Marine Drill Instructor Turns Around Gangbanger

[@dr.thriller246]

This man SSGT Nichols is a motivational speaker and it’s no wonder he became a drill instructor because the man is a natural leader and inspires others even when some have given up on themselves. Semper Fidelis

[@MIKEL0352]

The Marine Corp kept me out of prison, I was homeless, had a pregnant girlfriend, no highschool diploma, life going nowhere......I called a recruiter, he helped me get my GED, and got me in the Marines.......saved my life.

[@herbrice8933]

Semper Fi Brother

[@criminaltotheworld3154]

That’s good. The marines used me up like a sponge and I became homeless when I got out

[@bpmuppet72]

Congratulations to you mate. Well done.

[@sanandreasX]

That's awesome man

[@egcoon2750]

How could I get into the army or marine with a felony back round . I already tryed to sign up but they turned me around at the recruiter office

[@USMCSDI]

I am Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. White and I APPROVE this video

[@Newsblaze]

Thank you for your service, Sergeant !

[@IRIQUOIS227]

This man is clearly a REAL human being. They make the best DIs. The world needs more people like him.

[@Mutlap]

his family was the gang, then the Marine Corps became his family.

[@Thundering_third_0311]

Rah!

[@brettgast]

Here's the catch the Marine Corps is a gang.

[@jjustjoking2116]

@@brettgast aye don’t tell no one 😂😂😂🦅🌎⚓️❤️

[@printingwithlue4310]

Cult. Marines are a cult.

[@printingwithlue4310]

​@@brettgastmarines is a cult. Army is a gang.

[@pamscheese4944]

Thank you for not giving up on him!! The Marine Corp gave him a purpose and in boot camp he found out that people really cared about him, thru discipline and accountability. Semper Fi!!

[@pj7362]

Thank you SSGT. Nichols, thank you Sir !

[@userunavailable3095]

Ssgt. Nichols, you are an amazing man. You are living up to my lifelong experience of Marines, that they are rough and tough on the outside, and amazingly kind and giving men on the inside. My hat is off to you, sir.

[@legithater]

I am proud of this DI and his dedication to his recruit and then a fellow Marine. I am proud of the Marine he is telling the story about as well because inside of that individual LIVES the "Marine Corp" spirit and all that the tradition it stands for. Once a Marine ALWAYS a Marine. Semper Fi

[@fredrickmillstead2804]

Ssgt Nichols, you are a outstanding example of what my Marine Corps is and can be. Semper Fidelis.

[@pedrovalenciajr9280]

The Marine Corps gave me a golden opportunity. I used to sell gum at the San Ysidro border. Now, oldest daughter graduated from UC Berkeley and this last Friday my little began attending UCLA. And I get to keep all the lessons learned and experience. SEMPER FI!

[@Hairyballzach]

ssgt Nichols is a amazing individual and a even more amazing Marine. God bless him!

[@ReveredDead]

He got out lucky. Anyone facing those kinds of charges. A choice to join the military and possibly become a very respected individual is like being acquitted entirely.

[@mariekatherine5238]

This is why I want my youngest nephew to join the Corps. He’s smart and tough, but driving the wrong way.

[@emm28bee]

You're doing a great service helping these young men get their lives straight. Sometimes they just need someone to genuinely care about them & point them in the right direction. I wish you & your family well. I also have had many family members in the Armed forces. Dad and an uncle were in the Navy and a couple of his brothers were in the Army. Several male and female cousins were in the Corps, Navy & the Coast Guard. My son just left for Ft Benning for BCT. Keep on with your good work.

[@anthonyteierle1394]

This looks like SSGT Nichols... I apologize for the spelling if it's wrong but this guy has a youtube channel for when he was a Drill Instructor, if It's him then that's really awesome.

[@Newsblaze]

Yes, Anthony, that's the same DI SSGT. Nichols. Here is a link to his channel: kzbin.info

[@Geeker13]

I would have to whole-heartedly agree with you. Before I joined the Marines back in 2000 I was going nowhere and getting into a lot of trouble. The first sense of accomplishment I ever had was at graduation day at MCRSD. Now I have the discipline and drive to be a successful and good human being. Without the Marines, I wouldn't have had the discipline to finish grad school. Thanks for posting your experience.

[@legithater]

This story is what being a Marine is all about. This DI is showing the world what SEMPER FI means. Leadership by example, Honor, Courage and Committment are NOT just words. They are what separate Marines from everyone else on the battle field and in life.

[@10th03Snake]

This is Drill Instructor Staff Seargant Nicholes. I a recruit in San Diego when he was a third hat. Man he was crazy then but a damn good drill instructor. Semper Fi Staff Seargant. Former Marine Sgt. Noah

[@9erFilmz]

I remember this guy. He was with C co. He was a Senior D.I. when I was a new hat. Him along with another D.I. named Sgt. Thompson were the 2 hats from C co. I looked up to because of there intensity. very professional.

[@Barchenhund]

I was Army 50 years ago. You never forget your Drill Instructors/Sargents names.

[@para0677able]

You are an amazing brother. Wish there was more hard core people like you. God bless you and your endeavours. Wow!

[@MrBigO420]

Keep up the good work Sir...not too many will do what you did for this particular gentlemen..and God Bless America and her MARINES

[@asianwannabeamerican]

It's kinda hard to imagine this same nice-sounding guy chewing out recruits and all that. That's why you can never talk crap about Marines. Very professional people, in and out of uniform.

[@brandonnodine6934]

Wow! That is so awesome, God bless the both of you, I pray it all turned out great for the both of you!

[@marine921402]

one of the BEST D.Is ever I was not a recruit of his but had the pleasure of serving with him

[@tamapalagi]

San Diego plt 2007 Ssgt Egelhoff,Sgt Matthews,Sgt Rodgers,Sgt Reeves. Sept 85. They are still bouncing around my head. I will never forget them.

[@Photog422]

Nowadays, recruiters wouldn't even consider someone with that kind of record much less make it through MEPS. Different times.

[@JinKazama92]

this inspires me to join the marines!. it looks like the marines have more discipline than the army

[@akthemoor]

your a good man for helping this individual

[@Getsomefit123]

I would have given my life if someone would have given me this chance

[@dsmrunner]

A lot of times, kids join gangs for a sense of belonging and/or brotherhood, while at the same time getting a chance to prove themselves as better than, respected or feared by (in their eyes) others they may have grown up around. The military can provide a positive atmosphere with the same time of brotherhood while having a sense of accomplishment. While never a part of a gang, I did a lot of stupid things trying to fit in before joining the corps.

[@MIKEL0352]

To continue, later in life I became a Police Officer and instead of arresting troubled youth, I would take them to the recruiting station for the Marines and told them my story. I still remember the day I graduated boot camp....My grandfather, a retired Marine of 30 years was there. When we walked off the parade deck after we were dismissed, my mother said that was the first time in her life she saw her father cry. God bless the Marines! I have three boys of my own who are ready to join the Corp

[@quangngo4083]

MIKEL0352 great story brother! The marine Corp did the same thing for me.

[@salinster]

I had a friend who was almost sent to prison. But they judge gave him a option. 2 years in prison or 4 years Marine Corps? He chose the 4 years and said it was the best decision he's ever made.

[@evan4672003]

That was a really positive Drill Instructor.

[@Newsblaze]

They are all great. This was a story about a life turned around - his brother marines didn't give up on him. When others still couldn't believe in him, his SDI stepped in again to help. A complex issue that tells something about human nature and society. Not all stories turn out well. People who do well and don't have a black mark against them can move forward without being disqualified, and their stories are just as good and important as this one. If you have one of those, please tell it.

[@yolomysolo3019]

That myspace plug in the description hit a little different.

[@vietmostwanted]

yo this is a good video man.... this DI reminds me like my SDI keep da good job bro!!!

[@bdehalfdead5510]

If I was offered this when I was young my life would been so much different. Once I was arrested at 18 the marines turned me down vehemently.

[@beantown28]

Excellent story.

[@AlamoPatriot]

SSgt. Nichols is every thing thats good about the Corps.

[@kwisatzhaderach1458]

It's funny to see how the standards flip flop depending on the recruitment demands and the person. I knew a kid who got a DUI and his dreams were shattered when they told him he couldn't be accepted. We also now know that there has been a surge of various types of gangs that have recently been uncovered in the military.

[@dodofrog2]

He looks like John Cena

[@teleman07]

Military is amazing for the unfortunate. They can live, get education, have a career in anything just by joining as soon as they come of age. And in war. They have the power of 10 conscripts of any enemy army making use of mandatory conscription.

[@USMCPerez89]

it was a different time, over 5 years ago, things changed, a lot has changed

[@landrpj]

Great Inspiration!

[@coreysworld433]

How does one make it through meps with that record

[@adamcorbitt2132]

Giving the year this video was posted (2008) they didn’t care they needed bodies for the war and there’s no draft gotta do what you gotta do

[@chaosmanor8743]

He lied. Literally everyone I know including myself, all were told not to tell meps anything that could disqualify us. We were told this by current enlisted, prior service, and recruiters. “Meps doesn’t know what you don’t let them know” granted there’s other factors though.

[@purplebirdm1258]

lol dude really

[@ericb5666]

@@chaosmanor8743 he didn’t lie, he got waivers and probably some assistance from the court system. The judge gave him an ultimatum.

[@chaosmanor8743]

@@ericb5666 That's what I meant by other factors.

[@AManNamedHawk]

I knew who this was even before I started the video. Now THAT’S presence.

[@pa791taylor24]

Outstanding. Congratulations on turning your life around.

[@blissfelix]

This man is a hero to me, simply amazing.

[@smallw33n]

Staff Sergeant Nichols is the man!

[@TheEagerMcBeaver]

Woah, Staff Sergeant Nichols with hair! Awsome....

[@jdhstyles]

@cfig24 This is why I had to apologize to you. This is good. The guy said something about not giving up on people. This is what they do in the civilian world so you have something great. You truly are blessed.

[@darylhopkins9796]

This is very motivational. Well done Marine. Semper Fi.

[@vanessalang2018]

This is awesome.

[@limelight2007]

He said at the beginning that a JUDGE gave him a choice between the sentences: Jail or MC

[@Paulo_AMG]

Semper Fi... Great actions taken by the DI... Best of the luck...

[@brown0777]

Good job bro! Stay humble. The military does great things for ppl. Hope you make it big! Much thanks to your DI

[@RichardGarcia-fp7fi]

I barely made it through MEPS with a prior surgery that was literally 2 cuts on my elbow from a baseball injury..... got accepted into the US ARMY and won soldier of the quarter in FT. Sill....

[@stinkymccheese8010]

Excellent example of the intangible benefits of joining the military.

[@asianwannabeamerican]

people actually dislike the fact that somebody turned their life around for the better? wow...

[@tonyschram1260]

The one common thread in the video and all the comments is the positive results of pride discipline and a sense of belonging to a brotherhood. SEMPER FI 🇺🇸

[@paleamigo8575]

Holy crap! How many marines can honestly say that they were "marine of the year"? Great story. It appears as if Chris redirected his energy from the "street life" to the U.S.M.C. In most cases, people who choose the street life do it based on the information that they have at the time of making that choice. It doesn't make them better or worse than anyone else. You can't possibly be expected to make a informed decision with "all" of the necessary information. Also, the people who are very successful at the street life may not be very book smart but tend to be highly intelligent. They have to be in order to survive. I wish more young men and women could have the opportunity that Chris had instead of filling jail cells. They need to bring this type of opportunity back with a vengeance.

[@Nicegirlfashiondiva]

God bless sgt. Nicholos

[@teamgh0ul]

bravo. ty ssgt nichols

[@kristenrhorer5754]

Ssgt Nichols ?

[@Rogue_Paramedic]

That's him

[@cellardoor199991]

+Kristen Trim Take your shirt off

[@vietmostwanted]

this is a good video pretty motivatin me.. almost brought tears to my eyes one day imma be marine and help ppl feel motivate them when they feel down...

[@casualguy3938]

It's been 10 years. What has happened since your post?

[@Newsblaze]

Sure - and he doesn't forget. He lifts up anyone who needs it. He is always promoting other people, Marines especially. He has a gift and skills and contacts, but I didn't see him big noting himself to the detriment of others, he put others first. Thanks for commenting.

[@GeorgeJansen]

SSG Nichols

[@Rarez2]

wow amazing story

[@jimb024]

Is he one of the drill instructors from Ears Open Eyeballs Click? I watched that like 1000 times before I went to Boot Camp.

[@Newsblaze]

Hi Chris, Congratulations on everything. Any time you need to get a story out, NewsBlaze is here for you. You are an inspiration to many. Alan.

[@bleachbottle]

This. DI was absolutely awesome.

[@AndJusticeForMe]

This DI was in Ears Open, Eyeballs Click. A great movie/documentary.

[@Newsblaze]

yes

[@LeighDZ87]

You can barely get in with a misdemeanor now a days. Kid had felonies and a murder charge, was still able to join.

[@moiseslerma]

thank u sir!!! SEMPER FIII

[@asianwannabeamerican]

MCRD San Diego Cadence Run & Drilling and Chow Hall are two videos that have this same drill instructor.

[@davidjohnston2787]

awesome keep up the good work

[@centerearth]

Thank you Marines for the Incredible journey you take!!! My son just began today @ Parris Island. Yes there are a lot of %itches on youtube!!

[@nunyabsnss6885]

Thank you sir

[@emm28bee]

Great story.

[@picure]

Wow~ Very inspirational.

[@XxgoetfacexX]

I can agree to that.

[@USBOWEN]

I haven't done any drugs or get in to trouble but the Corps won't let me join because I'm 29 yrs. This doesn't make much sence to me God bless SSgt. for helping this young men.

[@mmafan1775]

Is this the DI from the movie "ears open, eyeballs click"? looks like him.

[@towdjumper5]

Great stuff.

[@kutie1018]

Semper Fi... You both are Bad Ass!

[@pbrucpaul]

Good lord! How many times have I said it. This is exactly what these kids NEED! When the Marines back you into a corner, you just Try to come back spittin and kickin'. I remember one DI saying " hey man I got all Day!" LOL.

[@emm28bee]

Good for you young man.

[@jamesgabor4047]

Semper Fi 💪

[@dmr868]

@cfig24 : I hope they do make your life a movie. I think it would make a great movie. Congratulations for seeing your value like your drill sergeants did.

[@MondoBeno]

This video doesn't show all the soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors who wash out because they can't take orders or they get into fights. Offering someone military service instead of prison time is great. But that doesn't mean they'll successfully complete training. It's a problem when the military needs huge numbers of troops.

[@bowlofarthritus]

thats fucked upCant land a job because of his criminal background. I know its a policy in most major companies, but he became a Marine AFTER his shady days, and even won the award of Marine of the year.... sorry to you US soldiers who sworn to protect the US. War Vets or not, THATS the thanks you get. And its unfair

[@stevedolan5065]

Wonderful story ooh Rah (USMC 1966-70)

[@Lucid925]

Attempted murder is a serious charge to get dumped into the marine corps. However, I am not against giving opportunities to those with criminal records. When they are in prison, they are useless to us, and using our tax dollars. On top of that, the US has one of the worst judicial systems in the western world. We focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation. And those stuck in it, get caught in the loop. If you are caught once, you are screwed for life, you will pay dearly and likely never fully recover, so it is nice to be able to give opportunities to those who just need a little guidance in life.

[@vietmostwanted]

gotta thank da judge n DI's with out them u wouldnt be here today, and there wouldnt be an insperational story to motivate others god bless

[@AmericanWarrior1776]

I thought they didn't allow people to choose the military over jail anymore....

[@williewind2863]

Ooh rah Ssgt Nichols. Semper Fi

[@Newsblaze]

Good man!

[@DBDrummer77]

i like this drill instructor. his videos are good.

[@studpuppy69]

Awesome story. I'm always bewildered when a person on the street can't join because of a criminal record, but a gang banger with felonies, drug dealing and attempted murder can join. How does that work?

[@HeartBreakJ13]

Thank you for bringing me hear KZbin. I get it. Don’t give up people too soon... but I’m still leaving my girlfriend.