First day impressions
Editor’s Note: Yuma Sun Photographer Chuck Miller spent a week embedded with new recruits as they embarked on their journey to becoming U.S. Marines. This photo essay is one in a series illustrating those experiences. Visit www.YumaSun.com to see more photos and video.
“Get your gear and get off my bus,” the drill instructor tells the recruits as they arrive at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
The hardest 13 weeks of their lives are about to begin.
As they leave the bus each recruit stands on the infamous yellow footsteps, getting their first earful from U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors.
A slight head or hand movement gives a recruit extra attention from the drill instructor, letting them know they cannot move their body without permission.
Items from home are taken for the duration of boot camp, as everything the recruit needs is given to him by the Marine Corps.
While emptying their pockets, recruits get more motivation from the drill instructors.
If asked a question a recruit must respond “Yes, sir!” or “No, sir!” If responding to a command, the recruit answers “Aye, aye, sir!”
Recruits get one phone call home and must read from a script letting a family member know they have arrived safely and can expect a letter in two or three weeks.
The quick and simple Marine Corps haircut is next. All one hears is the sound of the clippers running as hair falls to the floor. The shaved head helps eliminate the recruits’ individuality, helping their future platoons work as a single entity as they become a brotherhood.
It’s a long two days as recruits are not allowed to sleep until the following night.