Photo By Spc. Leigh Campbell | Former drill instructors recite the drill instructor creed during the Drill Instructor...... read more read more
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By Lance Cpl. Terence L. Yancey
III Marine Expeditionary Force PAO
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Two drill instructors run between an unsuspecting group of onlookers, shouting orders and demanding speed and obedience. Suddenly, the senior drill instructor calls them off, the lights come back on and everyone relaxes. It was a reenactment of pick-up, a recruit's first introduction to one of the most feared personas around - the Marine Corps Drill Instructor.
The reenactment was the scene that played out at the Butler Officers' Club during the dinner portion of a drill instructor reunion held Jan. 26. Former and future drill instructors gathered from across the island to attend the reunion, which consisted of several events throughout the day.
The reunion was intended to continue tradition and build camaraderie among the drill instructors and inspire future drill instructors, according to 1st Sgt. Robin Fortner, a former drill instructor and reunion coordinator.
Events began early at Camp Foster with a motivational two-mile run. Former drill instructors wore shirts bearing their battalion's colors from when they were on drill instructor duty.
Afterward, the Marines competed in a cadence competition, which was divided into three categories-marching, hiking and running.
Gunnery Sgt. Lisa A. Crutcher, one of the competition winners, said it was a great feeling to participate, especially since she has been away from the drill field since January 2000.
"I wasn't too sure if my voice would hold up, but I figured what the heck-it's all in fun," said Crutcher. "I remembered how motivated the recruits were when certain cadences were called and decided to (use) that motivation factor."
Crutcher said it is important for drill instructors to embody the entire concept of drill-discipline, motivation, confidence and patience-to correctly teach the intricate details recruits are expected to know.
After the dinner's opening ceremony, attendees ate, danced and socialized. Many of the drill instructors felt it was a perfect opportunity to reflect on the history, duty and ideals of the Marine Corps drill instructor.
1st Sgt. Gary Smith, the company first sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, was the guest speaker for the ceremony and said it is important to carry on the same leadership traits in the Fleet Marine Force on the drill field as instructors.
"Even though DI duty is behind us, we must inspire the next generation," Smith said during his remarks. "Every day we must serve as leaders and mentors to young Marines."
Though more than 50 Marines attended the reunion, Fortner said it almost didn't happen. Organizational, financial and logistical challenges forced organizers to put more work than expected into coordinating the event.
But not surprising to those familiar with the persistence of drill instructors, the Marines found a way to make it happen. Many contributed their personal time and money to get the event off the ground, and it came down to a two-and-a-half hour meeting just a few days before the event to finally work out all the kinks, Fortner said.
"The reunion was the result of a lot of sacrifice and commitment from the Marines involved," she said. "Hopefully it will continue for years."
| Date Taken: | 02.09.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 02.09.2007 09:17 |
| Story ID: | 9101 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, JP |
| Web Views: | 319 |
| Downloads: | 132 |
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