In 2nd phase of boot camp at Camp Pendleton, we were in our PT gear cleaning up the barracks. The DIs were extremely strict in our platoon, but at Camp Pendleton they weren’t as mean and nasty. All of us recruits were getting a bit crusty, I’m sure the DIs knew it. I’ve always been …
It’s not an Army story but still pretty funny. At the Marine Depos we do the Marine version of Combatives a lot during bootcamp. Before they do the training they make everyone PT for like an hour. Flash forward to us learning the moves. One of the dudes close to me started throwing up, one …
Step one foot into Chain-O-Lakes Brewing in McHenry, Illinois and there is no doubt that the owner is a veteran and proud Marine. Abbreviated COL, the tap room at the brewery is adorned with flags, photos and Marine Corps memorabilia everywhere. So proud is he that on Friday night, anyone wearing a red shirt gets …
So, there I was (Isn’t this how all fucking cool stories on here go?) But really my story starts out grass week at Parris Island. If anybody’s been through grass week you know your PMI (primary marksmanship instructor) is with you most the day. So the Drill Instructors fuck your world up with fuck-fuck games …
5. COMMANDER’S INTENT In the military, there is a concept called “Commander’s Intent.” It means that, if all else fails, you will be successful as long as you accomplish the commander’s intent/mission. This helps you focus on what matters most. When you put the first boot on the ground, plans will have to be …
At Parris island the drill instructors (especially the kill hats) will do anything in their power to absolutely ruin your life or put pain in your body. My kill hat (let’s call him Sgt reaper) absolutely loved to target me in particular for two reasons. First, I was slightly “larger” than the average male when …
’88 Fresh off the bus when I’m met by the man that introduced me to the real Marines. Gunney J. (At the time I’m 5’11 180 lbs with an 18 inch neck) Gunney J is just walking by as they get us sorted. Gunney J is 5’7 155 lbs of raw OOH RAH. He stops …
It was 1999 in Parris Island. My platoon was undergoing warrior training (rappel tower and gas chamber). Recruit S was very nervous about the gas chamber. They always tell you, “don’t breathe in deeply.” This is to avoid inhaling all the toxic fumes. Like a knucklehead, Recruit S breathed in deeply. Within seconds he flips …
Two sonic booms told the American prisoners in Vietnam’s infamous Hoa Lo prison – the Hanoi Hilton – their escape plan was a ‘go.’ On May 2 and 4, 1972, two SR-71 Blackbirds overflew Hanoi, North Vietnam at noon. The first plane broke the sound barrier, causing an ear-splitting sonic boom over the city. Fifteen …
This future Medal of Honor recipient started a spy ring while held in a Hanoi prison Read More »
Joining The Marine Corps: Expectation VS. Reality The Marine Corps has a reputation in the public’s eye that it is the most elite of the Armed Forces (and most Marines would agree with that) and that everything about being a Marine is just plain glorious. Well, we did some research with the Marines here at …
Joining The Marine Corps: Expectation VS. Reality Read More »
