The passage speaks of the...
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The passage speaks of the imitation of Christ. When United States Marine Corps recruits arrive at Parris Island they know little or nothing of what it means to be a Marine. Drill instructors have attained an almost legendary status for their role in both instructing recruits and offering a role model for military bearing. There have been times when concerns were raised about how appropriate these role models were.
On a moonlit night in April of 1956 a drill instructor took platoon 71 on a forced march. For hours they endured the swamps and marshes of the South Carolina low country. Their sergeant was a 31-year-old veteran of WWII and Korea. He felt the platoon needed to be disciplined and tough for their survival. He led them across Ribbon Creek, between Horse Island and Parris Island. They crossed on a rising tide. The unit slogged through the salt marsh for a while before returning to the creek. By the time they returned the depth had increased to over seven feet and the current was swift. As they plunged back into the creek, six recruits drowned.
Following the tragedy the USMC carefully examined training practices. The challenging training and devotion to discipline remained. Forced marches through Ribbon Creek halted immediately. A new Drill Instructors' Creed was published on August 31, 1956: These are my recruits. I will train them to the best of my ability. I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained Marines, thoroughly indoctrinated in love of Corps and country. I will demand of them, and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality, and professional skill.
On a moonlit night in April of 1956 a drill instructor took platoon 71 on a forced march. For hours they endured the swamps and marshes of the South Carolina low country. Their sergeant was a 31-year-old veteran of WWII and Korea. He felt the platoon needed to be disciplined and tough for their survival. He led them across Ribbon Creek, between Horse Island and Parris Island. They crossed on a rising tide. The unit slogged through the salt marsh for a while before returning to the creek. By the time they returned the depth had increased to over seven feet and the current was swift. As they plunged back into the creek, six recruits drowned.
Following the tragedy the USMC carefully examined training practices. The challenging training and devotion to discipline remained. Forced marches through Ribbon Creek halted immediately. A new Drill Instructors' Creed was published on August 31, 1956: These are my recruits. I will train them to the best of my ability. I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained Marines, thoroughly indoctrinated in love of Corps and country. I will demand of them, and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality, and professional skill.
