San Diego --
Bearing is defined as
the way one conducts and carries him or herself in a manner that reflects
alertness, competence and control.
Recruits
of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, tested their bearing during
their Series Commander Inspection at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug.
3.
The purpose of the series commander
inspection is to test the recruits on what they’ve learned in recruit training
such as Marine Corps knowledge, uniforms and rifle manual, while having a
confident conversation with an officer.
“The
series commander inspection gives us an idea on how far the recruits have
improved on their bearing, confidence and knowledge,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher
B. Ramsey, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1009. “It also prepares them for
future inspections such as the Company Commander’s Inspection and the Battalion
Commander’s Inspection.”
The
inspecting officer faced each recruit and snapped his heels together coming to
the position of attention, which signaled the recruit to report to the officer
by sounding off with his name, hometown and military occupation specialty.
After reporting, the inspector asked each recruit Marine Corps knowledge
questions and then inspected his uniform.
While
being inspected, recruits were asked questions that pertained to things they
learned while in recruit training. When the inspecting officer also asked
recruits questions they sometimes were more personal nature such as how recruit
training was going or what the recruit’s favorite part has been to that point.
“Drill instructors as well as the Series Commander,
looked for several things while inspecting each recruit,” said Ramsey, a native
of Houston. “We looked for how well their uniforms were prepared to how well
their rifles were cleaned. We also tested the recruits to see if they knew what
positions they were allowed to assume while the inspection was on going.”
Ramsey explained that prior to the inspection, recruits
were put through several mock inspections and when it came to knowledge, they were
tested on a daily basis.
“Every day in recruit training we are tested,” said
Recruit Noah L. Barbieri, Alpha Company. “We practice inspection arms, go over
our knowledge, clean our weapons and prepare our uniforms every day.”
As training progresses and recruits endure more of the
events that help them build confidence, they will continue to be more
proficient at handling stressful situations and understanding how an official
inspection is conducted.
Alpha Company displayed military
bearing and showed that they are confident with what they have learned so far in
recruit training. The series commander’s inspection is just a small step to
prepare them for bigger and more challenging tests they will face as they begin
their Marine Corps careers.