The thing I remember the most of that time was running into a Sergeant Major about five minutes after graduating from boot camp. I froze; this was the most senior Marine I had ever seen and I was vibrating in place when I saw him. He asked me what my problem was and I told him that I had never seen a Sergeant Major before. He had me sit down on a low wall and told me that "no Marine is more important than any other Marine. We show respect to Marines that have greater responsibilities and experience than us but that respect is always returned. Very soon you will be in combat in Vietnam and for five minutes, you may be the most important Marine on earth. Let's go get a beer". Made a hell of an impression with me and that little talk guided me on what would be a long career.
Marksmanship is a vital skill for all of us. We may be only civilians now but our families and our neighborhoods depend on us to be safe and hit what we aim at, first shot. If you can't hit well now, practice - don't be a noisemaker.
Excellent post; and thanks.
THAT is a Sergeant Major.
I got roped into having drinks with a Marine Lieutenant General one evening years ago- in civvies and in town. He asked me to address him by his first name. I was a Corporal at the time. I think I sat at attention and called him 'Mike Sir' all evening. Nice guy, just wanted to relax and knock a few back and chat.
I can hear the voice of my Senior in my mind's ear: "Oh- you're just drinking buddies with the General huh?" :-)