US Marine Corps Recruit Depot - Yearbook (Parris Island, SC)

Page 21 text:

5,53 ii' FQ X ,- Q Z NW-N' l ,Q 1 gg fmigiy Qbe 0 min s ghosg Kw AF vit say HAD1rO K--f -:Wir MAIN STATION E 'il ' 2 Af Jr. iff-' ., I xx My -A - 1 , , L M 1 . ':' ' E D 'A A Q ,.4,,.,,:! , A., S Qi ' W-.L 5 Ei 4 : W an f . if ' ' l rf' 'X A S 1' X , 3 3' ' I m 7 - fn. ,, M Q . ' L K' v 'iv V ,Mr . I .:'A 33 X x Q E , . N X ' 1 3' 5 X R hfx I i 5 II'

Page 20 text:

HE M-1 Rifle, the Marine's Best Friend, is an item of separate is- sue. Each Weapon is carefully inspected and its condition noted at the time of issue. His ri- fle will accompany him Wherever he goes in the Marine Corps, and it Will be frequently re- inspected. If any defects are caused by the Ma- rine's own neglect or misuse of his rifle, he will be held responsible. Daily rifle inspections at boot camp teach the re- cruit his responsibility for the care of his rifle. 16 EWILDERMENT creases the face of the recruit the first time he gazes on an alien assortment of straps, buckles and poles laid out for issue to him. Termed 78'2 Gear in Marine vernacular, this equipment is given to the recruit at the beginning of his in- struction at Parris Island. Training on its proper care and use begins in earnest at the time of issue. The recruit's first instruction covers the purpose and use of his 782 Gearv consisting of can- teen, cup, cover, meat can, knapsack, haversack, shelter half, tent poles, pegs and other sundry items. He is taught to assemble the diferent field packs, be- ginning with the light marching pack and ending with the giant, 72-pound field transport pack, in which is carried individual bedding, shelter, rations and extra clothing for extended operations in the field.

Page 22 text:

lv pf' O use it, you,ve gotta know how to hold it, so the recruit learns the Manual of Arms. This instruction teaches all of the move- ments and positions using the rifle. Learning the Manual of Arms is a challenge to each recruit and is a very important cycle of his educa- tion in becoming a Marine. The recruit's best friend is his rifle, and the Manual of Arms is the way he gets to know and be- come familiar with this friend. As this knowledge comes to the re- cruit, constant practice with the rifle increases the efficiency of his individual reflexes and coordina- tion. Eventually, when commands are given to a platoon the rifles will snap into movement blended as one. Perfection in this field of training is traditional. MANUAL GF ARMS f MILITARY STEPS WAN, hup, threep, fo, yo lef'-This is the heavy chanting cadence of the Drill Instruc- tors, heard by the recruit from dawn until sunset. With the cadence ringing in his ears, drill com- mands begin to overcome confusion. Hands, body, feet, and mind begin to work as one. Each hour of instruction helps to mold a perfect pattern of movement for the recruits, until they function as a team. Close order drill is taught to the recruits during their twelve-week stay at Parris Island. The mili- tary bearing and personal carriage of boot camp graduates is convincing evidence of the degree of perfection obtained in but a few short weeks. Column Left, To The Rear, Squads Rightabout, Forward -these and hundreds of other commands are learned by the recruit and put into practice daily. Many hours are spent in the instruction of drill because it plays an important role in the life of a Marine. Learning the commands, and then executing ithem, sharpens the thinking ability and alertness of a recruit, which helps him in other phases of his training. - . 43 274 ' -' .Q ?'i??3'Z -.