Posted on Oct 10, 2016
ENS Naval Officer   Ip Student
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Anyone who has ever earned the coveted Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA) has went through the toughest recruit training America has to offer. Those who walk through those doors on day one, never come out the same. How did the Marine Corps Recruit Training change you?
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Responses: 74
1stSgt Eugene Harless
34
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What it taught me was what YOU think is "your best" is nowhere near what you can really accomplish. During my time as a recruit and many times when I was A DI i'd see young men who would try/want to quit at the first bit of discomfort or stress, only to be pushed to accomplished much more.
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SSgt Terry P.
SSgt Terry P.
5 y
1stSgt Eugene Harless You hit it dead on. For me it was a time of learning limits,which are much farther than we realize and it carried on through out my life.Never give up,never quit.
Semper Fi
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
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Edited >1 y ago
ENS (Join to see) Marine Corps Boot Camp instilled in me a heightened sense of teamwork, discipline, and a never quit attitude. It also made me a Marine for life. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.
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SSgt Terry P.
SSgt Terry P.
>1 y
Semper Fi,Ted.
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
Sgt (Join to see)
>1 y
SSgt Terry P. - Semper Fi Terry.
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Cpl George Crab
Cpl George Crab
>1 y
The past Commandant put into stone, 'Once a Marine, Always a Marine', before he was replaced, by making that part of every Marine's essence. General James F Amos makes that abundantly clear in his statement:

The United States Marine Corps celebrates its birthday each year on November 10th. It is referred to by many as the fiercest fighting force in the world. To be a Marine is to become part of an elite group unsurpassed by any disparity. The intrapersonal bond never breaks as brothers and sisters unite infinitely. Past, present and future Marines become family, forever.

The Marine Corps’ birthday is a special time of year for those who have worn the eagle, globe and anchor. Once a person earns the privileged right to be called a Marine, that person is always a Marine. It becomes more than an occupation; the title becomes a part of the inner sense, a part of that person, which never dies.

Many people are confused by how to address those who served but are no longer on active duty. It is an insult to refer to a non-active, Marine Veteran as an ex-Marine or former Marine.

“Once a Marine, always a Marine.” The title is permanent; therefore acceptable references are Marine, Marine Veteran, Retired Marine or non-active Marine. Do not use 'former' Marine, as it implies 'no longer a Marine.' There is no such thing as a ‘former Marine.’

A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There's no such thing as a former Marine.
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
Sgt (Join to see)
>1 y
Cpl George Crab - Thank you for posting the Commandant's message.
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LCpl Tom Lowe
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Becoming a Marine changed me in ways only there Marines can understand. The pride we carry and self confidence is second to none. And we don't look at things like other people do.
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ENS Naval Officer   Ip Student
ENS (Join to see)
>1 y
I believe it whole heartedly! If I could do it again, I'd probably have joined that honored fraternity. However, for me, the pay grade and time invested in the Navy - as well as all the opportunities the Navy has in store for me are too great to give up. Looking at BUD/S right now. I will always have the utmost respect for anyone who has proven themselves worthy of wearing the coveted EGA.
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PFC Juan Saavedra
PFC Juan Saavedra
>1 y
I agree Lowe. The confidence you gain in yourself and your abilities from completing recruit training are second to none. Semper Fi!!
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