Photo By Lance Cpl. Francisco Abundes | Cpl. Josh Watts, rappel master and Crucible Event 2 leader, helps a recruit secure her...... read more read more
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PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Six years ago, Cpl. Josh Watts joined the Marine Corps to stay out of trouble.
Now, Watts, a rappel master and Crucible event leader continues to serve simply for his love of the Corps.
“He acts the way a corporal of Marines should act,” said Sgt. Timothy Clark, instructor at Field Training Company. “He’s stern with [the recruits] and doesn’t let them joke around – he’s all about business.”
Clark said that while Watts has a friendly character and jokes around with Marines, he knows that in recruit training, there is no time for playing.
Watts said safety is paramount at Page Field, which is why he has to ensure everything is taken seriously.
The infantry assault man from Russellville, Mo., graduated high school in May 2005 and shipped off to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego two days later. After completing boot camp, he continued to the School of Infantry, then to Twentynine Palms, Calif. with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment.
He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and re-enlisted in July 2008, before beginning his new job as an instructor at Page Field here.
Either overseeing the rappel tower or a Crucible event, Watts has to constantly be mindful of the recruits’ well-being.
At the rappel tower, he checks to make sure recruits’ Swiss seat harness are made properly and recruits rappel correctly. The Swiss seat harness ties a person to the rappelling cord. If it is not made correctly, it could unravel and the recruit could sustain an injury.
Watts also works at the Octagon, an arena where recruits go though physical combat as part of one of their Crucible events. He oversees the recruits’ last pugil sticks matches, body sparring matches and the Leadership Reaction Course.
No matter what challenge the recruits are taking on, Watts ensures they know the techniques needed and they execute them properly.
“But we also make sure that training isn’t hindered because of safety concerns,” Watts said. “We make sure that the training is provided, but in a safe manner.”
With so many precautions, it might be hard for someone to love their job. But this is not the case with Watts.
“Watts drive for work is the achievement and pleasure knowing that the future of the Marine Corps has been touched by his leadership style,” said Gunnery Sgt. James Miller, Page Field chief.
Watts said he notices the transformation from first-phase recruits to those on the Crucible. The soon-to-be Marines begin using professional mannerisms and no longer show signs of the civilian who first arrived at Parris Island.
“We’re the first Marines they meet, aside from their drill instructors,” Watts said. “We kind of get to put our own little touch on training. We get to put our fingers in the pot and shape who they become; not as much as their drill instructors, but still …”
Watts said Page Field is where recruits can develop a combat mindset.
“All of us are grunts, so that’s all we want to teach them anyway. Whenever we go out to the fleet, these are the guys that are going to be out there with us,” he said. “We’re going to see [one of] these guys and be able to say we put our touch on that kid – he came through us.”
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2011 12:58 |
| Story ID: | 77770 |
| Location: | PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 194 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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