San Diego -- Many events have occurred since the birth of the Corps that have built and transformed it in to what it is today. Marines learn from history, and it is something that is taught throughout recruit training, not only at the classroom, but at the museum as well.
Recruits of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, learned the roots of Marine Corps history at the Marine Corps Command Museum during their visit at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 7.
Docents guided the recruits during the tour, each having his own way of teaching. All of them are Marine Corps veterans who have lived through the history dating back to the Korean War.
“What we do here in the museum reinforces their Marine Corps history,” said Mike H. West, docent. “We have real pieces of history standing here with the recruits and telling them things they actually went through.”
Recruits visit sections including the Korean War, Waterhouse Room, Vietnam Gallery, World War II, Medals and Decorations, and Modern Warfare.
According to West, he did not want to let the recruits wander around the museum because he feels they learn more from looking at the pieces and hearing the history behind it.
“My relatives were Navajo code talkers,” said Recruit Jimmy Tommy, Platoon, 1035. “I think it is really interesting learning about the history of my family and what they did and how much of a difference they made.”
The museum itself houses more than 2,000 artifacts that date from the early days of the Marine Corps to items used today, which includes some interactive displays for recruits to use.
“We also use everything in the museum to motivate the recruits,” said West, a native of Phoenix, Ariz. “In a few days, they will be setting out to begin the Crucible and become Marines.”
After the recruits have completed the Crucible and have earned the title of Marine, they will be allowed to bring their families into the museum and teach them everything they have learned.
“The Marine Corps is built on history,” said West. “We stand on each other’s shoulders to do the next great thing, which is what these recruits have the potential to do.”