Let me start this chapter by congratulating you for earning the title “United States Marine”. Whether you earned it at Parris Island or San Diego; in 1918 or 2018, it is YOURS. No one can take it away from you. It is a title desired by many, earned by few, and revered the world over. You should take great pride in your accomplishment, as it is the first of many I am confident you will experience throughout your time in our Corps.

“A ship without Marines is like a garment without buttons.” ~ Admiral David D. Porter, USN, 1863

Your journey to earn that title began with your Drill Instructors. Sure, your Recruiter facilitated your entry into the Delayed Entry Program, and I am sure attempted to “prepare” you for Marine Corps Recruit Training. However, nothing can truly prepare you for what you encountered after stepping off that bus and on to those iconic Yellow Footprints; it is something you truly must experience for yourself. Drill Instructors are right there with you during that pivotal moment in your life, and the transformation begins.

Marine Corps Drill Instructors are highly trained and come with years of experience. They are not creating battle-seasoned warriors, only combat experience can do that. Their job is to turn civilians into basically-trained Marines, and there’s a specific process that must be adhered to in order for that to happen in a 13-week period. It’s a stressful, demanding and physically exhausting profession. Contrary to popular belief, their mission is to MAKE MARINES – not to see how many recruits they can fail. They want to see you succeed just as much – if not more – than you do.

“The raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years.” ~ James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy

Most of them are trying to emulate their own Drill Instructors, and this time-honored tradition of leadership by example has produced some of the most feared and respected instructors of any institution – worldwide. These men and women were once recruits too. When they don that symbolic Campaign Cover and duty belt, their sincere desire is to look as perfect in their recruits’ eyes as their Drill Instructors were in their own eyes. Your Drill Instructors got to know you on a very personal level and are truly proud of everything you accomplished. They spend a great deal of time with you and transforming you into one of “The World’s Finest” creates a unique connection. The moment they witness you grasp that Eagle, Globe and Anchor in your palm is the culmination of that relationship. There is so much to talk about concerning Recruit Training and the impact Marine Corps Drill Instructors have on
the young men and women that hear the calling, but this book is about the next step – OWNING the Title.

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.” ~ Ronald Reagan

We all heard the calling. It was that inner calling to be part of something much greater than ourselves, and the Marine Corps satisfied that inner desire to excel. We first desired the title; we made a decision that we wanted to earn the title United States Marine. There is much that occurred during that decision process. It is a BIG decision for the majority of young men and women.

“To observe a Marine, is inspirational. To be a Marine, is exceptional.” – GySgt Charles F. Wolf, Jr.