I have been reading some of Rod Powers online comments about Marine boot camp. His comments have shown me the degree to which Marine boot camp can have an effect on a Marine. I was first struck by mention of the fact that a Marine learns in boot camp the importance of preparation.
My father, a former Marine, often talked about the need for preparation. He used to have a saying,”Plan your work and work your plan.”
Powers also refers to the scant supplies needed by the Marine recruit. That recruit is told to bring only his or her important papers. My father did not have an extensive wardrobe, even after he had been out of the Corps for 25 years.
According to Powers, the recruits do have certain rights. They have the right to 8 hours of sleep, except when they have watch or guard duty. My father did not sleep late on weekends, but he made a point of going to bed at a reasonable hour each night.
Finally, I want to mention the fact that Marines do receive recognition of their accomplishments during boot camp. They can display their trophies. Perhaps that is why my father was so very upset, when he felt that administrators at my high school did not give me the recognition that I deserved.
Together we learned that some acts of heroism go unrecognized. My father learned that lesson when I started college (after spending 7 weeks in the hospital). I do not believe he had had a similar lesson in boot camp.
