Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

            “Good morning sir! Good morning ma’am!” can be heard throughout Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego as recruits greet all they encounter.

            In their first week of training, Company L, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, received an hour-long customs and courtesies class during recruit training aboard MCRD San Diego Sept. 12.

            “It’s in the beginning so it reiterates what the drill instructors have been telling them,” said Staff Sgt. Juan Aguilera, senior drill instructor, Co. L. “Then we can hold them accountable for not doing what they’re supposed to.”

            More than 250 recruits filled the classroom for a class that covered various topics including saluting, proper greetings, rank structure, naval terms and the Marine Corps Birthday.

            Although a lot of information is covered it doesn’t take long for the recruits to understand the importance. The information covered here will follow the recruits throughout their time in the Marine Corps, according to Aguilera.

            “Usually within the first week they start to get it,” said Aguilera. “It’s not just for boot camp. They will use this throughout the Marine Corps.”

            Customs represent some of the long standing traditions the Marine Corps still holds today. Many of these traditions are associated with the Marine Corps Birthday.

            In addition to the many traditions, Marines also hold themselves to a higher standard when it comes to common courtesies.

            “It’s just proper. My mother taught me the same thing,” said Recruit Wykeam Miller, guide, Co. L. “It’s all about respect.”

            Recruits have been instructed in this since arriving at the depot but this is their first formal class explaining all the details.

            “The drill instructors have been stressing this since we got on those yellow footprints,” said Miller, 18. “Every morning and every night.”

            The recruits of Co. L may represent the Marine Corps one day and need to ensure to strive for excellence.

            “(The Marine Corps) is the heart of the nation,” said Recruit Preston Perez, guide, , Co. L. “If we show we are proper than it shows this nation is also proper.”

            Recruits of Co. L have a long journey ahead of them but those who come through the other side will know they have earned the title U.S. Marine.