Back to Work!

I've been on vacation for the last week and it is almost time to pick up another group of young men to transform into United States Marines. They are already starting to trickle into the squad bays. This Saturday morning, I will be introducing them to their Drill Instructors. And, for the next couple of weeks, everyone (recruits and Staff included) will be blasting on all 8 cylinders at red line RPM with very little sleep in order to break these civilians down to their most empirical state to then build them up into basically trained Marines. It is impressive to see the level of dedication and professionalism it takes to do the job of a Marine Drill Instructor. It is one of the most demanding jobs in the Marine Corps. It is humbling to see them work and to perform at such high levels day after day, with no days off, for 3 months straight.

I have been very fortunate in my Marine Corps career to experience many different things, see many different places and cultures, and to fly the most lethal piece of gear in the Marine Corps arsenal in peacetime and in combat. However, the most rewarding peacetime experience I have had thus far is the opportunity to lead and work with some of the Corps finest Marines and to have a positive impact on the future of the Marine Corps. I will only have another few weeks until my replacement shows up and takes over the reins of Lead Series Commander of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. However, I will return to the cockpit a better Marine Officer with a great respect for the work that goes on here at MCRD Parris Island.

My hat also goes off to the spouses and children of these hard working DIs. They sacrifice so much so that their husbands and fathers can pour their life's blood into the future generation of our Corps. The sad part is that they are all to often hidden in the shadows with little recognition of their sacrifices and support. There isn't enough to be said about the families of any service member and the support and value they add to any military unit and indirectly to the security of our nation.