[Jarhead_22]

"in the Corps, it starts with reception at Parris Island or SD, where each new recruit calls home to report his safe arrival."

They call home now? When I got there (March, 1990), we were given a postcard and a pen and wrote out a dictated statment with our return address and that we had arrived safely and would write again soon, but not to worry if we weren't heard from right away, as we would be very busy for a while...

[WhiskeyPapa]

They call home now? When I got there (March, 1990), we were given a postcard and a pen and wrote out a dictated statment with our return address and that we had arrived safely and would write again soon, but not to worry if we weren't heard from right away, as we would be very busy for a while...

Same in '73.

In my experience, your squad leader/platoon commander, etc. would ask you if you were -getting- your mail. Whether you were writing yourself was not an issue; of course if your mom spams the whole Marine Corps... ;-)

Good for her!

Walt

[The KG9 Kid]

Yeah, they CALL home now.

I remember the post card that we were handed, and given about one minute to fill out to say that 'all was well'. The Red Cross did that.

Since 1990, the Corps has changed everything: New 782 gear, no more M-60 machinegun, new M4 carbines, no more M1911-A1s, 'lost-and-found' nametags on the utility uniform just like the Army and Navy retards wear, the new casual 'fleece'-style pullover issued in boot camp, dress blues are *issued* now, new sneaker-like boots, etc. etc. etc.

You and I are now officially 'Old Corps', pal.

[The Coopster]

Hmmm, were you Parris Island? In Jan of 87, when I arrived at MCRD San Diego, we were all made to call home. Of course, we were told EXACTLY what to say, and were given all of 30 seconds to do it in.......Sure does bring back memories.....

Port side make a head call!

FREEZE recruit, FREEZE!

And so on......