Antonio Robinson

Dr Wanda White
ENG 111-96

July 14, y

The Journey of the Marine

Final Draft

Being in the military can't be simple. You have to defend the lives
and freedoms of the United States. America's most elite fighting force is the
United States Marine Corps. When I was first embarking on the journey to
become a marine, I went through what is called pre-enlistment paper work to
see if you qualify to become a U.S. Marine. You then began to train for boot
camp where you officially began your journey towards becoming a U.S.
Marine. The yellow foot prints are the first things a recruit see's at any USMC
Recruit Deport. These yellow foot prints are vital to the main discipline and
the emotional trials it takes to become a marine. You then go through an
extensive thirteen weeks of physical, mental, and emotional training. In
which you are faced with the true test of self motivation, strength, and
discipline. "Being ready is not what matters. What matters is winning after
you get there." LtGen Victor H. Krulak, USMC April 1965. Does anyone quite
understand this quote? As being a marine you must set the example you are
held to a higher standard then the rest of Americas fighting forces. After
learning what it really takes to become a United States Marine. From preenlistment to the yellow footprints all the class hours, the night navigation
courses, and all the survival lessons from a sprained ankle to a gun shot
wound. I'm living proof that it will be a difficult life changing adventure but
will be worth it for years to come.
I went through what is called pre-enlistment paper work to see if I
qualified to become a U.S. Marine. First you go through a series of questions
that range from how my health has been your whole life mental and physical.
I also went through a process where I took a asvab test this is a test that
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then placed me selection in which I got to pick my M.O.S. An mos is nothing

more than a list of skills that fit your knowledge and skill level. For example I
scored a 78 on my asvab. I got a list of jobs I picked mos 3043 it is a supply
administration. I also began to attend weekly physical training to condition
me for my 13 week journey in hope's that at the end of all of these trials I
would own the title of United States Marine.
Day one on the recruit training bus pulling into recruit deport Paris
island SC. We were told to duck are heads as we pulled into are final
destination for 13 weeks. We were told to go to the yellow footprints and
stand at attention. These are yellow painted footprints painted on the ground
this is the first step to becoming a marine an every marine as went through
it. These yellow foot prints are vital to the main discipline and the emotional
trials it takes to become a Marine.
You then go through an extensive thirteen weeks of physical, mental,
and emotional training. In which you are faced with the true test of self
motivation, strength, and discipline. Once we are all off the buses we came
to a input center were we received uniforms,Hygiene supplies, and all the
gear you will need as you become train to become a marine. We were then
issued a rifle we were told a marine is only as good as his rifle. We were
taught how to clean, load ,and weapons safety. Every morning we ran 3miles
and did a physical work out such as mixed martial arts ,soccer, and even
yoga some morning. We had classes twice a day on History, Land navigation
night and day, combat training, combat injury, and weapons class. Also we
were taught how to eat, sleep, drink, and a variety of life skills
sewing,washing clothes, ironing, and cleaning.
In conclusion I've explained the total experience from being in the dept
program from the pre enlistment pt to condition you and the mental
evaluations. To your journey first hand from boarding the bus the las time
you will physically see your family for the next three months. Once we
arrived to Paris island SC from standing on those historical yellow footprints.
To meeting your drill instructors an beginning the 13 weeks of physical
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training every day to relearning how to walk, talk, eating like a marine. To the
lifestyle that you will carry on to use for the rest of your life such as sowing,
ironing,washing clothes, and properly cleaning and being a self sufficient
individual in the world