San Diego -- During recruit training, recruits experience several inspections in order to prepare them for their initial introduction as Marines.
Recruit training culminates with Marines being presented to the commander of each battalion in a final test known as the battalion commander’s inspection. Marines of Company A, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, were acquainted with their battalion commander aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 3.
The purpose of the battalion inspection is for commanders to inspect the Marines graduating and make sure they are upholding the high standards of the United States Marine Corps. It is also intended to familiarize new Marines to talking to higher grade officers with confidence.
“This inspection is to ensure their uniforms fit well and that they have good command of Marine Corps knowledge,” said Staff Sgt. Giovani Dominguez, senior drill instructor, Plt. 1001, Co. A, 1st RTBn. “Inspections are also designed to ensure Marines are able to talk confidently to people in their chain of command and not be nervous.”
The battalion commander’s inspection is also a graduation requirement where Marines must demonstrate command of all the information covered during recruit training.
“It’s meant to see how much you learn and make sure our uniform is presentable,” said Pfc. Anthony F. Miranda, Plt. 1001, Co. A, 1st RTBn. “It’s to have the battalion commander inspect us and show him that we can move on with the next step in training.”
The individual inspection begins with each Marine performing inspection arms a drill movement in which they inspect the weapon for ammunition. Once the weapon is cleared, Marines hand their weapon over and introduce themselves to the inspecting officer.
The inspecting officer then begins inspecting the rifle for cleanliness. As he inspects the rifle, he asks each Marine different type of questions including Marine Corps history, uniform regulations, rank structure or open ended questions such as “What is the most important leadership trait to you?”
Recruits are expected to answer correctly and coherently without losing their bearing.
The inspection continues with the officer thoroughly inspecting the Marine’s uniform and pointing out discrepancies, if there are any. Once he is done, the officer hands back the rifle and moves on to the next Marine. The process is repeated until every Marine is inspected and considered qualified.
Once the battalion commander gives the final approval, the new Marines are considered well rounded and ready to graduate.
With graduation only three days away, Marines of Co. A are ready for the next step in their careers and to carry on the legacy of those who came before them.
According to Miranda, “You have to put honor and passion into the Marine Corps and the uniform.”