Photo By Cpl. Crystal Druery | Maldives National Defense Forces Staff Sgt. Saleem Hussain and Republic of China...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO - The pounding of combat boots driving into the concrete were heard echoing throughout Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Aug. 31. Digital desert utilities marched in formation toward the combat fitness testing field with two uniforms standing out.
Maldives National Defense Forces Staff Sgt. Saleem Hussain and Republic of China Marine Corps Sgt. Cheng Lo are training alongside the United States Marine Corps Drill Instructor School students. They are learning how U.S. Marines train physically and mentally by meeting the same standards a Marine meets to become a drill instructor.
“Having them come to our training gives us a chance to show other (militaries) how we train our drill instructors, this way they can pass along what we teach them and better their military,” said Gunnery Sgt. George Hernandez, chief drill instructor, drill instructor school, Support Battalion.
Both thrown into an unknown world, they came here eager and ready to take on any challenge and obstacle thrown their way.
“I volunteered to come here because I wanted to know how the U.S. Marines work and train,” said Hussain. “When I go back I will train my military.”
Hussain explained although his military has their own way of training, he hopes to incorporate a few things he’s learned while at the depot.
“I mostly want to bring the physical part back,” said Hussain.
Both expressed they had never been through such challenging training in their own military. In particular, the confidence course is something neither of them will soon forget.
“This training is physically and mentally more demanding (than what I’m used to),” said Hussain, “It’s one of the most difficult trainings I’ve been through in 14 years.”
Hernandez says Hussain and Lo are held to the same standards as U.S. Marine students at all times. A standard second-to-none and known around the world by both friend and enemy.
“The first week here, it’s very demanding and there’s no time to rest,” said Hussain. “It can be even more difficult doing what everyone else is doing with a language barrier.”
Both students were required to pass an English course prior to being selected for the course. Still, they speak broken English, which made it a little harder for them to perform class requirements.
“Sometimes when they call commands the other students can’t understand them,” said Staff Sgt. John Beider, Hussain’s squad instructor, drill instructor school, Support Bn.
Lo explained although he had difficulty during drill, his squad leader always taught him cadences and movements.
“We have drill, but (U.S. Marines’) drill is totally different,” said Lo. However, he said it’s nice to learn new things, and he enjoys learning how U.S. Marine’s drill.
As the platoon nears their evaluation period, Hernandez has taken it upon himself to help both international students a little more one-on-one. He wants to make sure they are prepared like every other Marine.
With three weeks remaining until graduation, instructors are more than impressed with the international students. “Compared to Hussain’s different training plus language barrier, Hussain performs higher than others (in this school),” said Beinder.
Staff Sgt. Lukhma McBride, Lo’s squad instructor, drill instructor school, Support Bn, says he hopes Lo will retain what he’s learned and use it wisely.
“Ultimately I want him to go back and apply our ethics and values,” said McBride, “I think so far he values the same traits, which makes him a good (non-commissioned officer) and very competitive.”
McBride explained Hussain and Lo are both performing above average, despite attending their first course administered by the Marine Corps.
On Sept. 21 Lo and Hussian will walk across the parade deck with the rest of the new drill instructors. They will also receive a campaign cover. If their countries permit, they will be allowed to wear the campaign cover with their uniform.
Hernandez explains two-and-a-half years ago other militaries would come train twice a year at Drill Instructor School. He hopes to continue this opportunity with other international militaries.
“This opportunity brings the layers out between the United States and other countries,” said Hernandez. “Plus, it benefits both sides. It’s a good experience for us to learn (about) their country and culture as they learn ours.”
| Date Taken: | 08.31.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2011 18:07 |
| Story ID: | 76690 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 175 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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