Marine Educator - Through the Doors

We were then directed to walk fast not run in formation to a location in front of two large silver doors (hatches). This was the biggest cluster I have seen. I am sure we were not the only ones to have to repeat this a few times. These silver doors are the next step in the transition from civilian to Marine recruit takes by passing through these two large silver doors. They will pass through these doors one time and never again. As the silver hatches close behind them, a chapter of their lives closes too and a new chapter begins. Recruits learn as they pass through them that no one else walks through the silver hatches. Visitors do not walk through them. Even Marines do not walk through them. Rather, two hatches on wither side serve as portals into receiving for those who are not recruits. We filed through them in single file and took a seat among the silver desks. 

We learned that this is receiving. In receiving, recruits spend a few days here. They get all the gear they need, haircuts, physicals, vaccines, and their initial strength testing. It is also hear where they get the last contact with their loved ones. A 30 second phone call to basically tell them they arrived and to not send any bulky packages and to thank them for their support. The recruits are basically up for 3 days during this process. Recruits also get a last "moment of truth."  It allows those who have been dishonest about their eligibility, such as drug use, judicial convictions, or other disqualifying conditions to reveal this information. This is their last chance of coming clean and to possibly recieve a waiver in order to continue with recruti training. Long gone are the days of the Marine Corp being heavy with felons who enlisted to avoid jail time. The Corp boosts a 99% graduation rate from High School. The Marines are now trying to court the best and the brightest. They quotas are decreases but the applications are rising. The average wait once committing to the Corp is now between 6-9 months. A couple years ago commitment and time to report to training were only a month different. The recruits are then assigned battalions and turned over to their permanent drill instructors for the remaining time at Parris Island.

We, the educators, were turned back out in to the early morning light. We were turned over to our permanent DI...Gunnery Sergeant Edgecomb. He was as intense as SSgt Rivera. He organized us into squads based upon height. He taught us how to stand at attention, parade rest, responds to commands beyond "Aye Sir" and "Yes Sir." Next we moved to learning what close order drilling. Close order drilling promotes discipline and teamwork. It also allows for the efficient and quick movement of a platoon from one location to another. When the recruits do it it looks pretty impressive. We on the other hand looked pretty crappy. We couldn't even line-up right behind our squad leaders; let alone align and cover There were about 8 individuals who just didn't get what this experience was all about. The Corp developed an immersion tech for educators so that we can honestly discuss military service with student who are considering it. These 8 never listened. Or, paid attention. These 8 drove the rest of the squad nuts.

 As we stood in formation waiting for them to figure things out, I thought...it explains a lot about the abilities and capabilities of the students I get in class at the collegiate level. These 8 high school educaors didn't want to follow direction or order. And one thing the military is about is order. they weren't about team. Weren't about accountability. Weren't about effort. Weren't about motivation. It's no wonder students come out of high school with the same attitudes and work ethic. These students are products of their environments and their mentors. No wonder most high school students are not prepared for the rigors of college.