G.H.S.

R.O.T.C. Cadets Sound Off on Boot Camp Experience

Reporter Amber McCann

GHS’s own ROTC cadets attended the site Marine Corp Recruit Training (commonly known as “boot camp”) at Parris Island, NC on November 4th. While at the site, the cadets experienced some of the training that Marine recruits would go through before becoming actual, enlisted Marines. The camp included a leadership and confidence course, obstacle courses, and even a gas chamber. The camp brought excitement and invaluable lessons to the cadets that attended.

Upon arriving at the camp, the cadets immediately stand on what are called the yellow footprints. While standing on the yellow footprints, the recruits receive a brief lesson on how to stand at the position of attention, the difference between civilian laws, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and what it means to be a Marine. The recruits also discuss the history of the yellow footprints, and what they mean to the camp.

At lunch time, cadets would eat in one of the camp’s two chow halls. Before entering the building, they would line up as a platoon; a subdivision of a company-sized military unit normally consisting of two or more squads or sections. A group of eight would go and wash their hands as a selected cadet would yell “tick tick!”. The group of eight would then yell “one!”, and it would continue until the group reached 20. Once the group reached 20, the selected Cadet would yell “get out!” The next groups would then go until there were no groups left.

After washing their hands, the cadets would then go eat. Cadets had to follow various table rules, such as keeping their water on the top right corner of their tray, not allowing their elbows to touch the tables, and no talking or whispering among each other.

For some, the leadership course was rather difficult. This is especially true when it came to talking and collaborating with strangers. The cadets had to learn when they should and should not speak, how listen to others ideas, and try to solve multiple tasks together. The leadership course was built to teach Marines how to work together to collaborate and share ideas. This course was made in hopes of teaching cadets how to lead in a time of need.

The confidence course was hard for cadets as well, especially for ones with already low self-esteem. This course is meant to build up one's self-confidence for the present and future. Obstacles included rope swings, monkey bars, and walls over which cadets had to jump. Although arduous for some, experiencing the course with other trustworthy and supportive cadets helped motivate and encourage them.

The obstacles the cadets had completed were both fun and mentally and physically challenging. Cadets strengths were tested through strenuous exercises and workouts. Halfway through the course, the cadets want to give up, due to how worn out they are. However, the recruits pushed the cadets to almost past their breaking point, to where some couldn't continue anymore. This constant motivation from the other recruits is what got the cadets to the end of the course.

Near the end of their stay, the cadets got to explore the gas chamber. The chamber had small amounts of chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, or “CS Gas”, a non-lethal substance. The recruits would stay in the gas chamber for about 4-5 minutes, depending on how well they cooperate. Marine Sgt. Mintiton (along with ROTC’s Senior Chief Grant) told the cadets prior to entering the gas chamber to take small breaths and to not rub their eyes. Once the cadets exited the chamber, many were left with red eyes and raspy voices.

Parris Island taught the cadets leadership, drills, and overall the everyday life of a Marine. The camp brought strangers together to work hard and support each other. Many described it as a fun experience that they hope to do again.