MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, California -- With the advent of new drugs tempting Marines every day, Marine Corps leadership believes it paramount to stress the importance of the institutions zero tolerance substance abuse policy.
To do this, recruits of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, attended a class aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 5 to learn more about the dangers of illegal substances.
During the class, the recruits were taught about different illegal narcotics and the consequences for violating the substance abuse policy.
Still fairly new to recruit training, the recruits learned what their expectations will be once they earn the title Marine.
“Recruits have to learn to live the lifestyle as a Marine before the can become one,” said Sgt. Gerardo Silva Jr., drill instructor, Platoon 2163. “The Corps isn’t going to tolerate substance abuse, because we hold a higher standard than that.”
After recruits received the class regarding common illegal narcotics, they will be more informed about what drugs they may encounter, explained Silva, an Moreno Valley Calif. native.
“Marines set the bar high. If I want to be a well-rounded Marine Corps warrior, then I have to have a focused mind set at all times,” said Recruit Kendrick O. Hill, a Dallas native. “I feel the class has made me more aware of what to watch out for and stay away from. I know the Marine Corps will not tolerate drugs or the abuse of any substance, and that’s the main message they’re trying to get across to us in the class.”
The class was taught by a substance abuse counselor who works at the counseling center aboard the depot.
The center provides education to Marines and outreach services such as substance abuse awareness, prevention and direct care to those in need.