Baby Bro meets the Marine Corps... #1: Required "I'm alive and well" letter

I have arrived safely at MCRD San Diego, CA and have been assigned to PLT 1015/A Co/1st Recruit Training Battalion. We have four Drill Instructors (DI) and one senior Drill Instructor (SDI) for our platoon (PLT) that will be with us every day, everywhere we go.

Accountable mail (UPS/FedEX) is difficult to receive so PLEASE do not send it. While here at recruit training, I am not allowed to receive certain items such as medication, alcohol, gambling devices, tobacco products, and combustibles. If I am in need of medication, I will be provided the opportunity to see a medical officer and receive medication if prescribed. It is not necessary for you to send any money; I will earn enough to cover the expenses during boot camp. Everything that I will need to complete training will be issued to me in the future...


From the SDI:
My name is Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Taylor, and I am the SDI for PLT 1015. I have been assigned to care for and train your young man for the next three months. I am responsible for leading and guiding this future Marine through the many challenging and demanding stages of his training. My DI's and I will ensure that he puts forth his maximum effort. Through concerned and positive leadership we will help him develop a strong sense of pride, self-respect, confidence and a greater level of physical and mental endurance.

He is about to undergo a rigorous training cycle, which will test him both physically and mentally. The first phase of training takes place at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego, CA. Training consists of physical training, close order drill, water qualification and an introduction to military life. Extensive classes on Marine Corps history, first aid, military customs and courtesies and military law will be taught.

The second phase of training takes place at Camp Pendleton, CA and consists of rifle marksmanship and field skills training. Upon returning to MCRD the last four weeks will consist of final tests, administrative procedures and preparation for duty in the Fleet Marine Force.

Your young man will be facing many obstacles and may experience periods of frustration, especially during first phase. Positive and encouraging letters as well as prayer from relatives and friends will greatly contribute to his morale and attitude. High morale and a positive outlook are assets for a solid foundation and attribute to successful training. Your role in maintaining his high morale and motivation, which can benefit his positive development, is vital and encouraged. Our graduation date is scheduled for November 4, 2009.

Again, I assure you that your young man is in good hands. My team of DI's and I will always use positive and concerned leadership in the course of training and development of your future Marine. If any problems or questions you think best answered through me should arise, feel free to contact me. Your role in helping to encourage and motivate him through letters is greatly appreciated.


In his own words:
Dear Jer,
so after i got off the plane, i got to talk to some of the marines shipping out to their job. i learned some stuff from them like you can get away with eating chow at night if it's not loud food. the first hour at the MCRD which is where i stay for my first phase (3 weeks), it could only be described as crazy and insane. at about 12 when we were at our barracks i thought we would go to sleep for a few hours but we ended up staying up til 8 the next night, now i realize why you doze off after 5 minutes or so... i was about to get a shot when i almost fell asleep. a lot of the recruits are "stupid" as my processing DI says, who is a hilarious bad-ass. not only do they ask stupid questions, they cannot get it through their head to say "this recruit" or "that recruit" instead of I, me, we.

Sadly enough at lease a quarter (10/78) of the recruits are like that; as my DI says, that 10% cannot even lace their boots right or fill in a box on an inventory sheet of what size your gear is. I have not gotten to boot camp yet. My company is still being processed, which is just medical shit over and over. today is thursday, i run the IST tomorrow, i'm going to pass it. i also learned from a couple marines and from experience so far, to keep a low profile and blend in and not do stupid shit. i've got to write two more letters and i got fire watch tonight, so i will talk to you later. hopefully i will have time to mail another letter sometime this week
bye
love,
Davin