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January 11, 2020 Grunt.com Admin

Duck for dinner

By: Frank Gonzalez

I entered the Corps on February 3, 1970, Parris Island, Platoon 218, A few weeks into training, I was introduced to “duck for dinner.” At first I thought wow wonder how these cooks are going to F _ _k up this meal. No not the case at all, the term means, that because the training schedule was tight, the platoon would “rangewalk” through the chow line and what ever each recruit could grab and eat and drink on the way to the exit was what you had for that meal. Our Drill Instructors would herd everyone through the process. What ever happens you wouldn’t want to be the last recruit to make formation. The Drill Instructor would take a quick head count, call everyone to attention, RIGHT FACE, forward march. At this phase there were 82 recruits, the entire event took under 25 minutes. I tell people about “suck for dinner” many can’t believe stuff like this happened.

Filed in: Marine Corps Stories
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Comments

Harry 1371 - March 30, 2020

I got that bass ackwards ! Sorry.

Harry 1371 - March 30, 2020

Parris Island Plt. 3056 1967 We learned quickly to make sure not to leave the mess hall before the DI. If the DI wasn’t very hungry neither were we. Harry

Sgt Robert L Sisson - March 30, 2020

I didn’t know that. I guess there must be over 1,000 platoons in some years.

Bob 1381 - March 30, 2020

Platoon numbers start over each year…..Bob 1381

Daniel Miller - March 30, 2020

MCRD Plt. 3105 1974. We also “ate” duck on a few occasions. The only thing that hit your mouth was air as you were route steppin through the chow hall. As far as SOS, I loved it then and still do. Found a restaurant that serves it just like in boot camp and infantry training school at Camp Pendleton. The restaurant is called “Paul’s coffee shop” located at 16947 Bushard St., Fountain Valley, Ca. 92708. When you order it, it comes to you on a metal mess tray. You can also buy the tray and on every Veterans day, you can take it back with you and you can get free SOS. Love the place. Semper Fi, Marines and Happy New Year.

Kapena Singson - March 30, 2020

MCRD San Diego plt.2013 2nd btl.’80. When sgt. Presas said “we’re having duck tonight,” I remember thinking ” wow I’ve never had duck before, hope it tastes good cause I’m hungry! Ha! Ha! Just one of many moments that still cracks me up to this day! SEMPER FI!

Sam - March 30, 2020

Parris Island Plt 3055 1990, we called it “Russian Duck” rush in duck out….. Semper Fi brothers

Marlon Helton - March 30, 2020

I also was a hollywood marine Aug.59. Do not remember any problem with time to eat but out the door the tray had better be clean. A few guys try to hide something they did not like SOS in their milk carton they regretted trying. I learned to love SOS.

R. Phillips - March 30, 2020

Plt 3068 P.I. Aug- Nov 78. I’m still asked why i eat fast.

Sgt. Robert L - March 30, 2020

Are you sur of your platoon #. I was there July 1968 and my platoon # was 293. I am sitting here looking at the book right now.

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