Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Marines take on many challenges during their careers. Perhaps one of the most physically and mentally demanding jobs in the Marines Corps is taking on the challenge of being a drill instructor. One Marine may have set the bar high as he went above and beyond his expectations.
Gunnery Sgt. Miguel Cortes Jr., drill master, Drill Instructor School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, grew up in the small town of Port Isabel, Texas, with a population of 5,000.
“Back then football was life for us in our small town,” said Cortes. “Most importantly, the community was close knit and supported each other in any endeavor, whether it is one person going to state or a football team going deep into the playoffs. It was family supported and you felt the love from the community.”
After graduating high school, 18-year-old Cortes committed to the Marine Corps and was on his way to recruit training just two weeks later in June of 2002.
“I wanted to put myself to the test by challenging myself mentally and physically,” said Cortes. “I knew the Marine Corps would give me the best opportunities to do that, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Cortes also explains that joining the Marine Corps was more than just a mental and physical challenge.
“I wanted to make my mom proud, and my father proud,” said Cortes. “I was the first in the family to go in to the military, and I felt like it was my way of making a name for our family. My father came to America from Mexico with no job and no shoes, but he worked hard and made something of himself. America gave him the opportunity to give me a future, so serving my country is my way of giving back to the country that provided opportunities for my father.”
Cortes first honored his family name and his country by serving a total of five deployments.
“The highlight in each of my deployments was building the comradery with my fellow Marines,” said Cortes. “We all endured the hardship of the deployments, being away from family and living conditions, but throughout it all, we relied on each other to keep each other sane, honest and moving forward to bring everyone back home safely. Comradery in the Marine Corps is looking at your fellow Marines and knowing they’ve got your back no matter what.”
After serving several deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Cortes decided to go a step further in giving back to the Marine Corps and his country by becoming a drill instructor in March of 2013.
“Becoming a drill instructor is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Cortes. “I was passionate about it because I saw the impact that my drill instructors had on me, and I wanted to have the same impact on our future Marines. I was ecstatic to be put in this position to mentor, lead and train the Marine Corps newest product.”
The drill instructor helped produce nine platoons of new Marines with both Hotel and Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.
“There was times where I was tired, hungry and miserable, but I just looked to my left and right and saw my brothers working just as hard as me, and I couldn’t let them down just like they wouldn’t let me down,” said Cortes. “It’s about more than just the pain and misery. It’s about sustaining the legacy of the Marine Corps. When you think of it in that manner, whatever you’re feeling is minute compared to the broad spectrum of the overall picture.”
Drill instructors undergo 13 weeks of recruit training and spend every waking day transforming their recruits into Marines. Graduation is a special moments for not only the new Marines, but for the drill instructors as well.
“Receiving these young men who don’t know how to do anything Marine Corps related, and then seeing them walk out with pride, confidence and seeing their families barely recognize their Marine is an unexplainable feeling,” said the drill instructor. “I feel like all the sacrifice from me and my fellow drill instructors is well worth it.”
After a successful tour of training recruits, Cortes decided to continue his teaching path and now trains Marines to become drill instructors.
“After the nine cycles with my experience as a drill instructor, I felt the best way to give back to this special duty assignment was to come here and expand the knowledge I have and transfer it over to the new drill instructors,” said Cortes.
Cortes explained there is a difference in training recruits and training Marines.
“Marines who want to become drill instructors have already been in the Marine Corps a while,” said Cortes. “They are disciplined, eager to learn and want to create their legacy and make an impact on the Marine Corps.”
Becoming a drill instructor is a life changing experience, explained Cortes.
“Watching the new drill instructors graduate is a special feeling to watch and be a part of,” said Cortes. “I know the feeling of accomplishment they have, and I feel honored to have them as a fellow brother who’s a part of the drill field.”
Cortes’ successful career as a drill instructor didn’t go unnoticed as he recently received a well-earned award as Drill Instructor of the Year. The awarded Marine competes with both recruit depots.
“I’m humbled to be awarded as Drill Instructor of the Year,” said Cortes. “I’ve served with outstanding leaders as a drill instructor, and it has helped me grow me into a better Marine than when I first arrived.”
Once Cortes reaches the end of his enlistment, he plans to continue his life as a family man and continue his mentorship as a teacher.
“First and foremost, I want to have a successful career and that to me is leaving with my wife and kids,” said Cortes. “My wife has been my backbone throughout my career, so in order for me to be successful, I want to impact as many Marines as I can and leave with my family. Being a drill instructor has taught me that I like to stand in front of young individuals and provide helpful insight on how to better themselves. Becoming a teacher after the Marine Corps will be the best way for me to continue doing what I love to do.”