You are your own worst enemy. We’ve all heard that, right?
Being in the military has brought these thoughts into a better perspective for me. Over the last 5 months of training I’ve seen a lot of new Recruits and new Marines do a lot of dumb things. At first glance a lot of things may seem like no big deal, but every time we lose a Marine to a failed drug test, underage drinking or some other NJP worthy action, that’s one less person “in the fight.” Just this week we’ve had 5 Marines get removed from training due to their lack of good judgement and decision making. Now we have to spend more money trying to fill their spots. The terrorists love the MTV generation that fills American households. By keeping Americans lazy and complacent… they have the upper hand.
The same can be related to Christianity.
Yes, we’re all humans, but each day a pastor, mentor, teacher or church leader puts themselves in a position that compromises their morale and effectiveness to reach people. One more person out of the fight… and we need all the help we can get.
The Marine Corps is a great opportunity… a huge responsibility and a chance of a lifetime. Yet, everyday Marines make the wrong choice and take themselves out of the fight. It’s not all roses, but just like everything else… the next step and the path to come is in your hands. Don’t take what life has to offer for granted. Don’t give any reason for people to doubt you, disrespect you, ignore you, beat you, or pass you by.
Very well said, and very important to remember.
I stumbled across this blog while searching for info on Camp Devil Dog. Very informative, with lots of detail of life as a recruit in PI. Glad you made it, particularly having overcome the near-fatal busted ankle. Good job, marine!
My son graduates MCT in Camp Geiger on March 23rd. He graduated from PI on Feb. 12th. He was in 1st Bn, Bravo Co., Plt. 1012. He has a million stories, like you, each of which reveal a little bit of the hell that each recruit has to not only endure, but must also overcome. There was even a ‘Recruit Grant’ – in his case ‘Moskoskus’ or something like that, which the DIs shortened to simply ‘Moskos’ (“MOSKOS? GET ON YOUR FACE!”).
Brian signed up because being a marine was a life-long dream of his. At first, we thought it was perhaps the war movies or video games, and a passing fancy. He did well in school, and didn’t have to sign-up because his options were limited, nor was he in any trouble. But two years later, he pre-enlisted, and started working with his recruiter to get into shape (he had quite a few extra pounds to lose). When he finally graduated high school and was scheduled to depart to PI, it took 3 tries before they finally let him board that bus. But we finally got that safe arrival call in the wee hours of Nov. 16th or 17th.
Three months later, that 18 year old recruit became a proud marine. He learned to keep his mouth shut, keep a low profile, and to work as a team. He said he cried pretty hard when he was presented that Eagle, Globe, and Anchor outside of the IJ Monument that day. He earned every bit of it, too.
For me, seeing him for the first time in over 3 months, when his platoon marched into that AWF on Family Day, that was the proudest moment of my life. You see, we lucked out. Brian was in the front, second from the right. We slowly began to recognize him by his eyes during the presentation. It wasn’t long before you got a sense of the absolute commitment and discipline that had been instilled in the 500 or so young marines moving in perfect unison on that deck. I’ll never forget it.
I never served, and I never really challenged him on why he decided to join. I only wanted him to be sure that he really wanted it, and that he’d thought it all through. He made it, and I’m so proud of him, but he’s also proud of himself. Anyone can claim they want to serve, but there are few that will do what it takes to back those words up. My son is now one of those few. You are, too.
Many thanks for the blog, and best of luck to you and your family!
I just learned about your blog today from a friend whose nephew graduated at Parris Island with my son on March 12. Much of what you wrote about your experience at PI sounds like what my son experienced. He was there for 5 months because he was hospitalized for 9 days with double pneumonia and then spent 8 weeks in EHP. There were many, many people praying for him and he knew it. We are very proud of him for not giving up.
I appreciate so much the scripture that you share in your blog and your obvious dedication to God, your family, and your country. I wish you and your family well as you serve God and America together. I hope you will post a picture of your sweet little boy after he’s born. You are very blessed to have a wife who loves and stands behind you.
Best wishes to your son, and thank you for the comments.
I takes a lot to stick around PI any longer than the 13 required weeks. Hats off to your son for sticking it out.
If it weren’t for God, then I would have never joined the Marine Corps. What else would be worth fighting for, other than a country that has been a saving/helping beacon to the world? Marines do more than just kill bad guys
Have a great day! I will definitely post some photos of my son when he is born!
-Webb