MCRD San Diego -- Company C, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, was issued 529 M16-A4 service rifles Aug. 27 aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
As Co. C takes their first step into training, they also put their hands on a Marine’s most iconic piece of equipment, their rifle.
“They immediately go to drilling, all day anywhere they go right up to final drill” said Staff Sgt. Kevin Sanchez, drill instructor, Platoon 1045, Co. C. “They need to know drill manual.”
The recruits prepare for this day by reciting and memorizing the four weapon safety rules. Recruits learn various drill movements throughout the duration of recruit training.
“I’m pretty excited to finally get to march with them,” said Recruit Orlando Huertas-Collazo, guide, Plt. 1045. “It looks really nice when they are marching in step and doing the rife movements.”
In addition to the safety rules, recruits must also memorize their individual serial number. Throughout training they can be quizzed on their serial number, ensuring each recruit is responsible for their individual weapon, expressing the importance of gear accountability in combat.
“They have to write it down, and need it memorized right away,” said Sanchez. “Last cycle we took their names off the rifles. They need to be able to find their own.”
This forced them to memorize their number so they could always find their own rifle.
Although recruit training can be draining, spirits are normally high on training day one when the recruits begin physical training and are issued their rifle, according to Sanchez.
“This also tells us we are getting closer to firing range, which I’m excited about,” said Huertas-Collazo, an 18-year-old, Chicago native.
Recruits spend countless hours cleaning and maintaining their rifles. This ensures the weapon is in working order when it comes time to use it. This is especially important during Phase Two when they fire for their rifle qualification badge and also when firing on the Crucible.
“Even when you get out (to the fleet) it’s necessary to keep your weapon clean,” said Sanchez. “A dirty weapon is one that can’t be fired.”
At the end of recruit training, recruits will be expected to return their rifle as clean as it was when issued.