Photo By Sgt. Walter D. Marino II | Recruits of Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, receive haircuts aboard Marine...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO — It was only a week later and recruits founds themselves sitting in a barber’s chair once again aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Recruits of Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, received their weekly haircuts Sept. 5, aboard the depot. What could appear as just another haircut to civilians is part of something much more for recruits and drill instructors.
Recruits have no choice in the type or frequency of their haircuts during recruit training, they all receive the same buzz cut. But instead of seeing the negative they understand that it's part of learning how to maintain a proper Marine image. Some recruits even enjoy the short hair.
Recruit Jonathan B. Kratz, guide, Platoon 2143, Company G, said he started cutting his hair short in the months leading to recruit training to get used to the feel of a buzz cut. He said he likes the style because it’s a representation of the Marine Corps.
"Image is the first thing people see when you walk into a room," said Kratz, guide, Platoon 2143, Company G. "I want to set a good first impression of the Marine Corps."
Kratz also explained that he likes the short hair because it feels clean and knows it’s also important for all the recruits to be in unison to support teamwork.
"I'm sure it will be hard at times but I'm glad to learn the Marine standard," said Kratz. "It seems Marines hold their image really high and are very proud of themselves."
Haircuts are only one of the ways recruits learn about the Marine image. One of the biggest influence for a recruit is seeing how their drill instructors take care of themselves.
"We not only enforce being clean and smelling good but we live it," said Staff Sgt. Andres G. Navarro, senior drill instructor, 2143, Company G. "There is a reason why many drill instructors shave their head, because it looks the cleanest."
Recruits are inspected daily by drill instructors for a clean shave and trimmed nails.
"If they see their drill instructors well groomed and looking good they're going to act like that," said Navarro. "They're going to get more from that than sitting in a classroom learning about it."
After the recruits finished getting their hair cuts they lined back up to return to their squad bays, and continued their training.
"I think the short hair is a part of the Marine image," said Recruit Nicholas T. Bower, Plt. 2143, Company G. "I'm a fan of Marine tradition and I think this is a step in maintaining it."
Whether influenced by the repetition of short haircuts, witnessing their drill instructors appearance or a combination of both. It appeared many recruits acknowledge the importance of presenting a sharp Marine image.
| Date Taken: | 09.05.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2012 11:00 |
| Story ID: | 94659 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 825 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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