Recruit Training: It’s An Opportunity to Make An Impact By YM/Cpl Katelyn Houston Gen Raymond G. Davis Metro Atlanta (GA) Making an impact on different people can be life-changing. Even if it’s the small- est thing. Opening the door for someone who has never had the door opened for them, complimenting someone who gets bullied every single day, or even smiling at someone who doesn’t feel loved. So many different things can impact some- one without you even knowing, but when you do know it makes you feel absolutely amazing. My “life-changing” impact happened the day of the recent recruit graduation for my unit. As the instructors and recruits worked very hard for eight weeks, they were all standing tall and proud on the big day. During recruit training, as a Young Marine Corporal, I had the opportunity to assist as a Recruit Instructor. I used leadership and knowledge to teach my recruits, and I even learned some more leadership and knowledge along the way. We had a class of nine recruits. Being the only female in my unit for three years, I was so happy to see female recruits among the group. As leader, my goal is to make sure they grow up to be leaders themselves. During recruit training, they looked up to me as a role model. I made sure to be doing the right thing in teaching during the process. In the process, my leadership didn’t just impact the females, it also impacted the male recruits. After the eight weeks of recruit camp, I was so proud of my new Young Marines for being strong and holding through. Out of my three years of helping with re- cruit classes, this class was one of the best classes I’ve ever taught.I hope for these Young Marines to rank up fast and impact future re- cruits. Seeing them work so hard to graduate made me so proud and happy for them because it shows that they are willing to work hard for something they love.It was an honor to help instruct these new Young Marines, especially with the females because they worked so hard and their effort paid off: As the only two females of the recruit class both received special recognition. YM/PFC Autumn Jenkins was named Honor Recruit and she was promoted to Private First-Class upon graduation and YM/ Pvt Hannah Stack was the runner-up honor recruit. I am so proud of the both of them and I’m also proud of the seven boys who graduated as well. Congratulations to the newest recruit class of the General Raymond G. Davis Metro Atlanta Young Marines, all worked so hard and I hope to see all work even harder to rank up and gain knowledge and leadership so that you canhave an impact on future recruits. Semper Fidelis, Hoo- rah, and One Team, One Family to my Young Marines Brothers and Sisters. By YM/Pvt Declan White Mountain View (CO) Recruit Training! I was really excited to join the Young Marines! When I came to the meetings to learn about it, I knew I wanted to join. I saw the unit come in for drill and lineup. The uniforms looked so good, and I hoped that would be me in one someday soon. When I showed up to recruit training, I was nervous and overwhelmed. My mentor asked me to re- cite the creed and obligation. I felt as if I was not prepared enough. When the Unit Com- mander arrived, everything got real. In the end, I loved the weekend and so many things about it. The first thing I liked was the routine we were in. I liked how we would have a class, then work out, then eat chow, and then work on Close Order Drill. Everything was very planned out.I also really appreciate that we had to earn everything. I had to earn my cover, my camelbak, my boots. They didn’t simply give me any- thing. If I had something it was because I earned it. I also really liked PFT. It was awesome! It test- ed our physical levels in running, sit ups, and stretching. It was cool to see where I would start! Learning to march in for- mation was so much fun and really rewarding to see how much better we got. Learning forward march and staying in step was frustrating at first, but got easi- er once you got the hang of it.All the staff were there with me supporting and helping me, they were really awesome! They would help you with anything as long as you asked permis- sion to speak. I learned so much in recruit training, and can’t wait to start my adventure as a Young Marine. “I Was Really Excited to Join the Young Marines” YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT Online 23