San Diego -- As recruits marched onto the parade deck with their rifles in hand, the senior drill instructor took his position to lead his platoon through yet another challenging test in recruit training.
This was the recurring scene for all platoons with Company E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, as they prepared for the final drill competition aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Nov. 26.
Final drill consists of a series of drill movements recruits learn and is graded by judges, known as drill masters, who look for how well a platoon performs each drill movement. Several other things drill masters look for include appearance in uniform and bearing.
“Drill is the end-all, be all here at the depot,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Casias, senior drill instructor, Platoon 2109, Co. E, 2nd RTBn. “It’s a valuable tool because it builds discipline in recruits.”
When teaching drill, recruits are taught by drill instructors the importance of attention to detail, how to handle a rifle and that final product is what matters the most.
Drill instructors believe their platoons are a direct reflection of themselves when drilling, which is why for the past 10 training-weeks recruits were constantly reminded of how important final drill was.
“A good majority of recruit training is focused on drilling,” said Casias. “Everywhere they go, anytime there is an open in the schedule, we’re drilling.”
From the moment they arrive aboard the depot, recruits are taught the basic fundamentals of drill to instill discipline, teamwork and instant obedience to orders, according to SSgt. Julian E. Orozco, chief drill instructor, lead series, Co. E, 2nd RTBn.
“Drill is important because it is the foundation of recruit training,” said Orozco. “It’s the first step to unit cohesion and discipline.”
Within the first weeks of training, platoons take part in initial drill with very little knowledge and practice, which is also graded. Final drill is one of the culminating events during recruit training and is where the company is able to see how well platoons have improved.
“Expectations are high for the platoons competing today,” said Orozco. “So far we’ve seen a huge improvement since initial drill.”
After each platoon was provided the chance to perform for all drill masters, the winner of final drill for Company E was announced as Platoon 2111, led by Sgt. Rigoberto Melendez, senior drill instructor.