Each year Marine Corps recruiters invite high school educators, counselors, coaches and other influencers to visit Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, to witness first-hand the Marine Corps' recruit-training program. Two educators from SVHS attended a recent workshop, MAJ Gregory Perry (JROTC) and Mrs. Margaret Bartlebaugh (math teacher). At the conclusion of the workshop, SSGT Sal (Marine Corps recruiter for SVHS) visited Mrs. Bartlebaugh’s classes to answer questions as she shared about the experience with her classes.
The four-day program began with a “welcome aboard” at the Depot’s famous Yellow Footprints and ended with viewing a recruit graduation. Along the way educators participated in some of the same exercises recruits experience during their 13-week training including sand pit drills, climbing up a rope wall, rappelling down a 47’ tower, firing at targets, and eating chow in the mess hall.
The program exposes educators to the many personal development, career, and educational opportunities available to today’s Marines. Workshop coordinators seek to dispel myths about recruit training and the Marine Corps’ mission by providing participants an experience that is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Seeing up close how Marines are made provides participants a basic understanding of the Marine Corps, better equipping educators to more effectively assist students in making informed decisions about military service.