I WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER MARINE THAT I WOULD NEVER MAKE IT THROUGH BOOTCAMP. I was just a young kid barely nineteen when I quit my job. And then I decided I was going to become a Marine. Although I had just graduated from High School prior to this wonderful decision to join the United States Marine Corps. Well I got to the AFEES station, which is the induction place for all armed services in Cleveland, Ohio. And was told because of my juvenile record they couldn’t promise me any specific job in the Marines. So I went in open contract. In which the open contract landed me in the Infantry. This is where boys are changed into men.
Although I was inducted where it best served the Marine Corps.
Which ended up being the in the infantry. And this is the toughest job in the Marines. I first went to Bootcamp at Parris Island, South Carolina which was a total nightmare. This is where boys are transformed into men. Because my friend never told me what SOB’s Drill Instructors could be. Gosh I hated them, until this day I still get up at the crack of dawn because of those guys. And that is forty years later. Secondly I landed at Camp LeJune, North Carolina for my infantry training, which lasted six weeks. The history of the Marines is they branched out of the Navy in 1776. This is one thing I will never acknowledge is that the Marines came from the United States Navy. How could lean, mean, green fighting machines ever come pansies like the Navy
From Infantry Training I was inducted straight into Camp Pendleton, California. There it was Desert Warfare Training which lasted four weeks. After my brief stay in California I then traveled overseas, to Okinawa, Japan. In which this duty station would be where I would serve my entire stint in the Marine Corps. I went to Subic Bay, Philippines for Marine Jungle Warfare Training. It was a Navel Base which I didn’t care for very much. It was then I was Transferred back to my main Duty Station which was Okinawa, Japan.
I was on the tiniest base on The Island Of Okinawa. This base was the farthest north then any other base. It was Camp Schawb which the nearest other Marines where 10 miles south to us. We walked quite a few times just to meet up with American Women. On this base we drank a lot of alcohol like wine.
In the United States Marine Corps, the infantry is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most challenging roles.
Serving as the backbone of the Marine Corps, infantry Marines undergo rigorous training and face demanding conditions both in training and in combat situations. Infantry Marines are trained to be versatile and adaptable, capable of engaging in various combat operations. Including close-quarters combat, patrolling, and reconnaissance missions. They are often at the forefront of the fight, facing enemy fire and enduring harsh environments with resilience and determination.
Moreover, infantry Marines must possess exceptional physical and mental endurance, as they frequently operate in austere and high-stress environments for extended periods. They undergo intense physical training to build strength, stamina, and combat readiness, ensuring they are prepared to meet the challenges of combat.
I did actually enjoy my little stint in the Marine Corps because I got to see so many places across the USA and across the world. Okinawa and Mainland Japan were fascinating because of their culture and the way we trained with the Japanese Army. I’ve been to California, both South and North Carolinas and Texas along with Anchorage, Alaska. Some states I was stationed there others were just layovers from jet airplane flights.
Furthermore, infantry Marines are required to demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of weapons and tactics, mastering skills such as marksmanship, land navigation, and squad tactics. They rely on teamwork, discipline, and unwavering commitment to accomplish their mission and protect their fellow Marines.
Overall, the infantry is considered the hardest job in the Marines due to the physical and mental demands, the intense training required, and the inherent risks associated with combat operations. Infused with the Marine Corps ethos of honor, courage, and commitment, infantry Marines exemplify the Marine Corps’ motto, “Semper Fidelis” – Always Faithful.
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