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Define Maltreatment

Define Maltreatment

The mission of a Marine Drill Instructor is to create a Marine without damaging the goods in the process. After the drowning incident at Parris Island in the 1950’s do-gooders, and those “leaders” who believed the Corps should be meshed into the other branches (both MacArthur and Eisenhower disliked the Corps), did their best to smear boot camp training methods. In 1958, at MCRDSD, I never saw a D.I. actually punch a recruit. They weren’t, however, above telling the platoon that if “Pvt. Jones” didn’t get his sh*t together, we would all suffer for it. “Jones” would then be subject to the wrath of his squad mates. Mass punishment was a very effective tool. As far as language used, the only words I didn’t hear used to a recruit were those with personal stigma (S.O.B., Mother F–, etc.)

It was suggested that some of us had mothers who didn’t have any kids that lived. Other than that, our D.I.s were extremely creative in the use of foul language. I learned that the “F” word, which describes the most wonderful human experience between a man and woman, could be used as a verb, noun, adjective – just about any function of language. That being said, I never witnessed, or heard of, maltreatment that injured, either physically or mentally. The punishments were meant to be overcome, not to defeat the spirit. When my brothers, all Marines, and I look back at the experience, it is with pride and humor. It inspired my book, “SH*TBIRD! How I Learned to Love The Corps” and, of the dozens of funny stories that I solicited from Marines across the country, I received not one that expressed any reservations that Marine Corps boot camp was at the heart of what makes it the finest military branch in the world.

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Comments

Herb Mundon - April 6, 2020

Sept 1958, MCRD San Diego. The brand new mob of recruits stood in front of our quonset huts, waiting to meet our senior DI. He started on one end and executed facing movements in front of each recruit, then hauled off and punched each one in the jaw. Not hard enough knock teeth out but it sent a message that the honeymoon was over! I clearly remember standing there, fully aware of what was coming! Semper Fi, brothers.

William “Ranger” Clark - April 6, 2020

In reply to William “Ranger” Clark.
I saw our DI punch a recruit right in the face. It seems his mother complained to the Red Cross because she hadn’t gotten a letter from her son in a month. The Red Cross then contacted the CG of Parris Island, who suggested that the recruit write home IMMEDIATELY.
The DI called for the recruit to “Get in here!
When he reported to the hatch, a fist slammed into him. This was repeated twice more before he was dismissed to write that letter.
This person was a totally unaware numb nut. About a year later I saw his picture In LEATHERNECK as a seagoing aide to a ship’s captain. Go figure!
Plt 95, Parris Island, 5 Aug 55

Herb Mundon - April 6, 2020

Sept 1958, MCRD San Diego. The brand new mob of recruits stood in front of our quonset huts, waiting to meet our senior DI. He started on one end and executed facing movements in front of each recruit, then hauled off and punched each one in the jaw. Not hard enough knock teeth out but it sent a message that the honeymoon was over! I clearly remember standing there, fully aware of what was coming! Semper Fi, brothers.

William “Ranger” Clark - April 6, 2020

In reply to William “Ranger” Clark.
I saw our DI punch a recruit right in the face. It seems his mother complained to the Red Cross because she hadn’t gotten a letter from her son in a month. The Red Cross then contacted the CG of Parris Island, who suggested that the recruit write home IMMEDIATELY.
The DI called for the recruit to “Get in here!
When he reported to the hatch, a fist slammed into him. This was repeated twice more before he was dismissed to write that letter.
This person was a totally unaware numb nut. About a year later I saw his picture In LEATHERNECK as a seagoing aide to a ship’s captain. Go figure!
Plt 95, Parris Island, 5 Aug 55

Whiskeyrunner - April 6, 2020

In reply to Sgt Robert L Sisson.
PI in June 1969 also in Platoon 298. Got the first of many punches in transit, just couldn’t figure out the web belt. Thought I would politely ask which I did but neglected ” SIr before and After” got number one. Arrived in the old wooden barracks only to find myself standing on the wrong laundry number! Whacked again. Got worse for all of us but nothing any of us hasn’t heard before. Rifle range another tough bout with fingers placed in the chamber and the bolt run home. Especially loved the shins to the benches with the DI walking across the back of our calves.

Got through it tho with all the whoppings and abuse, my hope is that today our Marines in PI meet the challenge and keep their mouths shut. All the pride lays in the fact that they are now US Marines!

L/cpl T. Davis - April 6, 2020

Remember the Marines were looking for a Few Good Men! Being a Marine is a privilege and an honor it wasn’t given it was earned the non hackers went home the rest became brothers Marines. First to fight and never give up! Semper Fi. Viet-Nam 1st Mar Div

Martin - April 6, 2020

I went through MCRD, 2nd Bat., Plt #285 in Sept. 1958. Our SDI was a S/Sgt. King and the JDI was a Sgt. Thornton. We were NEVER punched in the face or any other body part. Slapped a few times when we needed it but that was it. These two DI’s changed my life for the better. I did hear a lot of cuss words and was amazed at how smoothly they all went together. Best thing I ever I ever did was join the USMC. I was in for 6 years, 2 at Pendleton, 2 at El Toro and 2 years a MCB at Yokosuka, Japan. I learned things that changed my life in the Corps that no cilivan will ever learn. S/Sgt. King was a Marine that I will never forget. One of the proudest days of life, not counting my wife and 4 sons of which 2 joined the Marines, was when we were boarding the bus for our duty station after graduation when he shook hands with me (and everyone else) and said “You did great Marine”. “Semper Fi”

A. C. Deck (the Duece) - April 6, 2020

In reply to Bill Corley.
MCRD SD March 1969, Platoon 3011. Was caught talking in the chow hall. Ordered to dump my full tray without eating and go outside and start the formation. Back at Platoon area, I was ordered to remain behind while rest of Platoon changed to PT gear and left for a run. SSgt Blankenship took me into the duty hut, backed up to wall locker and solar plex punched until I hit the deck. I still have shirt with Drill Instructors blood on the front from his knuckles contacting my dog tags through shirt. Never talked in chow hall again. I thank all my Drill Instructors for changing me from pond scum to a U.S. Marine. Then on to Nam…….but that’s another story.

Michael Felch - April 6, 2020

S/Sgt Blue, Sgt. McGeen, Sgt. Palacio
!st. Bn. Platoon 1135
M.C.R.D. San Diego 1966
“Semper Fi” & THANK YOU

Bob Adcock - April 6, 2020

In reply to Joseph (Pete) Ubriaco.
I was in Platoon 235 at P.I. Jun – Sep 65. Our D.I.’s wouldn’t hesitate to “thump” if we screwed up. It hurt at the time but it got the idea across, didn’t really injure us and, strangely enough, it’s a fond memory. My Senior D.I., Sgt. Francis X. Muldowney, had honed cursing to a fine art. Again, it was terrifying at the time, now it’s a fond memory. RIP Gunny, other than my Dad you were the most influential man in my life.Semper Fi. Bob Adcock, 1965-1569

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