Being a Marine is the most challenging and rewarding responsibility a personcould face. It is a known fact that the Marines have the toughest and mostdifficulty training course in the world. Men and women from all over the worldtry their abilities of strength and courage to see what life can throw at them,and what it is to be a true Marine(Conner). The United States Marine mental andmoral qualities have been tested throughout history. Through the long history ofthe Marine Corps there are examples, both in war and in peace, of such qualitiesas versatility, trustworthiness, singleness and tenacity of purpose, courage,faithfulness, and self-sacrifice (Marines Welcome). On November 10, 1775, theContinental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that”two Battalions of Marines be raised” for service as landing forceswith the fleet. This resolution, established the Continental Marines and markedthe birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea,these first Marines distinguished themselves in a number of importantoperations, including their first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in March1776, under the command of Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas. Nicholas, thefirst commissioned officer in the Continental Marines, remained the seniorMarine officer throughout the American Revolution and is considered to be thefirst Marine Commandant. The Treaty of Paris in April 1783 brought an end to theRevolutionary War and as the last of the Navy’s ships were sold, the ContinentalNavy and Marines went out of existence. Following the Revolutionary War and theformal re-establishment of the Marine Corps on 11 July 1798, Marines saw actionin the quasi-war with France, landed in Santo Domingo, and took part in manyoperations against the Barbary pirates along the “Shores of Tripoli”.
Marines participated in numerous naval operations during the War of 1812, aswell as participating in the defense of Washington at Bladensburg, Maryland, andfought alongside Andrew Jackson in the defeat of the British at New Orleans. Thedecades following the War of 1812 saw the Marines protecting American interestsaround the world, in the Caribbean, at the Falkland Islands, Sumatra and off thecoast of West Africa, and also close to home in the operations against theSeminole Indians in Florida. During the Mexican War (1846-1848), Marines seizedenemy seaports on both the Gulf and Pacific coasts. A battalion of Marinesjoined General Scott’s army at Pueblo and fought all the way to the “Hallsof Montezuma,” Mexico City. Marines also served ashore and afloat in theCivil War (1861-1865). Although most service was with the Navy, a battalionfought at Bull Run and other units saw action with the blockading squadrons andat Cape Hatteras, New Orleans, Charleston, and Fort Fisher. The last third ofthe 19th century saw Marines making numerous landings throughout the world,especially in the Orient and in the Caribbean area (History and Museums ). TheMarines continue to serve the nation from all parts of the globe. In tradition,the world famed the Marine Corps has the important role of being the “force in readiness” to help keep the peace throughout the world (MarineCorps 44) The Marine Corps Recruit Depot is at Parris Island, South Carolinawhere it all began. It was organized by Brigadier General Wallace M. Greene Jr.
The Recruit Training Regiment was organized to control all activities dealingwith training the male recruits. Parris Island was not only for the malerecruits, but women Marines had a big part on the island also. It became thepermanent basic training site for all women marines. (Continental 23) TheRegiment consists of the first, Second, Third, and Forth (Womens) Battalionsand weapons battalion. In addition to training the recruits, it has a DrillInstructors School and NCO School. Command of the Head quarters and ServiceBattalion has all the support units and schools to train. Parris Island not onlyhas the regiments to command, but it has been known for the progress mainlyalong the military lines. It keeps its pace with advances in the art of trainingrecruits, making one of the most efficient and picturesque military reservationsin the world. Parris Island stands proud of its heritage, satisfied with theaccomplishments and is ready to face future challenges. (Marine Corps 29) Nowthat we know the history of how the Marines began, we can start on the trainingcourse part. As soon as the Recruits arrive at Parris Island, The militarystarts processing each person. Shortly after that the Sergeants go throughdifferent issues with the men and women, such as, the clothing issue, rifleissue, the exchange issue, and the initial issue. Each issue plays a veryimportant role in each of the recruits lives. No matter how many exams, obstaclecourses, physical training, self endurance and circuit courses each recruit hasto lean that pain is weakness leaving the body. It not only teaches each recruitthat pain is weakness, but also that values of honor, courage and commitment(Marine Corps 33). The last test of the Marines is known as thecrucible”. The “crucible” is something that purifies asubstance. This test is to see how badly you want to be a marine. It weeds outthe weak, the selfish and the self-seeking, lazy, faint of heart, weak inspirit, and those who give up easily. Its those who have the courage to endurehunger, pain, cold, fatigue, and blisters to wear with Honor, the Eagle, Globeand Anchor. These recruits had the commitment to help their comrades finish thecrucible. Pride, endurance, and loyalty for comrades is what a Marine is allabout (Marine Corps 89). No matter how hard the Marines push a person it takes astrength of character to see what a person can handle in life. Marines may beknown for being hard and tough on the recruits, but they also have hearts whendisasters strike. For example, when, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods hit theMarines are always there to help rebuild the victims lives again. They areknown to work their hearts out to ensure the mission is accomplished. TheMarines, the nations All Force, are being charged with being the most readywhen the nation is least ready. This means deploying to the four corners of theglobe the preserve the freedom Americans enjoy. What is it about Marines thatmake us stop and stare at them? Is it their strength of courage or their greatendurance to over come fears? Maybe it could be respect for human life. Whatever it is it has a great sense of power over a person (Continental 20).
Everyday Marines make decisions, through these decisions they show the qualityof their character, to everyone around them. The true test of character comeswhen the stakes are high, and he chips are down. When your stomach starts toturn, and sweat forms on your brow. Thats when you know your true characteras a Marine is exposed. As a marine you will judged as an individual not as agroup. It will demand a depth of character and strength to see what kind ofvalues a person has (Williams ). The real test of time is to see those who havethe courage to face up to challenges in their lives. In times of great stressand controversy, there is a never ending battle between good and evil. In oursociety today we see alcohol and drug abuse, lack of human dignity and respectfor the law. In many cases young teenager lose sight of there goals and that iswhy the United States Marine Corps is there to mold and shape then intooutstanding man and women in our society. Thats why the Marines teach suchvalues as respect, honor and trust. The question is do recruits have the courageto face up to their fears? Fears our often difficult obstacles to over come. TheUnited States Marine Corps will help recruits over come their fears in anysituation. Can The recruits handle the hunger, pain, and suffering for theircomrades? How far can the recruits push their minds and bodies just to see whatkind of inner and outer strength they posses. As we approach the millennium, theMarine Corps has continued its tradition of innovation to meet the challenges ofa new century. The Marine Corps War fighting Laboratory was created in 1995 toevaluate change, assess the impact of new technologies on war fighting, andexpedite the introduction of new capabilities into the operating forces of theMarine Corps. Exercises such as “Hunter Warrior,” and “UrbanWarrior” were designed to explore future tactical concepts, and to examinefacets of military operations in urban environments (Garry 15). Today’s MarineCorps stands ready to continue in the proud tradition of those who so valiantlyfought and died. Combining a long and proud heritage of faithful service to thenation, with the resolve to face tomorrow’s challenges will continue to keep theMarine Corps the “best of the best.”BibliographyContinental Marine Fall 1998 5-23. Frederick, Conner A, Personal Interview.
28 September 1999 Garry, William C, Fortitudine. Dec., 1999:14-16 History andMuseums Divison, August 1999. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SouthCarolina Year Book 23 Aug. 1991, through 7 Nov. 1991. Marines Welcome AboardMovie, Producer, USMC. Williams, William J. MSS Personal Interview. 28 Sept.
1999. Life In the marine Corps Senior Project David Czako Grade 12 2000 11/9/99
