eagle, globe and anchor, it is up to their battalion commander on whether or not they are allowed to graduate recruit training and continue on.
Marines of Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stood strong during their Battalion Commander’s Inspection aboard the depot, Dec. 10.
The purpose of the inspection was for the battalion commander to ensure the newly forged Marines were properly trained and met the basic requirement to move forward with their training.
“The battalion commander utilizes the inspection to inspect the final product, testing the Marines on the basic knowledge of their uniforms and weapons,” said Sgt. Andrew T. Hoopes, drill instructor, Platoon 3267. “It is essential that they graduate as the type of Marine they should be before going through further training.”
The inspection was initiated when one of the designated Marines, including the battalion commander, stood in front of a Co. M Marine in formation. The Marine then conducted inspection arms before they passed their weapon off to be inspected. As their weapon was being checked for cleanliness, the Co. M Marine gave the proper greeting of the day to the inspector and sounded off with their rank, name, hometown, Military Occupation Specialty and whether they were active or reserve. During that time, the inspector asked various questions ranging from uniform regulations, Marine Corps knowledge and history, rank structure and why they joined.
Co. M faced previous inspections during recruit training including the Senior Drill Instructor Inspection and Company Commander’s Inspection. However, this was the first time they stood in front of and talked to such a high ranking Marine.
“It was a challenge to not be nervous and to try and settle yourself,” said Pfc. Zachary T. Bramstedt. “Having the battalion commander in front of us was intimidating so a lot of us struggled with our bearing.”
Going through the inspection, Marines had to be confident in their actions and fall back on their training.
“I told myself to stay calm, answer clearly and constantly reminded myself to keep a strong bearing,” said Bramstedt, an Alhambar, Ill., native. “We were taught everything we needed to know so all I had to do was just remember my training.”
The experience Co. M gained will be invaluable for their Marine Corps career. It has taught them the basic necessary interactions between a junior and senior Marine.
“They needed to learn to speak effectively and with confidence,” said Hoopes, an Idaho Falls, Idaho native. “If they want to become a good leader within the Corps it’s critical that they master this when speaking to both their higher command and Marines below them to ensure what is said is understood.”
With the battalion commander satisfied with the inspection, Co. M marched back to their squad bay knowing they had completed the last event that stood between them and their graduation. This was one of many interactions with higher ranking Marines they will have while in the Corps. Any experience is good experience.
“It was a good way for us to learn and get better with talking to senior Marines,” said 18-year-old Bramstedt. “Experiences like that help get us out of recruit mode where we’re scared to talk to somebody. We’re Marines now.”