SAN DIEGO --
Many events in the Corps’ history have built and transformed
it to what it has become today. From the beginning of recruit training, future
Marines learn about the foundation the Corps was built upon and during one of
their final weeks in training, the books turn into living pieces of history.
Recruits of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, took advantage of
being able to hear about real-world experiences during a history class at the
Marine Corps Command Museum during their visit at Marine Corps Recruit Depot
San Diego, Oct. 7.
The docents who work at the command museum are Marine Corps veterans who have
lived the history dating back to the Korean War. During the recruits’ visit,
docents took them on a tour and explained each section, in detail. They even
use their personal experiences to back up the artifacts.
Recruits
visit sections including the Korean War, Waterhouse Room, Vietnam Gallery,
World War II, Medals and Decorations and Modern Warfare.
“What we do here in the
museum reinforces their Marine Corps history,” said retired Gunnery Sgt. Bob
Bailey, docent. “We have real pieces of history standing here with the recruits
and telling them things they actually went through.”
The
docents feel that guided discussions are the most effective and they happen by
the retelling of personal stories to go
along with the artifacts they’re learning about.
“The
museum gives [recruits] a better view on history after what they learned
throughout training,” said Recruit Tyler D. Lynch, Bravo Company. “From the
beginning of recruit training, we have had a series of classes that pertained
to Marine Corps history, and it is really backed up by what we are learning
here today.”
The
museum itself houses more than 2,000 artifacts that date from the early days of
the Marine Corps to items used today, which includes some interactive displays
for recruits to use.
“We
also use everything in the museum to motivate the recruits,” said 80-year-old
Bailey, a native of Pent Water, Mich. “In a few days, they will be setting out
to begin the Crucible and become Marines.”
After
the recruits have completed the Crucible and have earned the title of Marine,
they will be allowed to bring their families into the museum and teach them
everything they have learned.
“My
father was a Marine,” said Lynch, a native of New Windsor, Iowa. “Seeing how it
was when he was in compared to what it will be like when I become a Marine really
motivates me to follow in his footsteps.”