My Opinion

Comments

Victor G Peary – Cpl E-4, 1820936. 1958- ’62. MCRD, Parris Island - April 9, 2020

In reply to Pete Perez.
I agree with you, Chuck. My tour was also 1958 – ’62. MCRD, Parris Island Platoon 304. I agree with what you said about Marines being in better shape and their hands are tied with the way the war is now. In ’58 we did not have the Crucible. I can see where that would teach “Teamwork”. In any event, I’m proud to have served during peacetime, although I was involved in “The Bay of Pigs”. USS Boxer and on to Vieques. Great time on that Island. Semper Fi to all my brothers in the Corps. Victor G Peary, Cpl E-4, Comm. Support Co., 2nd FSR, FMF Camp Lejeune, NC.

Jrrry lopez - April 9, 2020

In reply to D. Jerry McKeon.
That’s why they say. You went through p.i. your a shitbird from yammesy. LOL. Worse for you is having McKeon for your name in boot camp – llordy lordy how the d. I. Must have lived you. Semper fi. Jerry Lopez plt 186 MCRD Hollywood.

TERENCE CROOKS - April 9, 2020

Chuck a much as it pains anybody and everybody the new administration is not going to change that and Mattis will tweak but won’t change the rules but I do believe the rules weren’t as lax as your son says I talked to quite a few who came back and their stories were different than what I read, like u said “my humble thoughts only”

Harry - April 9, 2020

In reply to keith markovitch.
KEEP POLITICS THE FK OUT OF THIS FORUM !!!!Harry

Dan Corum - April 9, 2020

I went through boot camp in 1963. It seems there is always some Marines that have the impression that Marine boot camp has gotten soft. IT CERTAINLY WASN’T IN 63. I think boot camp will always be tough-that’s what make Marines. DI’s always seem to find a way, no matter what the brass want. They can certainly do it without thump call or the salty language but these do add a certain flavor to the boot camp recollections. Hopefully, now that we have a defense secretary with a pair, there will be no softening of boot camp.

A C Deck - April 9, 2020

In reply to John Carr.
Yes, General Mattis is a great Marine and combat leader. General Puller was a great Marine, combat leader and warrior.

buzz alpert 1960-66 - April 9, 2020

In reply to J Okel.
J I was at PI June of 1960 and my DI’s were knocking us around all the time. I had a terrible habit of laughing when they screamed at me. I was willing to do whatever they asked and no had to scream at me to motivate me, but screaming was part of the SOP. I got my butt whipped for laughing many times. I got punched in the abs, slapped on the ear with a Marine Corps ring, slapped in the face and they threw in a few kicks for good measure. Other guys the same, but they were able to control their laughter. I never resented it because it was part of the plan. But our senior DI got court marshaled for taking money from the recruits. He called it ‘flight pay’.I was told he got an dishonorable discharge and some brig time. I have a pretty good size article on it from one of our local papers. If you want a copy shoot me an email at keelerbarraks.1@gmail.com. Semper Fi. I was in the 1st BN at PI, Plt. 152. buzz

Al Scott - April 9, 2020

Hey Chuck:). I agree wholeheartedly about this crap about getting permission to engage the enemy!!? They should do it like we did in Vietnam, shoot first and then ask questions!!?? It worked for us then why the hell are we challenging these assholes now? What is this crap about reading them their rights? I say FUCK THEIR RIGHTS!! Semper Fi….Al Scott “F” 2/1 Vietnam ’65-’66

bruce s bender - April 9, 2020

In Boot Camp or maybe at Camp Geiger – we were informed by one of our instructors about the Code of Conduct – as some servicemen in Korea – were brainwashed after they were captured – and so called dropped the ball as to what they were and why they were there? The Staff NCO read us the Code of Conduct and gave us a copy of this and gave a sermon like lecture that ended in a screaming end- telling us we were United States Marines and we never give up- or hope- or let down our fellow Marines- and also- said it was a disgrace that the Code of Conduct was ever written in the first place. We were a team and no matter where we went we would always be a team- ( the strong would give the weaker ones courage ) and we would rise together to overcome any obstacle as a unit- Brother by Brother- fire teams and squads – or a platoon or Company- or any Command- we would fight and think as one or together and divide our responsibilities- leave no one behind-and accomplish the Mission.

John Reed - April 9, 2020

Pete, I think the Marines today are just as tough as the the Vietnam era Marines. As a Navy corpsman, I spent 13 years of my 30 year Navy career with the Marine Corps. My tour in Vietnam with 1st Recon Bn based out of ChuLai 66-67 was most probably the most defininitive year of my life. The older Marines were always talking about the “old Corps” and the likewise the Marines today. I recently retired from my job as a county Veteran Service Officer after 10 1/2 years and helped the Vets submit their claims to the VA. I ran into Marines from all the eras, except the Tun Tavern era, and they’re all pretty much the same. Some of the terminology has changed, as has the equipment, but they still talk the same and do the same stuff, as in, when the shots ring out, they moved toward the shots, not away from them. Proud to have served with them and always will be. Semper Fi, my friends. J. Reed, HMCM (FMF), USN, Retired.