MCRD Parris Island -- Sergeant Rusty Jones, primary marksman instructor, Marksmanship Training Unit, made the decision to become a PMI during recruit training and has been teaching recruits marksmanship for six months.
Jones, an Ehrenberg, Ariz., native, has always been interested in shooting and decided there was no better way to hone his skills than learning to teach others how to shoot, he said.
Jones is very motivated and enthusiastic, said Gunnery Sgt. Donald Wilson, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, MTU. He loves to see the recruits after they qualify, and it motivates him to do even better the next time.
"I like seeing the finished product on [qualification] day and the looks on the recruits faces when they realize they are one step closer to graduation," said Jones.
Jones joined the Marine Corps on Sept. 10, 2001, with the military occupational specialty of mortorman. He was undecided about his future after high school, but he knew the Marines could provide him with a way to stay out of trouble.
The Marine Corps has helped Jones develop a stable life and self-reliance, said Wilson. His professionalism has also developed and you can tell he is a very approachable person.
"One of the most important things is to get the recruits to relax," said Jones.
Being a people person helps because there is only a short time to build a trusting relationship with the recruits. If the recruits trust their PMI, they will believe what they are being taught and learn the necessary skills faster, he added.
After his tour as a PMI, Jones is looking forward to returning to his original MOS and would like to be stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.