Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- To some, Marines are known as efficient warriors that can deliver consistent and effective shots at any target. The Marine and their rifle are infamously known worldwide, but this reputation could not be achieved without a strong basic foundation.
Recruits of Company L, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, were issued their M16-A4 service rifle aboard the depot, Nov. 25.
The purpose of receiving the rifles was for recruits to learn and train with them in order to gain proficiency as a marksman during recruit training. Regardless of their Military Occupation Specialty, recruits will learn marksmanship skills as it is a key attribute to being a Marine.
“Every Marine a rifleman,” said Recruit Wiley M. Kelly, Platoon 3250. “It’s another step we have to take in the process to becoming a Marine.”
Recruits received an M16-A4 service rifle, which is a light-weight, magazine feed, gas operated, air-cooled, shoulder fire weapon that is the weapon of choice for the Corps in combat operations. Getting their weapons on training day one, recruits began their transition and set in the mindset of becoming a Marine.
“It’s a huge impact on them knowing they are holding a weapon designed to kill.” said Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Thomas, drill instructor, Plt. 3255. “This is what they came here for. They now have these new responsibilities in taking care of and respecting their weapon.”
Just as the Rifleman’s Creed states, which all recruits are required to learn; recruits and their rifle will become inseparable and function as one throughout the remainder of recruit training.
“…My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...”
Over the course of recruit training, recruits will learn and understand the weapons safety, basic maintenance, and how to properly shoot the weapon, explained Thomas.
Drill instructors utilize the weapons with close-order drill, which has various training applicable features.
“The close-order drill with weapons will help us instill discipline in the recruits; that instant willingness to obey a command,” said Thomas, a Snellville, Ga. native. “The more we do it, the more we see a change in them. It’s only training day one but I can already see that difference.”
Weapons training will help recruits in the Fleet Marine Force beyond the obedience to commands.
“It’ll help us learn to keep things clean and in good working order, instill discipline, show our character, and live a life following honor, courage, and commitment,” said Wiley, a Carthage, Miss. native.
The main focus of weapons training is for combat application. Since every Marine may potentially be out in a combat environment, it is imperative for all to be efficiently trained.
“This training will keep not only themself safe, but others around them on the battlefield,” said Thomas. “Being a good marksman will help build their confidence, which in turn will help them go out and be an effective warrior.”
Co. L recruits will continue on through recruit training with their weapon at their side in an effort to earn the title Marine. They will test their drill capabilities during Initial and Final Drill as well as their marksmanship skills at Edson Range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
“We’re going to build the basic foundations here,” said Thomas. “We’ll chip away at the civilian that arrived to the depot because deep inside there is a Marine waiting to be found.”