boot camp

A Girls Journey from Civilian to Marine: Letter #2

July 11, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

After reading this second letter make sure to visit Devil Doggery’s blog and give her some encouragement and kudo’s to read when she gets home.

Her second letter ends the way my son’s letter starts. Food, I’m craving food, yogurt, ice cream, this still sucks, but not as bad.

zero-two

It’s almost been a month now… Actually, it’s the 4th of June, so it’s almost exactly 2 months until graduation. Kind of crazy to think about. This week is actually the last week of phase 1 (out of 3) and phase 1 is supposed to be the worst. Even though my platoon is having a rough time and our DI’s are not happy with us, so… But, I just go one qualification out of the way, which feels quite satisfying. We have swim qual in the morning, which meant we splashed around and jumped off of things in full cammies and boots. It was fun, but a little tougher than I thought. Water all ups in my nose, yo.

But I sort of realized that I was so frustrated k=last time, I didn’t really relay what my typical day here on wonderful, sunny (ha) Parris Island. (Well, I guess it is sunny, but definitely not California sunny. We have random lightning storms. Super weird.) So, the typical day starts at 4 AM. We get woken up by a lot of yelling, then we have to get dressed, which takes a while, because the DI’s will tell us what garment to put on, count us down, inevitably someone will screw up, so we’ll have to take it off and that will happen a few times before we move on to the next piece of clothing and at some point, we will be dressed, at which time, it’s off to morning chow (breakfast). Then we go PT or do training or MCMAP or all of the above, get back, shower, (or just get wet and then change, pretty much), practice drill, go to aftermath chow, drill drill drill, and then go to evening chow. Then it’s just a little more drill, shower, free time, and bed time!

Obviously, there are variations of what we do, but that’s the gist of it. Even though next week (it’s like… the 10th of something now. God, these letters take forever), we’re going to phase 2, which means rifle range, so I’m sure it’ll be different. I’m super stoked to go to the range, even though we have to move, meaning an 8 mile hike with all of our gear. Hurray… Hopefully the pace won’t be too fast. Short legs, y’know.

Oh man though. So I had to get my hair cut before the rifle range because I was told it was going to get too long while we were over there and my hair cut is crooked now! /sobs. They call the hair stylist the butcher, haha. But she’s super nice and just getting that shampoo job was worth the $13 I paid… Haven’t been able to spend that much time on my hair in a month. Definitely one of the things I miss. Like doors on bathroom stalls. Yeah, we don’t have doors. It’s great. Also, I’m randomly craving those Dole cups from Disneyland. Really badly. And Yogurtland, LOL. Just shit to look forward to when I get back, I guess.

A Girls Journey From Civilian to Marine: Letter #1

June 29, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Some things never change (Photo credit: AN HONORABLE GERMAN)

I found Devil Doggery when she posted about the Katy Perry video “All About Me“. She is a 22 year old college graduate embarking on a journey of becoming a U.S. Marine. Her MOS is combat correspondent, so it only seems fitting she start a blog about her journey.

Since I have two sons who are Marines I thought it would be interesting to follow a woman’s journey at Parris Island. On my prompting she is sending letters to her room mate who is posting to her blog. Here is the first blog post from Marine Boot Camp. (Photos are not hers, but from the WordPress Media Gallery. You know I HAVE to have photos in my blog.

zero-one

It’s Sunday, which is our “relax” day, because people go to church and shit, which is fine. I don’t go because I’m not a fan of church and I kind of like being in the squad bay with only a few people (anti-social to the end, LOL). Today was an easy day, but some asshole decided it would be a good idea to fall asleep during core values, (which is this time when our senior driller instructor just sits and talks touchy-feely stuff with us). So we got our asses kicked. Rush-ups in the sand? So not fun.

But I mean, I don’t blame our SDI for what she did. We’re kind of the fuck-up platoon in all honesty… My platoon stresses me out more than the DI’s do sometimes, LOL. Actually, the DI’s don’t stress me out too much… I can handle the yelling and name-calling (like, OMG, the DI from our sister platoon was totally like, “FIX YOUR FACE, UGLY!” Rude). But these girls… Some of them, I honestly, don’t know why they’re here. I’m really kind of concerned that they’ll actually graduate, because if they don’t shape up, they’re legit going to get people killed. Others are just clueless.

And of course there are good recruits, too. I’m trying to fall into the latter category, but it’s hard since I’m not the most physically fit and I’m at the end of every formation because of my last name and my height, so I literally don’t have any of the goddamn directions. Also, I’m right near the door, meaning, I get in trouble a lot for not having super peripheral vision and seeing people walk in and out at the squad bay, because we have to announce people and open doors and shit. Me and the other girls at this end of the squad bay fail epically at it. So we get to go play in the sand together.

The food is so-so. Oh, but you’d totally love the biscuits and gravy they have for breakfast here. It would make me smile if we were allowed to smile… which is depressing to say, but we have to keep our “bearing.” But I laugh at the shit on the inside, like when one person said that New Orleans was in Illinois… Really, dude? C’mon. Some people…

But, I mean, it’s only been a week or so. There’s still time for people to get their shit together. So here’s hoping. Seriously. It would make my life easier if this platoon came together… But all’s I can do right now is my best and work on myself. And be better at opening doors.

English: Staff Sergeant Kevin L. Zetina, Platoon 2085’s senior drill instructor, bellows cadence while practicing for Company G’s final drill competition. Deutsch: Ausbilder (Drill Instructor) beim United States Marine Corps. Español: Un instructor abordando a los marines estadounidenses. A drill instructor addressing United States Marines / Not Drill Sergeant (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This young woman is in the thick of it, sounds a lot like what my boys went through. Screw up and you pay for it, on your chest, push up, more PT, more in your face. Until we hear from her next time. Go over to her site and leave a comment.

Marine Corps, MCRD Graduation Family Day

November 13, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Parent’s Survival Guide to Marine Corps Boot Camp

After thirteen weeks of intensive boot camp training, Marine recruits see their families for the first time the day before graduation at MCRD Graduation Family Day.

Plan to arrive on Wednesday afternoon or evening for a San Diego USMC Graduation because you will not want to miss anything!

I have THREE Marines and a USMC graduation in San Diego is NOT to be missed.

With each of my Marines, each San Diego Marine graduation in San Diego has been different.

Family Day during a Marine Graduation is held on Thursday, the day before the actual graduation at both MCRD San Diego or MCRD Paris Island.

The first time you actually see (or touch) your new Marine is during the Moto run in the Thursday morning. There is nothing like the excitement when they first run past.

You will cry, you will shake with excitement. Promise.

Up until Family Day, there are no phone calls (maybe one for travel plans), no emails, no Facebook, nothing. They are totally immersed in concentrated training and focused on the task.

In this day of instant communication, it is definitely a culture shock not only for the recruits but families who are used to being in touch with their kids at all times.

What Happens at a Marine Family Day?

You get to hug your Marine recruit for the first time. Mom’s cry at the site of their son transformed so much in 13 weeks. Dads beam with pride as their child stands straighter and prouder than he has ever seen in the past. Brothers and sisters will stand in awe of their sibling who looks like the same person but is changed.

CafePress – Proud Marine Mom – Pullover Hoodie, Classic & Comfortable Hooded Sweatshirt CafePress – MARINES Eagle Globe Anchor – Proud DAD Dark T-Shir – 100% Cotton T-Shirt, Crew Neck, Soft and Comfortable Classic Tee with Unique Design

What to expect at an MCRD Graduation Family Day?

Ears Open, Eyeballs Click

Family Day at the Marine graduation in San Diego starts with the Drill Instructor introduction.

It’s an interactive introduction to what your Marine recruits learned and how they had to respond. The ears open and eyeballs click command is to listen and eyes on me, with a response of YES SIR, at the top of your voice.

You will get to practice this many times.

After the MotoRun your new Marines return to their barracks to shower and change into their Charlie uniforms for on-base Liberty.

Marine Corps 101

Parents and family have about 2 hours before the Liberty review begins. There is normally several presentations by the MCRD Commander with an introduction of all the drill instructors. It is here you will learn more about the next phase of your Marines training and success.
CafePress – Marine Mom Red Friday T-Shirt – Womens Cotton T-Shirt, Crew Neck, Comfortable & Soft Classic Tee

You can also shop at the MCRD Base Exchange for USMC Graduation Shirts and other Marine USMC merchandise if you didn’t buy them ahead of time. You really want to wear a Marine Mom Shirt and bring home several.

Each USMC Graduation Battalion has their own colors.

1st Recruit Training Battalion = Red
2nd Recruit Training Battalion = Gold (Yellow)
3rd Recruit Training Battalion = Navy Blue
4th Recruit Training Battalion = Maroon

Considering the Marine Corps graduations occur on Friday it’s only fitting to some Marine Mom T-shirts in Red RED so you can wear red on Fridays and support our troops.

Family Day Graduation Liberty

Finally, the time arrives when the new Marine Corps families and friends can hug their Marine. They will march and assemble by platoon and officially get dismissed.

Your new Marine will have four to five hours, on base, to enjoy with his family and friends. They are not free to do anything they want. They still have to be alert to salute and greet officers as they pass. My favorite part of the USMC Family Day is being escorted by my new Marine.

Seriously, they are taught to bend their left arm and escort females on base. There is a hierarchy. Grandma first, then Mom, then the girlfriend. So Marine Moms, you rank over girlfriends.

The pride you feel as a new Marine Mom is overwhelming and one you will never forget.

Bring Food to Family Day

It’s not that the Marines don’t feed your son or daughter. BUT, Marine recruits don’t have time to enjoy food, nor enjoy their favorite food. Starting at the third phase of training letters from boot camp will start sounding like a menu as Marine recruits start imagining home and their favorite foods. Ask what foods they want you to bring.

You may be surprised what food your Marine recruit is craving. My new Marine asked for food of all types and during his five-hour liberty on Thursday and he ate continuously.

All we could do was watch in amazement as two bags of homemade treats, beef jerky, oreo balls, “Memaws “(bran) muffins, Swedish fish, Pringles, cheeseburger, ice cream disappeared AFTER a full buffet lunch.

Marine Corps Traditions

Marines cannot eat and walk in uniform at the same time.

Nope, won’t happen, so expect a lot of stopping to snack. We stopped to eat beef jerky, we stopped for cookies, we stopped for drinks. It was a constant “Hold on, do you have any more ______”

You will also notice other Marine Corps traditions which may be new to you.

Marines cannot walk in uniform and talk on their cell phone at the same time
Marines cannot put their wallets in their pockets of their dress uniforms
Billfolds are kept in their sock (yes you heard me right)
They must keep their right hand free to salute.
They will greet EVERY Marine officer or Drill Instructor with the proper greeting “Good Afternoon Staff Sergent” even when walking and talking with you, expect to get interrupted as you walk and talk.

During MCRD Graduation family day you can do several things.

Pick up Marines Official Dress Blues photos (the Marine Corps boot camp videos will come via USPS mail a few months later)
Eat lunch at the Bay View Restaurant on Base (here you can take a photo of your Marine with his drill instructor)
Visit the USMC Museum San Diego right on base and listen to your son describe what boot camp was all about.
Kick back and relax in the courtyard area outside the MCRD Base Exchange area
Go shopping with your Marine at the Base Exchange. He will want civilian clothes.

There will be plenty of food and gift vendors in the courtyard area and instead of walking all over the base and being exhausted you can actually relax.

Gift Ideas for Marine Graduates

Many parents like to give a gift at graduation to remember this significant day. Below are the best graduation gifts for Marines based on not only the recommendations of my Marines but countless other Marine Moms and parents.

They don’t like MOTO military gifts though and ~~don’t~~ WON’T wear a huge emblazoned Marine Corps logo.

So save your official USMC clothing for yourself.

Gift Ideas for Marines

Core Values – U.S. Marines Challenge Coin KA-BAR Knife Desk Display Stand (USMC Emblem)Wrist Armor Men’s 37100002 C20 Analog Display Quartz Watch with Black Silicone Strap HCSB Marine’s Bible Sterling Silver United States Marine Corps Medal with Christ Cross Back, 3/4 Inch Allied Frame United States Marine Corps Certificate of Achievement Frame

What has been your experience at your Marines Family Day? What did you do differently and what would you recommend?

Happy Birthday Marine Corps

November 10, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Words From a Marine Mom

In honor of my two US Marine sons, I want to wish a great big 236th birthday wish to the United States Marine Corps. This is the one time of year my USMC sons don’t mind me bragging about them a little. More than any other military branch the Marine Corps celebrates their birthday with parties, cakes and of course the Marine Corps Ball.

CafePress – (Single)Happy Birthday Marine Corps – Greeting Card Matte CafePress – Marine Corps Emblem Drinking Glass – Pint Glass, 16 oz. Drinking Glass CafePress – Semper Fidelis Marine Corps Journal – Spiral Bound Journal Notebook, Personal Diary, Lined

I am very proud of them both of my Marines. This picture was taken at my youngest son’s Marine boot camp graduation at MCRD San Diego California this past October. His brother received weekend leave from his permanent duty station in Yuma to attend. It was great to have them together.

I have only gotten to see my youngest son in his dress blues and like any good Mom, I was beaming with pride. Who can resist a Marine in his dress blues? He had the opportunity to wear them to his high school during a recruiting visit to his alma mater Elmwood-Murdock High school.

It’s not easy to fit the dress blues uniform of the Marine Corps. There are strict guidelines of exactly how much spacing (the width of a dime) the ribbons should be from the top of the medal. Military personnel who have a chest full of ribbons, especially officers use ribbon racks to make this easier.

USMC Keepsake Box – Made a Difference – Ronald Reagan Marine Corps Quote Keepsake Box – Boot camp graduation gift Allied Frame United States Marine Corps Medal and Award Frame Fuzzy FlagsTM U.S. Marine Corps Flag Fleece Blanket – 6.5 ft. x 4 ft. – Oversized USMC Travel Throw Cover CafePress – EGA Black And Gold – Keepsake Box, Finished Hardwood Jewelry Box, Velvet Lined Memento Box

First time wearing his Marine Corps dress blues

Of course, I was that Marine Mom who stalked him to the recruiting center to take photos of him wearing his dress blues. After five years of active duty, it’s the only time I’ve seen him wear the uniform in person. Yes, he rolled his eyes. But he’s actually pretty proud of this photo. It’s made its way around the internet and he’s been called the “Pinterest” Marine.

I think every Marine is handsome in his uniform, but the dress blues are especially striking. However, I have yet to hear a Marine say they “enjoy” wearing them. If you saw the shirt stays worn around the legs you would understand. If you have “seen” a Marine putting on shirt stays, then you would REALLY understand.

Stuffed 10″ teddy bear in U.S. Marine Corps Dress Blues Military Uniform Sgt R. Lee Ermey 12″ Dress Blues Talking Figure from Full Metal Jacket

How many times have you seen your Marine in uniform? Or if you are a Marine how much did you like, or dislike wearing your Dress Blues?

Day 165/365: Marine Teaches Recruit to Square Uniform

May 19, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Didn’t know it would be the United States Marine Corp that would teach my sons to iron, but a squared away uniform is a sense of pride in the Corps. My oldest son gave his recruit brother a lesson and tips on ironing his uniform and squaring his cover during his latest leave. (home for his brothers high school graduation)

Marine recruit Squaring Uniform — Marine Teaching Recruit to Square Uniform

It’s the attention to detail Marine recruits are taught during boot camp at MCRD San Diego or Paris Island. How to properly shine your shoes, iron your uniform, pin your ribbons exactly 1/8″ of an inch from the top of the pocket, and how to clean a toilet and sink to pass inspection.

United States Marine Corps (USMC) And Navy Uniform Regulations U.S. Marine Corps Uniform Guide (Look Sharp!)

Why do these mundane tasks matter? I believe they are used to teach discipline and patience, to learn how to pay attention to detail in everything a Marine does, regardless of the task.

As a birthday/graduation present received a wore out set of his Marpat desert cammies to wear at the big airsoft game, Oklahoma Invasion 6, coming up Memorial Day weekend. Out of the sea bag the cover looked a bit crumbled. There was no way a Marine would be caught with a cover like this. Before it could be worn it needed squaring away, Marine style. No starch, but water, paper towels, steam, high heat, and cardboard stays would have to do for now.

Recruit squaring a cover — Marine Recruit Squaring a Cove

Never thought I’d ever see this, a photo opportunity if I ever saw one. The process took an hour, with lessons given on tips and tricks of a great squared away Marine uniform. I overhead Army uniforms are “garbage” and how to properly wear your cover. “It’s not a hat, don’t pull it down on your head, you’ll look like a tool”

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (Images of America)Live At McRd San Diego [Explicit]

Looks better doesn’t it? Sleeve rolling was next, but I left the boys to bond and discuss uniform care. It’s a big part of boot camp, the beginning of teaching attention to detail and discipline. If they pay this much attention to just their uniforms imagine what is required in the other aspects of mission training. No wonder the United States Marine Corps is the best fighting force in the world.

ULTIMATE MARINE RECRUIT TRAINING GUIDEBOOK: A Drill Instructor’s Strategies and Tactics Maggot the Accounts of a Journey through Paris Island

Information About Marine Corps Uniforms

CO: Soldiers Will Wear Marine Corps Uniforms To Improve …

David Hodne has ordered his soldiers to eschew wearing traditional Army uniforms laden with combat patches, jump wings, and other insignia. They will instead spend their time wearing Marine Corps uniforms. “It’s a culture …

Marine Corps Uniforms Index: By Chapter | Blood Stripes

Sebastian served in the Marine Corps infantry on active duty and in the reserves from 2004 to 2013. Sebastian has always been driven to mentor the marines in his charge, and continuously strives to better himself as both a …

Uniforms; Uniform Regulations, MCO P1020.32G W CH 1-5 …

MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL, OR TO MARINE CORPS UNIFORMS, ARE CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER. 2. NO ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO EXCERPT OR INTERPRET THE LAWS OF ANY STATE. COMMANDERS …

Where Can You Buy Marine Corps Uniforms | Internet …

The United States Marine Corps (USMC), popularly known as Marine Corps has always been the most valued branch of United States Armed Forces. While the bravery.

Appropriate times to wear uniforms? – Leatherneck.com

I was wondering when the appropriate times/occasions/places/etc you are allowed or most common to wear certain uniforms upon graduation from Recruit Training. I believe these are all the Marine Corps uniforms, but I may …

United States Marine Corps Uniforms, Insignia and Personal …

Harlan Glenns “United States Marine Corps Uniforms, Insignia and Personal Items of World War II” is a reference book which every WW2 USMC collector should own. It is a massive 272 page hardcover book featuring …