Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot Parris Island is a sacred place that shapes everyday citizens into United States Marines. The journey from recruit in training to United States Marine is unforgettable and some even describe it as the best worst time of their life. Once a Marine leaves the island, most may never return.
U.S. Marines with 2nd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were given the opportunity to visit MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina during a professional military education trip on June 14, 2019.
The day started off with the Marines visiting the famous yellow footprints, the place where the training begins. They then made their way to the receiving bay where all recruits are allotted one phone call home to let their families know they arrived safely, followed by a tour of a recruit living quarters.
“Going back to MCRD Parris Island was an overwhelming feeling,” said Pfc. Johnny Francis, who graduated from Parris Island on November 23, 2019, now a motor vehicle operator with 2nd TSB. “It is the place that broke me, made me want to give up, but also gave me the courage to keep going and in turn allowed me to become a United States Marine.”
Marines pride themselves on being the best, and it all starts at recruit training. The Marine Corps has the longest entry level training of any of the four branches.
Recruits endure 13 weeks of rigorous physical, mental, and spiritual challenges. Under 24/7 watch and care of the Marine Corps Drill Instructor, recruits are completely stripped of their civilian habits and relearn everything the Marine Corps way.
“Getting to see recruit training as a Marine made me understand why we are held to such a high standard,” said Lance Cpl. Charlene Yabut, who graduated from Parris Island on November 29, 2018, now a landing support specialist with 2nd TSB. “Those recruits don’t know it yet but they will remember everything that was drilled into their head. Being a Marine takes everything you have to offer every day and without the foundation that is laid here, we wouldn’t be the U.S. Marines.”
2nd TSB ended their trip on the island with witnessing 570 new Marines from P and M Company march and graduate on the Pete Ross Parade Deck.
Graduation day marks the end of recruit training; it is the culminating and most awaited day by all new Marines.
“We wanted to bring the Marines from our unit here to allow them to reflect and remind them that we all stepped foot on those yellow footprints for a reason; we all wanted to become Marines,” said Capt. Brian Hassett, Alpha Company Commander, 2nd TSB, CLR 2, 2nd MLG. “We have earned the title, but it doesn’t end there. We have to keep working hard, stay dedicated and be prepared for when America calls.”
45 comments
Don, I had Sgt. Ermish with Plt . 156, July 63-Nov 63, he was EOD, met him in 66 in VN, he cleared a booby trap for us. Found him maybe 15 years ago, living in Fl. He died a couple years ago. He retired a Capt. with 27 years in the Corps. amorimj@hotmail.com
I was thinking the same on February 1960.Semper Fi
Once A Marine Always A Marine.
Not As Lean
Not As Mean
Still A Marine
Sgt RG Stone (WVa) “We never promised you a rose garden” I remember that recruiting slogan. I’m from WVa too. I joined up right before you, Oct 73 – Oct 77.
Platoon 395, India Co. 3rd Bn, RTR Parris Island, and the WVa State Motto, “Mountaineers are Always Free” Semper Fi Sgt CP Baker
I’m still looking for any Marine that was born, raised, and trained on Parris Island, or any variation thereof. I just have a hard time believing I’m the only one in, or was in the Corps, to have this distinction. Some of my memories include riding on my bike around the 3rd RTB’S quonset huts, hunting raccoons off of Scout Island, going to the swimming pool at the officer’s club, attending Parris Island Elementary School (3rd – 5th grades), fishing at the yacht basin, and spending a dime to see movies at the Lyceum theater. Graduating from Plt. 3060, Co. K, 3rd RTBn. was a highlight on Sept. 16th, 1966. Those were some good days in my old life(I’m 72).
mcrd san diego,sept. 59,sept. 63,made gitmo with a 4 duece battery in oct. 62,missed vietnam,never a day passes i don,t think about the corps,
DON R. ZELL
CORPORAL OF MARINES.
I was in Platoon 68 getting my butte kicked in July 1950 at Parris Island ,and the training was well worth it. I have never been back , iv’e always wanted to. I don’t remember any of my DI’s
names. I’ve tried contacting other marines with no success. hoping for some contact from this
post. Semper Fi Marines
Probably a “Reservist” LOL Paul
I went to an 4 day Educators Workshop there this summer. Amazing Experience! The making of a Marine is a tried and true process.
“There seems to be ONE Marine who doesn’t get the WORD.” The Sgt.Maj. said NO SMILING for the pic. Yet, near the top center, sticking out like a sore thumb is Pvt. Smiling. Grinning like the cat who ate all the tuna fish.
S/F. PISC, 1976, F Co., 2ndBlt
Oscar F. Peatross to be exact. My Regimental Commander in Nam in 65.
arrived Parris Island 7/19/68 about 4am I missed the welcome party ! PLT 296 what a time in my life.
This July 19th it will be 58 years that my platoon #343 started our 13 weeks of basic training at Parris Island. Then it was off to Camp Geiger, Camp LeJeune ,N.C. for ITR training. So much fun for a young man of 18. I have always been extremely prod to be able to call myself a Marine (1961-1965). Semper Fi!
In 1977, I returned to PI with my family and was able to watch my nephew graduate after basic training. He retired as a SSgt after 21 years in the U.S. Marines.
“…proudest moments” – woulda been bends-and-thrusts forfreakinever for a mistake like that! dp
Platoon 127, May 5, 1964, S/Sgt Ermish, Cpl. Vavaio, I was Dress Blues Award, one of the proudest. Oments of my life! Semper Fi M F! dp
MCRDPI D Company Platoon 2037 June 81
Women Marines – Platoon 13A MCRD PI Sept 1980