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SGT Stephen Gober
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When I was on Parris Island there were two recruit deaths and one DI suicide.
One recruit had a heart attack during company PT and the other was struck by lightning while leaving the rifle range. The DI did himself in front of a company of recruits at the new pool (it was new when I was there) because his wife left him. While there were numerous policy changes I don't recall anyone getting relieved of command.

After reading the article you posted, the only relevant thing I gather is that the recruit jumped off the top deck ladderwell. Is that the Colonel's fault really, or was he simply made a scapegoat?

As Marines, we are trained that our actions have consequences and sometimes they can be severe. I ask, what could this officer have done to prevent this tragedy? The only answer that I can see is that you can't predict what a person will do under pressure until you expose them to what pressure can do to you mentally. While also teaching, him or her, how to overcome it. If becoming a Marine was easy, everyone would claim the title and it would be meaningless as to the nature of one's character.
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
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Hey Master Guns ...I was in the Marines when a DI marched his platoon into a tidal swamp called Ribbon Creek at Parris Island and lost six of his recruits. We all later watched the congressional hearings that exposed this tragedy and shocked the nation. The Commander at Parris Island was quickly relieved and a lot of DIs were removed from their duties for reasons that were not published And every one of us said "I bet my DI was canned".....
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Cpl Justin Goolsby
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To see if there was any hazing... isn't that a moot point when you're on the Island??? In all seriousness though this truly does suck. I never understood suicide. There's plenty of ways to get yourself processed out.
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