Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- As recruits go through recruit training, they learn to conduct themselves as Marines. They will develop in areas such as physical training, knowledge and teamwork. Customs and courtesies are topics taught in recruit training. These are the primary ways Marines show respect and acknowledge one another.
For recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, respect was up for discussion on Oct. 29 when they learned about the Marine Corps’ customs and courtesies at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif.
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.
Company C 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 demonstrate their discipline all the time.
“When people think of a Marine, they think of a disciplined warrior who is smart and brute,” said Recruit Casey G. Bardwell, Platoon 1054. “Marines take pride in being well-rounded human beings who are trained to fight our countries battles.”
For some drill instructors, customs and courtesies are more than just tradition and proper behavior, but a way to show acknowledgement and respect to fellow Marines.
“Customs and courtesies define who we are and we treat our fellow Marines,” said Sgt. Cameron D. Castaneda, Platoon 1054. “Customs and courtesies are what make us different than the other branches.”
Customs and courtesies are things Marines use in everyday endeavors and the learning should start sooner rather than later. The proper greeting of the day is a courtesy Marines practice everyday, according to Castaneda, a 25-year-old Midlothian, Texas, native.
“The importance of a proper greeting of the day is something I have learned while going through recruit training and is the foundation of customs and courtesies. It demonstrates the respect we have for each other,” said Bardwell, a 23-year-old Kalispell, Mont., native. “Recruit training is where we learn the basics. Marines who came before us instilled this, and it is up to the future generation of Marines to continue our customs and courtesies.
Now that these recruits have learned customs and courtesies, graduation marks the day recruits of Company C begin their career as United States Marines and continue the legacy of those who came before them.