Parris Island Recruit Training Commanders fired from their positions

[@bendavis8056]

Kid died in my platoon during my cycle at Parris. Wasn’t the smartest but he could PT. A bunch of us got sick with pneumonia early on and really didn’t recover throughout. Hit him really hard especially. He got slower and weaker as time went on. Drill instructors destroyed this kid every chance they got. Practically lived on the quarter deck and in the sand pit. Night before our hump back for warriors breakfast upon completion of the crucible. We were all sleeping in the field. Drill instructors woke us up but he didn’t. He was half way out of his bag like he tried crawling out. Drill instructors quickly starting yelling his name and went into kill mode. Then realized he was cold and stiff. Entire battalion was made to face the tree line while he was removed. Was a quiet hump back. Didn’t get warriors breakfast. Instead NCIS came and interviewed our drill hat and the kill hats. We were told we’d all be told the finds after we got to our units. Nothing. Kid got a short blurb during graduation. First death amongst many during those next few years over in that shit hole called Iraq.

[@av8ionUSMC]

Very sad story. Drill instructors get so fixated on their jobs that they frequently lose all feeling or connection to the fact something could be seriously wrong with someone. Having been a Marine, boot camp in the late 90's, I can picture what you described vividly.

[@Hackspear214]

When did this happen? Platoon #?

[@bendavis8056]

November 2004 plt 2105. 2nd battalion.

[@bendavis8056]

@@Hackspear214 November 2004 2105

[@rosahrod]

😢 I shed a tear to this. My son is a Marine and even though you guys are trained to be rough and tough you are still mommas babies❤️

[@peteyspaletas2023]

"If you have a son in boot camp in the Navy or Air Force,write to them. If you have a son in marine corps boot camp,pray for them".- Walter Winchell.

[@thomasryan2679]

Sometimes you should shut up instead of quoting others.

[@thefobiddenbookshelf7560]

Write and pray too.

[@waski672]

Love the history of this. It stands true even today. I went thru boot camp. I was single no girlfriend so I didn’t receive nothing but one letter from a friend back home. He was a bit older than me and was an army vet. On my birthday he sent me a letter w HBD on it and FTN written many times on the envelope. It was a great joke but the letter inside was very much appreciated. There were even some newspaper clippings.

[@zoy13]

Wisdom words

[@Greatboogersandwich]

What about the army? The Air Force bootcamp is chill.

[@ericschlebus6488]

My son, who is now a Corporal, went through this period. He said it was crazy how many guys got real sick and a few almost died from the heat.

[@DrJeffreyMSeder]

The jabs

[@lpg12338]

@@DrJeffreyMSeder Exactly! Many people, young and old have collapsed while performing physical activities, (sudden death syndrome). Heck, they are now recommending EKGs for kids in school. The news mainly reports the high profile cases, you rarely hear about “Mike the plumber” or “Jason the school kid”. The interesting part is, if you know anyone who works with actuary tables and life insurance, see what they have to say about premiums going up. Also, check Service Corporation International (SCI), a buddy of mine has purchased many many shares before Covid got hot and heavy, he is now doing very well, death is BIG business. If you want physical proof as in “medical trials”, then good luck, those type of things will never make their way to the public’s eye. (IF) you received the vaccine then I hope I never hear or read about you, many people took the shot under false pretenses. I am not vaccinated and had Covid (3) times and it sucked for about (5) days each time, but it went away, it was like a bad flue case. As always, each to their own. Stay safe.

[@TheWorldsOkayestUSMarine]

It's not summer camp or boy scouts, I think many people tend to forget that. You're training to kill other human beings who are actively trying to kill you. War does not stop because it is hot or cold, rainy or dry.

[@alexanderwalle3568]

I couldn't actually think of what it is like down there during the summer--I would highly recommend no one go during that time--it has to be the worst; I went during the winter (not thinking of or planning for the weather one bit) and it was rough; "cold" doesn't cover how cold it is, but just like the heat wherever you live, North Carolina can also royally suck. On base at Lejeune, people would fall-out on humps or they would have to stop training altogether--it happened anyway that people would fall-out if we were coming back from some LZ out in the bush. And if it was exceptionally hot out there too, someone was probably going to take a dive despite their efforts not to--because it's hot everywhere you go, really, the same as it's cold during the winter no matter where you are. The weather gets everyone.

[@Ishootback239]

It’s not hard being in the heat… Maybe kids need to spend more time outside instead of indoors all day 😂😂😂

[@robertrobert7924]

When I was a recruit at Ft. Bragg, NC in 1968, I watched another recruit die and turn blue. It was obvious to me that he had an unknown heart condition that made him unfit for the rigors of recruit training. This happens today with young athletes who have undiagnosed health conditions. It is not the fault of Commanders. They are being used as scapegoats.

[@dutchray8880]

My thoughts exactly. I did basic at Dix in 1971. Nobody died but I knew I never wanted to be a drill sergeant because they have to straddle a thin line between tough and crazy. Sudden cardiac death is rare, but it even occurs in professional athletes. It doesn't take much to ruin a career in the military.

[@johngayder9249]

I’m wondering what role any recent mandatory injections may have played.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Then there's an issue with the MEPS physical/medical exam... they should pay more attention to a candidates HEART as opposed to their hemorrhoids

[@timfronimos459]

@@johngayder9249 Absolutely. I know of 7 people in their 30s that have died recently. All had cardio related (so caled vaccine) deaths.

[@dutchray8880]

@@johngayder9249 There's always been mandatory injections. Of course, you're talking about covid. Which conspiracy do you endorse? There's a huge buffet to chose from.

[@darktoadone5068]

I went to Boot in 81 and all my DI's were nam vets and they pushed water on us like crazy because they knew being in the jungle you had to stay hydrated and they would tell us stories of what it was like for them and they didn't want to see us go through the same.

[@richardmorris6365]

We also had those salt tablets in 75,don't know if they're used anymore. War is hell,so is the preparation for it. Oooh Rahhh

[@michaelallen1154]

If you went to recruit training in '81 and they told you that they were 'nam vets they were full of shit.

[@joeblow1688]

Yes, those DI's took their responsibility seriously.

[@DavidFrehlini-y1y]

@@richardmorris6365. USMC 64--68. Parris Island. I don't remember the salt pills in Boot Camp. But we did have them in Vietnam, 65--66. Semper Fi. God Bless.

[@JuanAppleseed-ge6tb]

I went to Basic in '09 right around the Surge. We had "hydration formations" at least once every hour or two. It was OSUT for Scout School, so the training was legitimately brutal. I remember the distinct sensation of sweating the water out as fast as I could drink it.

[@LA_Commander]

If you have never been a commanding officer of a unit or skipper of a ship, you may not know how it's like to be in their shoes. But whenever anything goes wrong, anything, even if it isn't your fault, it's ALWAYS your fault. Sometimes, a commander is relieved because he is the "fall guy". I'm not saying that is what happened here, but I have seen it before, many times.

[@RobertL.JonesJr-hz8vl]

Heck while with the 5th Marines at Camp Margareta our Regt. CO died of an Heart Attack on a force march in 1977 of 5 miles. He was a marathon runner who not two weeks before completed the Marine Corps Marathon in DC.

[@LA_Commander]

@@RobertL.JonesJr-hz8vl Just 5 miles? That's a very short march. Something doesn't sound right. He must have had some other medical issues that weren't known about or something.

[@RobertL.JonesJr-hz8vl]

@@LA_Commander Its possible but our march was to combat town which was only 5 miles away from 33 area Margarita on MCB Camp Pendleton behind the airfield.

[@Marvin-r9h]

I, went in in 79, when Iran had are hostages. We began boot camp with 75 recruits in 2wks. we had 45. The corps weeds out the weak in mind in body it's tragic but that's why we're the few the proud

[@alsson3137]

12/79 plt 1003 here @@Marvin-r9h

[@tonyalways7174]

In British commando training every endurance test has compulsory water stops after every hour of training or testing and it reduced heat injuries significantly.

[@Rob89139]

I agree, losing 5 recruits in 2 years is to many, however, sending 13 to the abby gate in Afghanistan after telling the sniper who had the bomber in his sights to stand down? Not sure how that warrants a promotion yet that's what happened

[@garryhinesmon5629]

My condolences to the families 🙏. I went to Army boot camp in 1982, and Marine boot camp in 1987. Served in Korea, Okinawa and Iraq. I feel special because I'm still living. Be all you can be. Semper Fi 🇺🇸

[@BeADad2447]

I was in Marine bootcamp in October 87! Was in Okinawa. Mechanic on KC-130 SQUADRON. When young men train hard, these things happen.

[@warrenrayledbetter9957]

Wow, two boot camps! Thank you for your service!

[@garryhinesmon5629]

THANK YOU@@warrenrayledbetter9957

[@alphamale1717]

Thank you OSVET.

[@kyle47922]

Thank you brother I served in the Army from 2001-2013 Engineer/Airborne. Deployments included Kuwait 2013, Iraq 2006 to 2007,Afghanistan 2009-2010, Afghanistan 2012.

[@bloodyspartan300]

There is a great deal of talk about loyalty from the bottom to the top. Loyalty from the top down is even more necessary and much less prevalent. One of the most frequently noted characteristics of great men who have remained great is loyalty to their subordinates. -George S. Patton

[@3dogsrus]

Don’t go into the Marine Corps expecting the same treatment you would get in a kids summer camp. Number one thing you learn is “YES SIR’’ and never ever think about quitting. Your fireteam, your squad and your platoon are depending on you to keep them alive. Never ever quit!

[@morbid1]

You shouldn't quit regardless of your branch but you should not have to f##king die to prove how tough you are. There is a limit even in boot camp/basic training.

[@3dogsrus]

I’m not sure what you are referring too?@@atticusfinch3931

[@atticusfinch3931]

@@3dogsrus my bad sorry about that

[@jonmolina948]

It’s more than that. You can’t just expect to tough it out like a stupid person. Get yourself situated properly before you even join. Get in the pool, get used to swimming. Take your time in the delayed entry program and use it to get in shape and learn drill.

[@joecanedo5897]

To me basic training Army ,or boot camp is the uniform is different. Sp/ 4 1966-68 we all served USA

[@riverthur]

I’m always on the fence when something like this happens. DIs sometimes can’t tell if the recruits are faking their condition or they really can’t continue. Having multiple corpsman onsite will definitely help to monitor and advise. Other options will be just to have them drop back to last phase, then recruit can decide if they want to move forward or need more time to gather themselves together. Regardless, my condolences and good luck to all future recruits and to the Corps. Semper

[@robertshipley6990]

You say faking. Interesting. Then why are drill instructors inadequately trained recognizing symptoms of heatstroke?

[@hpa2005]

I second that

[@taoliu3949]

​@@robertshipley6990The problem is that sometimes you have up to 100+ recruits with 3~5 DIs overseeing then. When you have those sorts of recruit/instructor ratio, people get missed especially during the crucible which is essentially a FEX and you're constantly on the move. Recruits wandering off on his own in the woods is very possible. Also, many recruits at this stage have pretty much been conditioned to fight through whatever discomfort they may have. Recruits ignoring/hiding their own injuries is also very common because they don't want to get held back. Not to mention the crucible is the culminating event, once it's over it's over. Recruits will do literally anything to make it through because they're so close to the finish line.

[@mothmanmothman4909]

99 percent are faking from night 1. I got dropped I'm receiving because of hearing. They thought I alongside with a dozen other, were faking. I wasn't at all. My recruiter being a recruiter managed to get me there after failing MEPs once. They others finally admitted to faking and went on. One other guy lied his butt off and was perfect at when to push the button and when not to. I was literally seconds away from being kicked out before I got my waiver. But while in MRP and RSP, I saw some perfectly capable recruits lie their butt's off about whatever their ailment was. Maybe 10 percent actually were legit. What's crazy is they'd go to way worse extremes to get out than to just graduate

[@irockz281982]

It's very unfortunate that those recruits passed away. The question is, were they hiding a medical condition and didn't say something before joining? When I went through Marine boot camp in 2001, 911 happened during training. The training got even more intense.

[@ALLHOCKEY89]

Ooh RAH

[@speedsoft_pikachu882]

his recruiter told him to lie about it. the marines are fucked.

[@TeufelHunden-cq6mq]

I remember that like yesterday leaving the island on the 14th

[@cbm2156]

Some of these recruits should not have been marines anyway. The standards are so low now, that they are getting people who can not take the training.

[@williamsmith8790]

@@cbm2156Fraudulent enlistments have been around since 1775. And unfortunately recruits have been dying at the Depots since before Jack Webb ever put on a Smoky.

[@dennismccallister1546]

And yet no one has been disciplined over the thirteen dead troops in the catastrophic evacuation from Afghanistan.😊

[@timo4040]

I was gonna reference the gd thing! Not one ever resigned his/her commission either whether they were directly responsible or just out respect. That showed me the true character of leadership we have in the ranks. They all looking out after their post retirement pensions and consulting work pay checks. Thank you for not forgetting those 13 service members(11 Marines) that were negligently murdered

[@littlebob1261]

How about Bush getting us into Iraq for nothing and we lose thousands? Where is your Fing outrage there you tool

[@mr.knowitall6902]

It’s extremely sad that anyone loses their life while trying to serve their country. But just remember the Marines have the toughest longest and most strenuous training out of any branch in the history of the military . I think civilians need to look themselves in the mirror, and not to lie to themselves . If you’ve never done anything remotely physical in your life or you come in fat or how does shape what do you think it’s gonna happen and that Carolina heat been there done that it is extreme .

[@PlutoTheGod]

Yeah but they’re there to LEARN. It’s not their fault if someone with a random medical condition drops dead but you can’t be losing recruits who wandered off and became delirious or due to training accidents. At another base they accidentally shot one of the recruits during a live fire training like what the fuck? They have a hard enough time recruiting, be a little bit more responsible with your trainees who will quite literally push themselves to death if you allow it.

[@speedsoft_pikachu882]

alos hazing is still an issue

[@DutchG]

Because the kids are weak they should know what they get to some kids call there parents and soy are treating bad which is bullshit because they can't make it my is one of the best of the best my opinion

[@speedsoft_pikachu882]

@@DutchG those DIs are not allowed to lay a hand on those recruits you are part of the problem. hazing is hazing period. end of discussion. marine are fucked

[@Hackspear214]

@@speedsoft_pikachu882 Hazing, or a limited form of it is what boot camp was about. It is ‘controlled’ hazing.

[@alphabravo8703]

Three recruits died on Parris Island when I was stationed at Weapons Training Battalion. One from heat stroke and two tried to sneak off at low tide. They both got mired in the mud, got stuck, then drowned when the tide came back in.

[@timo4040]

Back in those swamps there are meat eating gators. The mud musta saved them from becoming a meal. Everyone knows you can’t escape of that island.

[@joejoyce5966]

​@@jmit3491he didn't escape. They just send a couple of MP to MOMMIES to pick him up and take him to jail .Charged with desertion. You wouldn't want to go through life with that over your head.

[@thodan467]

Why did his superior not recognice heat stroke and acted accordingly

[@grimora-dg3vq]

The day I graduated as we were leaving PISC they pulled a half of a recruit from the swamps. The other half was gator chow. That place ain't no joke!

[@MarcelinoCano-f7f]

The recruit training leadership to be removed from the drill field can severely hurt their careers in the Marine Corps. I'm a Marine veteran, during my recruit training i've never heard this type of removal. If these Commanders engaged in criminal activities, they may have to stand tall in articles of the UCMJ. Maybe we'll find out the outcome of this shocking story. To all Marines based around the world, take care of one another. You are the protectors of the defenseless, come home soon. God bless you all!

[@njaneardude]

You can bet the Colonel is going to push pencils at the Pentagon until forced retirement.

[@rcstl8815]

@@njaneardude He's probably already signed his corps provided resignation. He won't be going to the Pentagon.

[@OzFrog48Z]

When a young man in his physical prime passes away under those circumstances There was probably some underlying medical issue that went undetected. Someone has to be held responsible, so it's the drill instructor, the low man in the chain.

[@GetSome76]

These recruits are entrusted to my care! I can say this because I was a drill instructor on Parris Island once upon a time...

[@cba4389]

Did you require your recruits to get a certain vax? Did you create your account just to post this one comment or are you a bot account? Please share fake DI.

[@rosahrod]

Thank you for your service.

[@JOSED-tg9ku]

IF THOSE YOUNG LIBERALS ARE ON DRUGS ??? NOT MUCH A DI CAN DO..

[@njaneardude]

Rah! Former 1st Alpha PI hat here. Seems like a lifetime ago 😂

[@MrOcto13]

Tough to show empathy without humility as a DI. I could only imagine a recruit dying under their supervision. Not being no fault of the training regiment.

[@mofo7689]

I completed boot camp Nov 1983 in San Diego. Regardless of location, training standards don't change. I was thoroughly prepared for boot camp, having hiked the mountains to endure 1500 ft elevation and periods of 110 desert heat. It is never the recruit's fault. The trainers are fully to blame. In 30 yrs of service, I also wore the campaign cover. The recruits will only do what they are told; as a means to ensure safety. Most don't drink enough water or cut safety corners to lessen the training severity. Some platoons have 4 instructors, while others have 2 or 3. Now retired and with a family, I often laugh at their irritation of me knowing exactly what they are doing from being aware of their actions and knowing their thought process.

[@gilb5210]

I completed boot camp in Aug 1983.

[@rockyrocamontes8972]

I agree with your assessment. I can't believe they're still having problem with heat casualties. I graduated from MCRD San Diego in October of 79, with India Company, Platoon 3071 3rd Battalion. I know even back then our DIs made sure to adhere to the heat warnings and keep us hydrated.

[@billrahn8723]

@@rockyrocamontes8972 MCRD San Diego Platoon 1058 graduated 3, October 1979. Semper Fi !

[@cba4389]

If you went through before the newly required vax, your experience doesn't count. You're just advertising your stupidity by comparing before the vax to after. Athletes and young people are having increasing problems of recent too so your experience decades ago isn't relevant today. Maybe think a little before you open your mouth next time.

[@AngryMarine-il6ej]

I graduated from Parris Island December 1983. I got there in late September when it is still very hot as the humidity can make things seem very hellish. They first thing the D.I.'s stressed when we got there was to stay hydrated. As soon as they issued our 782 gear, everywhere we marched we had a war belt with 2 canteens until things started to cool down in November. Ironic thing is my MOS school was at 29 Palms, so I had to look forward to getting baked again.

[@oldwarriorlife]

VERY UNFORTUNATE LOSS OF LIVES. PRAY FOR THE FAMILIES BUT THE MISSION DOESN'T CHANGE. OUR COUNTRY DEPENDS ON IT! SEMPER FIDELIS!

[@tripodcatz5532]

A Marine officer is responsible for the Marines under his command, whether in combat or in peacetime.

[@hestergreen2031]

Extremely sad when things go unexpectedly wrong for a recruit. Or, any of the Marines soldiers. I knew a family whose son went into the Marine Corps. He enlisted with them straight from high school. When his enlistment ended and he returned to his family. Things were so bad for him while there that he became an alcoholic. Once out, he joined AA. What is going on with him now, is unknown, I’ve lost track of his family. Bottom line, is simple, “ IF YOU can’t stand the heat, DON’T walk into the kitchen.”

[@Jumperman1]

Marines are not soldiers…

[@grimora-dg3vq]

I dropped out of school at 15, signed up at 16 and turned 17 the day I was assigned to 2nd Battalion D company. 61 now, long been done and never had any of those issues! You chose your own choices.

[@michaelparrish5999]

I graduated boot camp in 1968 from MCRD San Diego. Training was tough brutal at times but compared to actual combat it was joke . What I thought was tough was nothing in comparison to combat tour with 9 th Marines in Vietnam. If you can’t hack it in boot camp you won’t last 5 min in combat.

[@grimora-dg3vq]

Exactly!

[@charleswestern4520]

You guys should probably run your scripts past a Marine. It would be less embarrassing for you. And don’t use an army officer to explain the USMC. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

[@billrahn8723]

I noticed that too. They interviewed a long haired Army dog. That’s MSM for you.

[@BushidoDevilDog]

Scrolled through the comments to see if a fellow Devil Dog was gonna point this out...

[@familyman3573]

"There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion." - Gen. William Thornson, US Army

[@AniwayasSong]

As a USMC Veteran who attended Boot at P.I., I 100% agree with you!

[@FP194]

So you think the drills or officers were going to speak out about what happened and jeopardize their careers You don’t know how the real world works

[@vandamn1164]

Listen guys, what my senior DI told us that if someone trying to get you do something that could possibly injure or even endanger your life, stand your ground and get the help you need. Yes it take guts, but at the end of the day you may just saved your life. You may be dropped but your family and friends rather come back alive. Stay safe!

[@The_SemperFiGuy]

I'm a 1967 graduate from the 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Platoon 1032. When we went in, we went in with our eyes open. No expectation of being coddled. Watching this story and listening to the individual speak towards the end makes me fear that the USMC may be moving to the "Woke Side". If that 's the case, then this Nation is in deep trouble. It's very sad to learn that some Recruits died, but that is an unintended consequence of becoming the best of the best. God Bless those recruits, and equally as important, God Bless the United States Marine Corps. Don't change it, embrace the suck !

[@rossbabcock3790]

I'm a 1977 grad from SD. You hit the nail on the head. Us old heads have to keep the faith. Semper Fi!

[@The_SemperFiGuy]

Hoorah Devil Dog !!!

[@itchitrigger1]

I'm 1979, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Platoon 1014.

[@The_SemperFiGuy]

I was at Parris Island in 2018 for my Grandson's graduation. 4 generation in the USMC. Anyway, all of the wooden barracks in 1st Battalion now look like the 3rd Battalion barracks from back then. All brick. There is one wooden building left. I don't know if they did that to preserve a bit of nostalgia, but it did bring back memories. In any event, thanks for your service and a hearty Hoorah Devildog !

[@Hackspear214]

*woke*, I get so tired of people complaining about something made up that they don’t understand.

[@joeyoung2914]

I went through boot camp in 1977 pn PI. The drill instructors were hard on us but very watchful of our health. Even during the 3rd battalion rose garden drills.

[@YellowCab524]

"Marines die, that’s what we’re here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means you live forever." Gunnery Sgt Hartman Full Metal Jacket,1987

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Yeah...but not in basic training.

[@MasterBlasterSr]

@@ericsierra-franco7802 happens all the time.

[@manuelmateo3601]

Staff Sargent Hartman was an actor and not infantry in Vietnam. A myth and A reality.

[@YellowCab524]

@@manuelmateo3601 Gunnery Sergeant Hartman was portrayed by Robert Lee Ermey. Ermey enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1961 at age 17 and went through recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in San Diego, California.[5] He served in the aviation support field for a few years before becoming a drill instructor in India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, where he was assigned from 1965 to 1967.[9] Ermey then served in Marine Wing Support Group 17 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa, Japan.[5] In 1968, he was ordered to South Vietnam with MWSG-17, and spent 14 months in-country. The remainder of his service was on Okinawa, where he was advanced to Staff Sergeant (E-6). He was medically retired in 1972 because of several injuries.[10] On May 17, 2002, he received an honorary promotion to Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) by Commandant of the Marine Corps General James L. Jones.

[@susannebrunberg4174]

​@@manuelmateo3601Late this one. But wasn't Hartman a drillinstructor, he wasn't an actor? But still, no one should die in bootcamp, something isn't right. People die in wars but in basic training, must be something else here. Anyway it's very sad that this happened.

[@thomasm8872]

Sometimes Marines die in training. It happens. But we are the Marines. We were trained to be as tough as possible. Not every condition can be attended to. I hope this never changes or we will weaken. My condolences to the families and, understood, it could have just been Afghanistan where 11 Marines were just tossed away before even using that tough training through incompetent leadership. The Marines can not change and there will be losses at every stage of service but that is why we are Marines. Thank God for the Marines. Say a prayer for the fallen.

[@theneurologist1]

Goddamn right! 💪🏻🇺🇲

[@kcdiazWTV]

But you're a not a Marine a yet when you're still in bootcamp. You can't be a Marine if you die before you become one.

[@thodan467]

you still used a musket

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

When multiple people die in the span of a couple years .... there's a problem. To say otherwise is pure ignorance.

[@willisswenson3843]

As a US Marine, 1969, boot camp is to weed out the weak. Physically and mentally. We had eighty recruits in my platoon. Ten washed out for mental reasons, they couldn’t take the pressure. Five were dropped back for physical reasons. That’s a nineteen percent failure rate. The platoon commander explained it this way. A US Marine cannot be weak, not physically, and especially not mentally. If you can’t take the pressure in boot camp? How the hell are you going to do it in combat? A Marine owes it to himself to be mentally and physically strong. To be unbeatable. But more than that? They owe that to their fellow Marines. Because their lives are in your hands. The US Marines are given the toughest, nastiest jobs for a reason, they can get the job done. There should be no wussies in the Corp. SEMPER Fi.

[@robbietucker9283]

We had a marine recruit in our series die on a run when I went to boot camp at Parris Island back in 1986. The command took it very seriously, including doing surveillance to time our runs to make sure they weren’t pushing us too hard. RIP to all fallen Marines and other service members. Semper Fi

[@HogRebel]

Idk about Marine boot camp, but at our USNR drill weekends if the temp was too hot outside it was a Black Flag condition. No running. If we did run that day, it was early in the morning before it got really hot. 🥵

[@robertbishop5357]

My son graduated from Paris Island and had no problem going through the crucible. I wonder if this kid actually listened to what the di's were telling him on how to be successful. These gen z kids don't understand personal responsibility. It's always someone else's fault.

[@cba4389]

Athletes falling out has become common over the last two years. Please share your expertise on recent vaxes before attacking a generation if you have any sense of personal responsibility.

[@rujackswing618]

Sorry for all the Effort & the Lost... But they Said He Died On Duty.. Not Hiding Like Some... We don't Know What Triggers Our Failure to Survive.. Sometimes it is Out of Our Hands.. I Came Back from Dying.. & If I Accuse my Entity / Invisible Force of Causing me any Pain.. I will soon Suffer... I am Not Allowed to bellyache, squawk or Jawjack About the Negative... He was at the End. A Few Days From becoming a Marine.. But He should Be Honored as a Full Diehard Jarhead.. He gave his Life to Be Front & Centered on the Quarter Deck.. Love Self, Protect Life, Cultivate Gifts, & Make Beautiful Memories. Peace..!!!

[@MrCyp200la]

The crucible was easy for me the only thing that sucked was the hike back to the parade deck.

[@bendavis8056]

There is some negligence on the part of command on the drill NCOs. Overlook the physical well being of the recruits they are training to be Marines. Some things combat leadership wouldn’t.

[@rujackswing618]

Few Month ago, We Lost a future Sealteam Member. He was ill.. He may have had pnue.. I don't Know.. But I'm sure Those around him Knew.. I Say.. There is No Such thing as a Sick Bay Commando... The Lazy Non Hackers are Always the Same.. He Made it to Hell Week.. You Have to be Boss on the Training Field to Make it that Far... The Training Officers / NCO s have to do the Hygiene/ Medical Inspections test for Fevers, Stability & Sustainability... We can't start Losing Our Warriors at the Finish Lines.. God Help You if you put in So Much Work & then Lose it All to a Bug.. Of Any Type.. Mrs. Custer of the 7th Calvary.. Hated Chiggers.. Such a Nasty Filthy Creature.. Peace..!! If a Recruit is Sick.. Get Medical EMT Assistance... Please.. Take Good Care of the Warriors Around You..

[@johnranallo424]

Stay tough Marine Corps. If anything, get tougher- NEVER GO WOKE!!! So sorry for the recruits that died. Parris Island Nov. '76. 0811 '76-'80 Sgt.

[@chuniquepaceno470]

Sorry to break the news, but the military has always been woke. They were the first federal "agency" to integrate the races (back in the 1940s), they allow women in combat roles and are now accepting of the LGBTQ community. We had racial-awareness training in the early '70s to assist us in understanding other perspectives (that was when I learned that the people who brought us 'Superfly' all thought white people dressed funny). It's our strength, as evidenced by the easy defeat of that very-UNWOKE Russian Army at the hands of the woke Ukrainian forces (which includes an LGBTQ battalion called 'the unicorns,' complete with arm patches of the fabled animal).

[@RobertDegott]

We're you with Bravo 1/10?

[@augurcybernaut4785]

You can shut all the way up.

[@Hackspear214]

*woke*, I get so tired of people complaining about something made up that they don’t understand.

[@eq1373]

​@@Hackspear214liberals made up the word

[@rockyrocamontes8972]

It's never a good thing when a recruit dies during training. Especially, when these heat related incidents can be avoided. There should be ice tubs available for heat stroke incidents. Having said that, we must consider these Marines are preparing for war, not a pie eating contest.

[@daveb.4268]

I don't know...thanks to that uniform, I got to eat a lot of "Pie".😉

[@robertshipley6990]

Marines don't kill their own in training, so as to live on the battlefield

[@rockyrocamontes8972]

It's important to acknowledge these types of incidents can be avoided. It's happened before on HS football fields and police academies. The answer is to recognize the individual is a heat casualty. Then submerge the person in an ice tub to cool the person down.

[@morbid1]

True but if you fu##ng die in training you won't ever get to the war.

[@rockyrocamontes8972]

@@morbid1 you make a good point. There should be a Corpsman on scene to take away responsibility from the DIs.

[@derrickewing99]

So sorry for the family’s loss my condolences I went to Boot Camp in 1979

[@johnj.flanagan-hymnsoffaith]

Having been through recruit training from June to Sept 1963, there was no crucible, but the training was still hard. Some of the drill instructors were too much with the slapping and punching in those days, but it was all to toughen us up, although most of us recruits were a hard scrabble group and up to taking it. After all, if we wanted an easier boot camp, why enlist in the Marines, why join the best? We had to prove to ourselves and the Corps that we could make the grade. Because Marines were disciplined and motivated, all the boot camp training and infantry training paid off in combat. I served in Nam 1967-68. But as for recruit training and these deaths recently. I think the leadership went overboard. Hope the learned something.

[@robertshipley6990]

First punk ass loudmouth Jarhead drill instructor that slaped me, he'd be picking his teeth up off the ground

[@Kbarstill]

They were prepping you for what was going to happen to you if you were captured. They were being nice compared to the real thing.

[@grandduke2145]

Dang Pops, you remember that far back? Lol

[@speedsoft_pikachu882]

hazing is hazing . so for you old timers who defend it you are the problem

[@Kbarstill]

@@speedsoft_pikachu882 HA ha ha !!! Bet you made a good buddy fu@$er and a rat !!! You were who blanket parties were made for !!!

[@JohnVelcofsky]

I went through Parris Island in '82. I credit my high school football coach for his brutal 'water discipline' training of very little water. I had no issues and was the Series high PFT.

[@maryannpurcell-lauer5449]

Stay strong Marines this is why you guys win Wars and we sleep at night don't let anyone alter how you do things. Marines died recruits die. I've spent all my kids into the military my youngest is is my most proudest. He is a marine through-and-through and I can thank Parris Island and the Marine rebuilding the man he is today. He got banged up. Is life was on the line a few times. And I'd let him do it all again not that I could let him. Some hear the call some don't weed them out that's all I can tell you. Be a little bit more stricter. Some just don't cut it and that's for the parents they should understand this. I am so sorry that this is happening. The Marines are a corporation of the people for the people to protect this country and its Constitution. Don't let anybody rearrange you guys know how to fight fight this to

[@sealifett8395]

Win wars?When last the us of gays win a war?

[@thinkingagain5966]

When's the last time America has won a war

[@ZeonicZaku1-Zeon_Grunt_Suit]

@@thinkingagain5966 Winning aside, when's the last time America didn't get involved in a war it shouldn't have? It's been so long that you can't say it's been within living memory.

[@elefecto4945]

Mary ann? What have you done for the marines?

[@Voots7]

"The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that approximately 2,000 people under the age of 25 die from sudden cardiac arrest in the U.S. each year. It is the leading cause of death in young athletes in the United States - resulting in 1 death in a high school student every 3 days, according to some experts." Risks are unfortunately inherent in ANY physical activity. Train Marines for war. Period. 2d RTB PISC Plt 2057 USMC 1984-2005 MSgt Retired

[@Buffeddust]

In the past, for various reasons and across all branches Commanders and Senior enlisted advisors have been relieved for deaths and misconduct within their ranks. Sometimes I wonder if those leaders should be held accountable being so far removed from the incident. What I do know is that if there is no change to the reg, policy, POI, etc. then the removals are meaningless. I don't believe the DIs should be micromanaged in the future, but the IG, better come up with something. Doesn't help recruiting much either.

[@scallen3841]

Exactly yet so many defend the Marines it's sad

[@MrJoycol]

I graduated from MCRD San Diego 9-11-81 I’m so sorry for those recruits that have passed. I only remember a recruit passed away during swim qualifying back then. That we were told…!!!

[@rafaelcalderon2027]

My condolences to those families. Losing a young man or woman at a young age is devastating. I believe that today’s young people have an erroneous view about military basic training; some think that training is like a video game or a movie. They have no clue on how the mind and body react to stress. Many are out of shape and expect to be babied. Some of the recruits are a weak example and a snap shot of diminishing concerns and values of today’s society. We get what we put in.

[@WarBrah]

The attrition rate in basic training across all branches has largely stayed the same for decades; roughly 12-15%. No “this generation” bullshit is evidence to the contrary.

[@jackrich2290]

Its the MARINES !Maybe its the recruits and the generation and the world they've grown up in ! Graduated from P.I. , Sept. 1981 , proud as hell still ! SEMPER FI !!!!!!!!!

[@kennethmcdonald5278]

Damned straight

[@markadkins9290]

SEMPER FI MY BROTHERS!!!

[@evankowalczyk439]

I went through that a little ago and the drill insturctors were really hard on us. But they always made sure everyone was drinking enough water and was never too hot.

[@jerryarensberg4269]

In 58' the first day of boot training we were told we were 'not human beings' and it went down from their. Made it tho Semper-Fi

[@HogRebel]

You mean like Gysgt Hartman, right. Subhuman pieces of amphibious 💩, correct? 🤔🤣👍 Yep. Navy CC’s said we were slimeballs at times too, LOL!

[@magatexan126]

The RTRC can only set expectations and standards for the Battalion, Company, and series commanders. He can't be omnipresent with 4 whole battalions with 100+ DIs and thousands of recruits to make sure the rules are being followed every second of every day. Yet, they're always the one hung out to dry.

[@KingWolf01-f8h]

The Training is tough, it's to make you the Toughest!

[@dennisplatte7506]

I noticed that the Marines graduating the past year or two didn't look as sharp or as in shape as Marines have looked in the past 15 years or so. That will get you relieved of command. And was the top guy a bit out of shape? Possibly not perfect role models.

[@A_10_PaAng_111]

The CO looked like he was a little coo coo.

[@mofo7689]

San Diego, Nov 1983, class of platoon 3089. Every one of us looked like we could eat nails at the end of training. Once the tormenting was done, we all went on to our specialties that required only a fraction of the required intensity. In a "thinking position", most of us returned the lost weight due to an "activity factor" not common across specialties; anybody working in city hall is not going to require the same fitness level of a firefighter or LEO.

[@teller1290]

It's all political correctness. They're shit canning anyone trying to hang onto the old Corps.

[@thodan467]

you need new glasses

[@dennisplatte7506]

Do you think Marines the past year or two look as lean and sharp as they have been the past 20 years? I sure don't. They look better than we did in 1969----but we only had 7 weeks af actual boot camp then. @@thodan467

[@marcusmcclain5433]

Unfortunately these young kids nowadays are not built like generations before. It's not just in the military, it's everyday work. It's very sad and unfortunate our society has gotten softer and softer. The Militarys job is to train for war, war isn't nice and sexy. Majority of the instructors have served in the most extreme conditions facing death on a daily basis. They know what war is about. In war there will not be an instructors screaming in your face, there will be enemies who are very well adapted to their environment trying to kill you.

[@hpa2005]

Agreed

[@thodan467]

that story was old before the spartans got their asses kicked and false

[@carlosacta8726]

Any young soldier's death is absolutely tragic. But there must be more to this story. What are these seasoned, veteran officials being charged with?

[@bucklejrjjbg8197]

I watched a video about the new army basic training. They were doing relay races and games. Being urged not to be to competitive. Wining platoon was first for chow, losing platoons had to do like 20push-ups. No yelling, no urgency, no stress, no muscle failure. Marine boot camp should follow suit. Making a better and stronger military. Not really of course. I was really hoping the Marines wouldnt change, but it looks as though the vice is being tightened. And when an example is made of a couple of people, everyone else tends to cave as well. What can you do? It's all bs, and i dont believe women are actually making it through ranger school. Maybe rangerette school, which isn't meant to be an insult, its just probably closer to the reality. Why are we so bent on inclusion? everything is not intended for just anyone and everyone. I was Army infantry, 30 years ago. Very disappointed by the new army basic training video, looked like a summer camp, the drill sgts like camp counsellors. I hope the Marines stay hard.

[@hellnah6466]

They don’t show how hard it is on video because they don’t want to deter people. It’s the same for Air Force basic training videos, it’s a lot worse in person.

[@unclecreepy4324]

USMC 1969 - 1976 Parris Island graduate we had a saying back then "Shit happens"

[@BartimasMaximus1]

If it was easy, everyone would do it. Semper Fi Marines, don't let them pussify the Marines too. Those who die in training, should not be pitied and treated like victims, they should be honored for even trying. Don't belittle their sacrifice. They obviously wanted to be there. So they died doing something they liked and wanted. That's more than most people get. Condolences to the family. My only question is...did this recruit get the jab? If so that would explain a lot. Oh, and nobody wanders off during training. They do sometimes sneak off to take unauthorized breaks. That coupled with the heat, vigorous physical training, an unknown medical condition, and the attitude that you are slick and smarter than the average bear. You end up with the perfect storm, that is mostly your fault. I bet where ever they found him, it was a pretty good hiding spot. I would also bet, that if you talked to his fellow recruits, this was not the first time he "wandered off." Had he not "wandered off" and simply stayed where he was supposed to be, then fell out in training, he would have been rescued and would be alive today. So now, I guess it's time to scapegoat and sacrifice someone, so let's get the old timers who are a thorn in the ass of our new found agenda of ruining the Marines one recruit at a time. God help us all, if these new generations are what we have to rely on to ever defend this country from a real threat. They'll be too busy arguing over which bathroom to use or what make-up goes best with camouflage. Well, we will probably never need the military anyway, because with the criminals in charge of our country right now, we will be conquered without an enemy ever having to fire a shot. Hope everyone can speak mandarin, or has sun block 10k spf. I guess it will be up to all of us old timers, vets and patriotic civilians to be ready to step up and defend the country again, when needed. All while the military becomes glorified fat camps and safe spaces for the weirdos, women in combat rolls, sjw's, and alphabet people, all paid for with our tax dollars, and the blood sweat and tears of all who sacrificed to keep our country safe, for the last 247 years. Great job America, glad to see you have your priorities straight. The whole damn program has become a goddamn joke that isn't funny. Our forefathers are probably rolling over in their graves, hell they are probably trying to dig themselves out of their graves right now, so they can straighten this shit out, seeing how we appear to be incapable of doing it ourselves.

[@deepthinker999]

Well Said & Crystal Clear.

[@carlworthy8847]

I served in the United States Marine Corps MCRD 1976 Unfortunately there was some recruits that lost their lives Drill instructors was hard and crazy But they was good at what they do. At that time I thought if we Baby a marine How would they Handle being in a war are a prisoner of war To me the harder the better This is not the boy scouts Some make it and some don't That's the chance you take when you sign up.

[@grimora-dg3vq]

100%. A weak military is no good to anyone!

[@Isoinfo]

I've gone to Parris Island in Jan 1978. It was a tough period for the Marine Corps. Only few years after the Vietnam war and the military was not popular at that time. The Drill Instructors were often unnecessarily abusive, recruits were hit , sometimes with sticks, and insulted continuously, on top of the non stop PT. I hated every minute of Boot camp, a specially knowing (I've spend few years practicing martial arts in a very tough school in NYC prior to enlisting) that I could've send each DI in to a hospital very quickly. Touching one would lead to an immediate dismissal. Almost all of us made it. Boot Camp made my life in the FMF and in the civilian life easy as result . It is an incredible program which unites people from various backgrounds and formulates them to march as one, in addition to be incredibly proud to be part of the Marine Corps family. In this regard the 13 weeks of discomfort and physical hardships was a small price to pay for what we have gained.

[@Woodyperckerhead-ni3ti]

78 -88 ❤

[@Dragging79]

That's cute. Everyone says they could beat up their DI. In reality, they'd stomp your ass. Those DI's probably went through shit you couldn't imagine and came out alive.

[@jasonnixon9952]

The Colonel was my SDI back boot in 1995. 3068 Mike Company

[@janed5077]

There is NO excuse for a Marine to die in training. As a former Army soldier in charge of soldiers myself. I can say this without exception. After the situation is investigated. The reason found and corrected. And if fault (be it negligence, corner cutting, lack of discipline, too much mocho gun ho bs, or what else) is found, especially at a supervisory position, that person(s) should be disciplined. The last time I saw this happen, I was at Ft. Sill, OK. 25 soldiers lost there lives and 38 more were wounded bad enough to be hospitalized and have training interrupted with some medically discharged. This happened because some mocho gun ho bs Battery Captain ran his soldiers ragged for 3 weeks with minimum food and constant irregular sleep, and fire missions. On the last week a "1/2 dead on his feet" private short charged a 155mm live round and it was shot. The round landed short in a formation of basic trainees on bivouac. The Platoon Sgt, Lt, Battery XO, and CO all got fried. Needless to say, it NEVER happened again.

[@timo4040]

Just fired?

[@janed5077]

Not me. But I've been around others who have; A few others who should have been; And a few others who, if they were disciplined earlier, may have been salvaged before they screwed up so bad they had to be. This is not just a Marine problem. It is a military problem. Just last year I read about two Navy war ships that nearly collided head on in San Diego Bay, CA. (11-22-22 USS Momsem & USS Harper's Ferry) on a clear calm day. Just because the ships commanders were playing chicken. One of which had a reputation of pulling this "shi* storming stunt" repeatedly in the past. I have absolutely had it with this "too much mocho gun ho bs". The only way that stops these "fuc*-ups" from what I have seen, is to burn the chain of command higher and higher till enough of them "get the message". Because as I have stated earlier: "There is NO good enough excuse for any one to die in training". I use to make excuses trying to be understanding. You be the one who has to rite a letter just one time. There is No tolerance in me for this any more.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Hello "Army"... this former Coastie agrees with you. CG field training and field duty is not for the snowflakes. And while I've been our a while ('90-'96) I'm not aware of any training fatalities - a significant amount of illnesses/injuries... and I wasn't going to let my men fall out in triple digit heat index and while crawling through the guts of tankers and freighters. We had one officer who was "much loved" 😉 who tried to ride us. He was "corrected".

[@janed5077]

@@baronedipiemonte3990 Hay there CG. Yep, being in the military is not for the unmotivated or week mined or kneed. It takes strong people to be there. As it is a demanding dangerous job. Working around and with things that are designed to kill and break stuff and throwing your weight around with said stuff against people and things that are trying to kill you can be hazardous to ones health. No one needs to have that hazard increased to the point that your own sides carelessness will add to that. But that carelessness goes doubly so in training by thoughtless leadership whose negligence gets anyone damaged so badly they can't function or killed. Who-Ra and Airborne. we agree on this big time.

[@TheJirardin]

I was in Kilo Company when I heard about it from rumors circulating among recruits. That exact Colonel’s portrait was in our squad bay for almost 2 weeks- but I can remember one afternoon looking at the chain of command board with the photographs of our Senior DI, Sergeant Major, Company, Battalion, and Regimental Commanding Officers, ETC, and that exact Colonel’s portrait was no longer on the wall. It was replaced shortly after with the new Captain’s portrait. Sad.

[@chimrichalds2119]

Training shouldn’t kill you…period!

[@MajorCoach21]

It's not the drill instructors who kill them. It is the fact that many of these kids get sick, coupled with the heat. Of course, some jump out of buildings. However, tough training is not supposed to kill anyone. See the stats on how many recruits go through the same training (with the same sickness and heat) versus the .0001% who pass away. All that to say, the USMC does it right. If you want a force to fight and kill the enemy you have to have tough training.

[@robertspencer6085]

Yeah….i heard the new recruits complained the training made them feel uncomfortable. On a more serious note IF he had a proper medical clearance or even an exam maybe this could have been prevented but then we all have quotas. 😊

[@michaelohara2161]

Three guys died during our boot, in 1984.

[@Buffeddust]

Damn! What from, heat stroke?

[@Hackspear214]

I’m working with the National Museum of the Marine Corps to write a book about the evolution of Marine Corps training and I have no record of this. Can you provide more information?

[@karlamcqueen2011]

I went to Paris Island in 1995. It was hot but no died in our series.

[@DJ-lc5fe]

I use to hate scumbags in the military. I’ve seen a lot. But being out. Found out scumbags are in every job and everywhere.

[@RobertL.JonesJr-hz8vl]

Gee, we had 3 Marine at San Diego who died while at boot camp in 1975. One died while on the rifle range who shot himself and one who jumped out a third story window at night the third had an allergic reaction to a shot during a medical exam. So people die every day from every kind of activities. It is not unusual to have it happen.

[@1gruntusmc]

I went thru MCRD-SD in 74 and I now wonder about those f....n covid shots the services mandated. I wouldn't be surprised if that might be a factor for some who developed a heart condition. Semper Fidelis

[@smokingjoe9864]

It had nothing to do with dead boots. It was because the Colonel complained about the recruits wearing dresses.

[@alexayuso3563]

Recruits need to be in shape when they join up. I saw guys who had never run before start running in boot. Many families are broken and they don’t think that getting their kids into shape is a priority. These boot camps have even been lowering their physical fitness. Vaccines have not helped. Before you troll this comment I work in the med field w a cardiologist group so I do know what I’m saying when it comes to myocarditis and vaccines. Almost all of our young men who are patients had myocarditis after the vaccine.

[@leolyon2373]

When I was in boot camp, I had a recruit who was standing next to me on the firing line, shoot himself in the head with a 45cal.. Deaths do happen in boot camp!

[@gew9487]

Woman Marine (Wm) here, 65-68. Sharpshooter out of Basic. Been at wrong end of gun two times in my life. And, the first time was on the firing line in Basic. One of my fellow women recruits, who knew nothing about guns, turned her gun on me. She's saying I don't what to do with this thing! I had been shooting since I was 4. My Dad, law enforcement, was a competitive shooter. I jumped at her a pushed nose if gun down range, screaming down range, down range. No DI showed up!!? Lordy, at least she didn't shoot me. Wasn't too impressed with how Marines trained WMs on gun range. No safety guidance. Just stand up and shoot. I helped Dad run police gun ranges so I had higher expectations. WMs were only taught to shoot 45s. No rifle training. Semper Fi. Blessings to you. And, I belong to WM Association. We have one WWII WM left. She's 99 and amazing. Still very independent and mentally alert. She's a role model for sure 🇺🇸🙏🤗

[@maarek71]

This is being a bit vague. What exactly did they do that got them fired? Nothing is made clear here.

[@raymondparker184]

Makes me wonder what effect the covid juice has to do with this. Young people all over are dropping by the day with no apparent cause...

[@Hackspear214]

Proof? Statistics?

[@deepthinker999]

@@Hackspear214Well there was an Aircraft Carrier Commander who was relieved of his position over COVAD.

[@Hackspear214]

@@deepthinker999 What’s COVAD?

[@grimora-dg3vq]

Well I had all 4 shots plus the booster and I'm still here! Semper Fi! No cause? Where's that even posted? Bet the world is flat in your mind too!

[@jamesmilburn7569]

To say a recruit should not die during training kind of begs the question. Has there ever been a long period of time where recruits did not die? It's not like he died from drowning or died on a 20 mile march. It was a PFT. The USMC silence on just what they did wrong is really not the way to go. It fuels speculation on both sides. This isn't the 1970's where you can just paint over the rot.

[@GickelsGaming]

"wandered away" = RUN FREAKIN THAT WAY OR MY DRILL INSTRUCTORS ARE GONNA RIP YOUR FRIGGIN HEAD OFF

[@AniwayasSong]

As a USMC Veteran, killing or allowing Recruits to die is NOT part of the Drill. It happens, even when everyone and everything is done exactly correct, because USMC Boot is the HARDEST Recruit training of all our countries military branches, and that exacts a price. I'll never condone any malicious, or incompetent NCO/Officer not noticing and then attending to any Recruit in distress, but I also won't cater to the blanket accusations that it was allowed to happen/encouraged!

[@eugenegarrett78]

I went through it in 1992 it’s the marines not the Air Force but we gotta make a force to be reckoned with not a bunch of punks that can not handle combat That’s what marines do

[@DreamWeaver-nk8uv]

Speaking of failing to go up in the ranks. Look at General Milley. Prime Example of the FAILURE of the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense. This problem is started at the Recruiter level where all they are doing is trying to get NUMBERS rather than healthy available recruits. Then it TRICKLES down to the training stations and those who are the TRAINERS and their SUPERVISORS. I spent 18 years and watched as the QUALITY of soldiers went steadily DOWN HILL from the moment that they decided to embrace the "w0ke" idea that women are just as capable as men in training situations. NO! NO! NO!

[@edmondlau511]

Pushing him too hard in the heat. In combat, the enemy isn’t going to care how hot it is or how hard they push you.

[@thodan467]

the heat is the same for the enemy and a heat casualty is not very useful

[@jeffrey7938]

Battle of Palailu...ask those Marines who fought in 115 degree heat with only gasoline tainted water to drink!

[@grimora-dg3vq]

@@thodan467 Hmm except in most cases they were born in it and conditioned. Sort of like bootcamp!

[@thodan467]

@@grimora-dg3vq That IS Part of the Home Advantage, but how does IT Help to Push a Soldiers Till He becomes a Heat casualty?

[@ZayTheSailor]

5 recruits die in less than a year but yeah let’s blame the commanders instead of the recruiters and medical staff at MEPs who have to see if these individuals are fit for service anyway.

[@choochoo8240]

Pushing too hard during those hot days .. It is great to know we can take breaks during war, due to the weather conditions 🤔

[@slothypunk]

Are you Marines? From the sound of it you better be or else your opinion is moot!

[@choochoo8240]

@@slothypunk Camp Horno was home in Pendleton.

[@johnwilliamson2276]

What does that mean (relieved) were they discharged or just sent to another job?

[@SteveZ-yd6em]

It starts at the top for good or the bad, that’s how it goes!

[@shiwakuseven5859]

I was in United States Marine Corps Recruit Training 50 years ago. I'm now 67 years and 8-months old, and I'll be 67 years and 9 months old next week. Yet, I am actually stronger today than when I was an active-duty United States Marine Corps 0331 M-60 Machine Gunner. Biologically aging hasn't made me weaker, but stronger. I am willing to teach old Marines how this is possible

[@JimBorgan]

Five in two years isn't that bad overall, considering the toughness of the training. God forbid the Corps lighten up on their training. Semper Fi.

[@spookledrealhard7154]

Lol the toughest part about marine corps boot camp isn't the training. It's the constant neglect for 11 weeks. The last 2 weeks you finally start to be treated somewhat like a human again. But literally for 11 weeks you can rarely go to the restroom regularly, they dehydrate you on purpose and then force you to drink insane amounts of water all at once. One year at Parris island drill instructors shoved a recruit in a dryer and turned it on the kid had 3rd degree burns all over. This shit is stupid this isn't training. Boot camp is 13 weeks of hazing ask any marine you meet they will tell you the same. you learn very little actual training in boot camp lol.

[@terry3469]

@@spookledrealhard7154lol, being a little dramatic. Did you graduate from Parris Island?

[@spookledrealhard7154]

@@terry3469 lol yes and not dramatic just stating the truth. You probably haven't done anything but you gonna call me dramatic 🤣 you don't know me dude. I'm all about things being tough and brutal. What I'm not about is stupidity. And the marine corps is chalk full of stupidity. Why do you think colonel ward got fired? Ive met the dude myself a few times. Everytime he's giving a speech about marines not ratting on each other basically. Sounds to me like a dude who is up to no good. Marines have each other's back remember that saying you'd hear it a lot. The thing is that the have each other's back no matter what even if a DI runs a kid to death and doesn't let him drink from his cantine. That's stupid. While I was at Parris island the first week they have "THE MOMENT OF TRUTH" they used that exact scenario during this to get people to come forward about lying on medical shit. They said he lied about medical shit and that's why he died. That wasn't true he died from dehydration and that's been proven of course a bunch of recruits couldn't google it then but I had already known about that before going in and so when they lied about it to make recruits come forward and literally shamed this dude who gave his life to try and become a marine. Has he finished boot camp these same people would applaud him and honor his death but they literally shamed him and dishonored him these are not a few good men anymore. The marine corps has become far from what it used to be.

[@dennisplatte7506]

@@spookledrealhard7154 I'd disagree---if you asked me. Almost too many classes everyday learning things. Maybe more field training and digging foxholes and long hikes would be in order. Just my thoughts.

[@spookledrealhard7154]

@@dennisplatte7506 bro yall literally don't understand. Digging foxholes hiking all the physical shit is not what I'm talking about in talking about DI'S ignoring people's basic human needs to the point of death or hospitalization. This shit happens all the time. Bro I don't care about hiking I don't care about digging I don't care about doing anything all that is training to me. I'm talking about the literal abuse and hazing that goes on at Parris island. Y'all clearly don't get it.

[@sparky6200]

And a "Failure of the system to promote the right people" is a shock to no one except military officers.

[@KgumpGump-iy2pu]

Both of my uncles on my moms side were marines. 1 went to PI and one went to SD. One was injured in vietnam and came home to recieve The Purple Heart and the other served a term and quit. Both encouraged me not to join. My granpa, who was a staff Sargeant in the army during ww2 outright forbade it. Im grateful to them all in retrospect.

[@yharnamiyhill787]

I had 3 sergeants and 1 staff sergeant around insisting that I do not join. They kept saying it's not me - just the military is a tool for weapons manufacturers, profiteers, and politicians. The older I got, the more i understood. I'm actually grateful.

[@grimora-dg3vq]

​@@yharnamiyhill787 It's not for everyone! As far as the political part goes I agree with some of it but without a strong military you will fall to a stronger more determined dictator! That IS the choice!

[@unvaccinatedmensclub]

They don't make Leathernecks like they used to anymore.

[@suzanneterrey4499]

If a recruit signs up for summer boot camp, he's NUTS!!! Pick the fall or winter, but NEVER the summer!

[@Hackspear214]

Some times you don’t get a choice. My MOS was 6343 - avionics technician for the CH-53 helicopter. I had to wait 4 months to go to boot camp until my school had an opening.

[@mikeingeorgia1]

I went to Parris Island in the summer. Our clothes were still damp with sweat when we put them back on in the mornings.

[@grimora-dg3vq]

@@mikeingeorgia1 Same here June - September! "If you can survive this you can survive anything." - Sgt Dusault, and he was right!

[@reversi_dovah4995]

I think the problem probably lies woth the recruiter. Recruitment is at a low, and not meeting number looks bad for your career. Some of these kids were probably pushed through to boot camp when they should have been disqualified to meet numbers.

[@michaeldowd8422]

It's obviously devastating for everyone when a recruit dies during training. But we should remember that these guys aren't auditioning for a part in a dancing troop. Joining the military is dangerous from day 1, long before you get deployed.

[@kevinphillips150]

I do not know how many recruits went thru while I was on the island from 10.87-01.88 but I do not remember anyone dying. I also know there have been thousands before me and after that did not die. The training was hard but not impossible. In fact, the training on active duty was much harder than during basic training.

[@DonMarquez-wj7ir]

Mid Fifties, D.I. led troops on discipline match at night during rain storm and flash flooding. Several recruits died, these deaths rocked the Marine Corps but nothing like the incident known as "Valley of Death" My boss for 29 years told me his Gunny at Logistics base Victorville Ca knew one of 3 survivors, A Pfc, Sgt, and Second Lt. Gunny told him 3 Battalions were ambushed and they were only survivors. Most think this was bs, Till after VietNam when Marine Vets who went back to Nam brought back Camera shots of the captured Colors at the War Museum, Ho Chinh Min city (Formerly Saigon). This Cover up at highest levels was exposed with the museum pictures. This incident was news blacked out and only the Pfc, Sgt, and 2nd. Lt knew what happened. They stayed in the Marine corps till retirement and ended promoted from Pfc-Gunnery Sgt, Sgt- MGunnery Sgt and 2nd Lt retired a Colonel. Somebody still alive knows the details but only Silence for over Fifty Years. RIP to all lost that day, and the Three Survivors. Who had to carry on with their Careers and civilian life after Retirement and Separation from the USMC. RIP Tomas Graca- Good Marine and Best Boss I ever worked with in five Decades of working. Semper Fi to all these Warriors.

[@Ranstone]

As for the last guy, sounds like he wouldn't have died if he had obeyed and stayed with the platoon. I saw some crap there. Crap happens, and some of it is inexcusable, but the last guy sounds like he sealed his own fate by going internal and wandering off.

[@robertshipley6990]

Heat stroke causes delirium. Loss of sensory, reality, Direction, motor skills. During training, troops must be accounted for. This ain't brain science

[@BSE1320]

"He wandered off." He probably was so dehydrated and had heat stroke; he couldn't even think straight. Don't think he was in control of his faculties.

[@robertshipley6990]

@@BSE1320 I don't think the guy, you just commented on, has control of his faculties. His reasoning, his comment, was so damn stupid I can't believe he said that.

[@124Outdoor]

I got bullied from the moment I joined battalion in Germany. From day one a corporal in my company took an instant dislike to me. Eye gouging and kidney punches, while no one was looking, became the norm. It was awful. I was 19 and couldn’t work out why. There never seemed any point to it, mindless violence is all. 6 months basic down the drain because of him. I had to get out. Couldn’t go awol as I was in West Berlin at the time so I managed to work my ticket medically, just to get away from him. 8 months it took. I’ve never told anyone about it, until now.

[@yharnamiyhill787]

I'm sorry to hear that. Glad you are safe now.

[@CarlosSanchez-bg4wf]

Is a good day for my usmc. Always

[@mortsims]

my brother-in-law was a marine in the earl 70's. he said the instructors punched,slapped.and kicked you. it happened all the time.

[@gunnye7348]

Pushing a recruit to the point of and eventually causing his or her death is not in the recruits contract when they enlist to go to bootcamp. This controversy has been ongoing at Parris Island for over 75 year's. There have been several incidences where Drill Instructors have ignored medical signs and killed recruits. It's one thing to be tuff and weed out the non-hackers. It's all together different to be a sadistic Animal.

[@scottetherton2384]

If you think that the Marine Corps can turn you into a warrior, understand that you have to have what it takes to get it done in 8 weeks. Marine boot is pretty easy. But if you've spent a lifetime playing Battlefield in the comfort of your home, it can seem insane. Run five miles a day almost every day for three months. If you can't take it: stay home. Get a job where you are required to follow instructions. If you can't take it: stay home. If you can't stay away from your wife, mom, GF for more than a few hours or days: stay home. If you've never experienced sickness: stay home.

[@grimora-dg3vq]

8 weeks now?? Damn I should have held out longer and gotten 5 weeks of vacation.

[@carlosnakay1414]

Glad that marine commanders were held responsible and fired.

[@doom4067]

Without a court martial, they won't be held accountable. They'll just retire.

[@robertshipley6990]

View years ago up here at Twentynine Palms in California desert there was a commander and some other Marines doing meth I guess they were meth heads meth addicts , got relieved of command there was a lot of freaky stuff going there to when they're under meth

[@unvaccinatedmensclub]

This is the Marine Corps, not IBM.

[@ernesthofmeister3054]

Recruits are out of shape compared to recruits of the past, sedentary lifestyle and mental toughness of modern kids contributes to this immensely,

[@grimora-dg3vq]

Definitely true. A year or two ago I saw an Army recruiting poster with some young overweight and sorely out of shape adults that looked like they were playing flag football. Pathetic!

[@darrylbress7560]

The loss of fives lives in two years is nothing compared to the thousands of unnecessary losses in previous wars, Marine 76-80

[@knowoneknowme4754]

A sad day