Posted on 05/30/2007 10:08:02 AM PDT by bnelson44
Just spoke with some of my Marine buddies down at Parris Island, S.C. (I'll be there in a few weeks) and then a quick phone call to Quantico, Virginia.
You'll recall we discussed the new far-tougher ethics standards in boot camp here and here, particularly when it comes to that final 54-hour recruit-defining event known as the Crucible. We discussed the fact that if a Marine recruit were to exhibit some character deficiency — such as lying or cheating — he would be going home: No second chances.
We also discussed the Corps' new tougher rifle marksmanship training (which is already the toughest recruit marksmanship program of any of the services. And being required to make killing hits on man-sized targets at 500 yards means that being "the toughest" marksmanship program is not something that's debatable. It's a fact.).
But that's not all. If you fail one physical obstacle in the revised (meaning "harder") Crucible, you're out.
No second chance. No recycle to a new platoon. You're packing your trash, and going home, because the Corps doesn't want you.
So much for the naysayers who swear standards are being lowered to help increase sagging recruiting numbers.
Speaking of recruiting numbers: They're up. Way up. They always are for the Marine Corps, which met 141 percent of its goal, last month; and meets or exceeds recruiting goals every month, every quarter, every year. And the Marines are meeting and exceeding goals as Defense Department demands for new Marines are also increasing.
Last year, in fact, total force (active and reserve) enlisted accessions (brand-new bodies the Corps is required to bring in annually) were over 38,000 new Marines. This year, the requirement is over 42,000, and DoD officials are telling me, "We are on track to meet that end of year mission."
Even more amazing is that the incoming Marines know they are going war. They are willing and eager to serve their country, even at great risk to themselves, and they are not stupid or irresponsible (as some self-serving politicians might have us believe).
Maj. Wes Hayes, a spokesman with the Marine Corps Recruiting Command at Quantico, tells me:
You have to remember only 28 percent of young men and women — between 17 and 24 years old — are even recruitable. We look at the whole person. And when you consider the screen-to-discover — the moral, physical, mental, and educational — evaluations, only about three in 10 qualify for military service. It's actually a very small number.
My husband will be thrilled. He was starting to question what has been going on due to some of the guys making it out of boot camp. Of course, every Marine, after the 10 year mark, seems to start with the “in MY Corps, the OLD Corps” line of conversation LOL.
Admiration bump!
I have done probably 50 obstacle courses in my day...most come down to technique and strength. Kicking out someone because no one taught them climb a rope correctly or swing on monkey bars? I dunno in that is the correct criteria...
"At university" I had two Ukranian-American friends who got into the Marine Corps despite arrest records. Seems they had thrown red paint at the Soviet Legation to the U.N. as teens. Semper Fi.
Interesting, for what it’s worth I went through OCS in 1987. Only 48% of us graduated to “Butter Bar” status, the rest went home. That’s the way it’s always worked.
With that said, I’m a little surprised that some won’t be recycled in the enlisted ranks if only one obstacle is missed/failed.
Semper Fi
NYleatherneck
Awesome. Glad to hear that they are doing this; the recruiting numbers bear out the premise that people like to be challenged, like to be part of a team that excels, and enjoy the rewards of hard work rather than the trappings of mediocrity.
Now, if the Army would take a lesson from all this, we’d be in good shape.
My sons new billet, starting June 15, will be supervising the DI’s at the MCRD in San Diego.
Not everyone can be a ground pounder or a warrior. Should we deny service opportunities to kids with 140 plus IQs who were the last one’s picked at recess growing up but have smarts and character? Certainly, there has to be ways for them to serve their country in other means.
They should join another branch of service. Every Marine is a rifleman 1st, then a clerk or Motor T when there is no one left to shoot at.
Semper Fi,
NYleatherneck
Every Marine is a ground pounding warrior before he or she is anything else.
Period.
L
This is good to hear. I spent 7 years in the Marine Corps. I know a friend of a friend that is in Army basic as we speak. Strange thing happened. He called from his cell phone during basic. Apparently they are given their cell phones back at some point after the first two weeks. All I can say is, wow.
This is encouraging news. Thanks for posting.
I know the pre-screening is much more vigorous than it was when I went in. Of the original 60 in my Parris Island platoon 38 of us graduated, plus a couple of recycles. I have heard that even today, the washout rate is still close to 1 in 3.
Not everyone is cut out for it though and I would surely hope that people don’t look down on those less physically able who at least bothered to stand up.
Not to disparage anyone but in the case of the Marines they maintain this standard throughout the ranks. Every General to every musician must complete a PFT every year to remain in the Corps. They can find people with both smarts and physical toughness. Other services have less strenuous requirements.
By the way, I also heard that recruit platoons are now up to 90 recruits. I hope that doesn’t excessively reduce “personalized” attention!
Standards exist for a reason and should not be watered down for anyone. My point was that there needs to be a way for people who want to serve to be given that chance in some way.
Very true. For folks who aren't Marine material we have the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Coast Guard. But Marines are expected to be, first and foremost, warriors. Lowering the standards would be a fatal mistake, and I do mean fatal.
I would surely hope that people don’t look down on those less physically able who at least bothered to stand up.
I'm too old to play that inter-service rivalry crap. I'm grateful to and have profound respect for any person who is willing to strap on the uniform of this country no matter which service they join.
L
One item really stands out. When we got there, that CG asked if we would help out as “coaches” on the rifle range. As you know, we qualified at 200, 300 and 500 yards. So, we thought it might be fun and we could probably send a few rounds down range in the process.
So, we show up to the range to help the Army Lt’s. The shock is they qualify at the 50 “meter” line with a scale target to replicate a much longer shot. They even got a ribbon for it. It was an “eye” opener those 6 months at that school.
Thankfully, we had a full bird USMC Col as well as a handful of Captains who were instructors. They made sure things stayed tight if you get my drift.
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