In the four article series written by the LA Times reporter, David Zucchino, the writer often mentions a word that is new to the Marine recruits. The recruits learn to call a bed “a rack.” They are taught to refer to a hat as “a cover.” The recruits soon discover that their drill instructors talk about “go-fasters” when they want to make a reference to running shoes.
Evenutally, the recruits find that among themselves they have some special vocabulary words. When a recruit violates the Marine rules of behavior (such as walking out-of-step during a march), then the drill sergeant makes that recruit do some “incentive training.” The recruits have a different name for that “training,” actualy punishment. The recruits call it “getting slayed.”
When a recruit reports to boot camp, he or she should bring as few items as possible . The drill instructors throw-out many of the items that the recruits bring to boot camp. They throw-out pens, paperback books (unless the book is a Bible), chewing gum, otes from home and even Marine Corps recruiting brochures.
Later, when the recruits get their Corps-issued clothes some could have to relinquish a piece of underwear. Marine recruits are not allowed to wear “wife-beaters,” sleeveless undershirts.
On “Black Friday” the recruits are assigned their drill sergeants and their platoon. Half-way through the 13 weeks of boot camp, the recruits run “The Crucible.” Each drill area of The Crucible has a different name. Those drill areas have been named for Medal of Honor winners.
Some recruits report to boot camp with friends. The Marine Corps “buddy program” allows recruits to remain with friends during the 13 weeks of boot camp. After all the recruits arrive at boot camp, they must stand in line, very close to one another. That formation almost copies the way that ancient warriors used to stand in battle. Their shieds would overlap on the battlefield.
The Marine Corps emphasizes the spirit of created by the many coordinated efforts of the recruits.
