TRANSITION WEEK & GRADUATION
980713; Monday; (980718; 1740); MCRD, San Diego - T60
After morning chow we had our 3rd (and final) uniform fitting. During this time, those of us that needed uniform items went to Cash Sales. I bought a pair of coreframes (dress shoes) because the pair I had was too small for my feet.
Uniform fitting was scheduled to take most of the morning, but since we got back to the barracks early, some of us were allowed to go to the PX to buy some things. Since our Senior had authorized our carrying of watches on our person (as long as it was not visible) I bought a watch with the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor printed on the face. We also got our graduation pictures back. They look really good!
This afternoon we had our orders class over in the admin classrooms. First off we were given our SRB's (Serviceman's Record Book), then they issued orders. I was disappointed the orders were for MCT (Marine Combat Training) only. I will be issued my orders for my MOS school at MCT. So I still don't know what my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) is. All that I know is my occupational field is Aviation Mechanic. During this time we were also issued our Dog Tags and our green military ID card.
The rest of the afternoon we spent IPing our uniforms, cleaning the house, or running errands to finish processing and prep for graduation. We also set up the house for the next cycle. Things like putting tape on the foot lockers and racks for the recruit's names, making sure that all the foot lockers were serviceable, making cover displays for the drill covers to get shaped, and making PT hangers.
This evening we went to MCC to make 10 minute phone calls. Jessica was the only adult at home. Dad and Mom had left for San Diego yesterday and Rachel and Jeremy were both off at camp.
It is nice to be back down at MCRD. We are being constantly reminded, though, that all eyes are on us. I can remember looking up to the Marines of the Companies in front of us and I know that we are being watched just as intently by the Companies behind us.
980714; Tuesday; (980719; 1005); MCRD, San Diego - T61
This morning the guide and squad leaders had graduation practice on the Parade Deck. We went through the ceremony twice. When we got back the rest of the platoon had already left for weapons survey. So we went and got our haircuts and hung around the house working on our uniform, etc.
Weapons turn-in took most of the morning, but for an hour and a half before noon chow a Former Marine who retired 40 yrs ago came in to talk to us. His name is Parker and he retired a Staff Sergeant. He also served a tour of duty as a Drill Instructor at San Diego.
After he was done the Senior invited him to chow and he even called cadence part of the way.
In the afternoon we picked up the civilian things that we arrived in 3 months ago. We also turned in our PCO gear. PCO gear consists of: waterbowls, canteen pouches and cups, cartridge belts, LBV's, field jackets, ponchos, and long johns (if you were issued them). All that took us up to evening chow. After chow was what we call restricted freetime or constructive freetime. Generally it meant that we could work on uniforms, pack seabags, edge-dress shoes, spit-shine boots, etc. Things that needed to be done. We could also talk during this time as long as we kept the noise down.
Everyone is looking forward to seeing their families tomorrow. I thank God for bringing me through this. He called me here and watched over me every step of the way.
980715; Wednesday; (980719; 1135); MCRD, San Diego - T62
Another busy day ahead of us. After morning chow we went out on the Parade Deck for graduation practice. Again today we went through it twice. Graduation practice is a pain (literally). Standing at the POA and at Parade Rest for long periods of time is no fun.
One thing I am noticing about the graduation is that a lot of what we are practicing is pageantry and could be considered by some as pointless. Even I don't understand what all of the pageantry is, but I am beginning to see a lot of tradition in this graduation ceremony.
Graduation practice usually starts at 0630 or 0700 and it lasts for a couple of hours. For an hour or so after grad practice we finalized our uniform for tonight. Before afternoon chow, though, we had a class. It was Marriage and the First Term Marine. This was instructed by our Series Commander, Captain Van Horn. This class reinforced the class taught back North at Camp Pendleton just before the Crucible. After that class was chow.
The afternoon was spent cleaning the house and packing to leave MCRD. There were certain requirements for our gear when we stage it on Friday. For instance, our bodybags could only have 3 hangers in them and they all had to be facing the same direction. The top of the seabag had to be secured a certain way.
In the middle of the afternoon we had another class. This one was for our checkbooks. We were issued them today. In the class they talked about how to use them, consequences for writing bad checks, misconceptions about checks, etc.
Right after the class we went to evening chow and from there to the barracks to get dressed for tonight's event. The Drill Instructors had already left for the DI dinner with all the parents, so we got ready and waited for 1830.
The Series Chief Drill Instructor lead their respective series to the Bay View Restaurant to see the parents. When we got there Lead Series was on the left and Trail on the right, each series facing inbound. We sang the Marine Hymn before being dismissed.
When I found Dad, Mom and the grandparents (Dad's parents came down, also) we stayed in the same spot and talked for the entire hour.
When it was time to leave a Drill Instructor from 3071, SSgt. Dixon, lead Trail Series back. When we got back to the barracks our Senior was upset because several of the Privates in our platoon were wearing civilian portholes (glasses) and others were walking around with open beverages and food in their hands. We are supposed to eat and drink our food in one spot and not walk around with it because it is unprofessional.
We finished our day off by hygiening, then hitting the rack at 2130.
980716; Thursday; (980719; 1320); MCRD, San Diego - T63
Two more times through grad practice. Our last two times before showtime at 0945 tomorrow.
After graduation practice was over we went back to the house to get ready for the 4 mile Moto Run. We started by stretching out in front of our barracks. We started the run by running over to the 3rd Bn HQ to pick up 3rd Bn Commander, LtCol. Ferguson, and SgtMjr. Campbell (3rd Bn SgtMjr.). Along the side of the road across from HQ, all the parents and visitors were standing doing their usual civilian things, like taking pictures and cheering.
We ran down to the General's building, turned around and came back past the parents and visitors again. Continuing past them we ran past the Depot Theater and the swim tank. Hanging a left we came to the outer perimeter of MCRD near Gate 4. We ran along the perimeter all the way around back to the General's building, coming back by the visitors and parents before heading back to the barracks to get ready for Base Liberty.
20 minutes to hygiene, get dressed and be on the road in company formation. We marched over to the Parade Deck and stopped in front of the stands (where the visitors and parents were sitting). We were dismissed by our Senior Drill Instructor for the afternoon. We had from 1130 to 1630 liberty time.
With the grandparents and Dad and Mom we went to the recruit PX before they got too busy. While on liberty we went to Duncan's Chow Hall (main chow hall on base), MCRD Exchange, Museum, and to '65's house. 65's house was open to visitors. We spent the afternoon walking, talking and just catching up on the last three months. I found out that the food at the chowhall isn't that much different than the food we eat. It just has a lot more variety.
As we walked along I explained things that were going on and places that I am familiar with. They were fascinated by the other platoons behind us and asked lots of questions about what they were doing and what were the Drill Instructors saying.
After liberty we had to clean the barracks. We cleaned and finished packing for tomorrow.
It is hard to believe that this is the end. A never-ending three months has amazingly come to an end.
980717; Friday; (980719; 1540); MCRD, San Diego - T64
Up bright and early, all 45 of us were moving fast. First thing we did was stage our seabags and bodybags out on the edge of the Parade Deck. That took a good hour. After doing that we went to chow. My last meal at MCRD. Hard to believe.
After chow we went back to our barracks to get into our Dress Delta's.
We took our warbag, which had our cammies in it that we had been wearing, and staged it on our bodybags. After everyone in our platoon had done that, we marched as a platoon to the theater. We got there about 0715. Capt. Clark (the Company Commanding Officer) said a few words, as well as Battalion Commanding Officer LtCol. Ferguson, then we just sat and waited until 0945 when we were formed up outside. 15 min at parade rest, and we were brought to attention. Forward march and the last adventure began.
There is no way that I can begin to describe to you the graduation ceremony accurately. I can only tell you that you would have to experience it as only a United States Marine Recruit Graduate could.
The ceremony, itself, is full of tradition and history. Commanders Center is symbolic of the passing on of orders to those in command from a Commander-in-Chief. For the graduation, the guides, Senior Drill Instructors, Series Chief Drill Instructors, and Series Commanders come center to face the Company Commander. Pass and Review and Eyes Right is traditional and is still used to present the troops to the highest ranking officer. In the case of graduation, the Reviewing Officer. Eyes Right is done by the troops as they pass the 'Reviewing Officer' as a sign of respect. Along the same lines as a salute.
After the ceremony, I went over immediately to pick up my seabag, bodybag, and warbag. After putting them away in the motorhome and going to Cash Sales to get a couple of things, we promptly left MCRD.
I left, 'One of the Few, One of the Proud'; but more importantly a child of God, in the center of His will, content with what He would have me do.
Please feel free to me!
Website Maintained by:
Jekuthiel's WebDesign
Last revised: November 4th, 2001