Mike Winnie asks about the "bucket issue". His question is based on an uncle's "boot camp book". (I went through boot camp in 1952 – Platoon 445 – and we didn't have a "boot camp book".) We did get a "bucket issue", very early during boot camp – probably the first or second day. We were marched to the PX, and were issued a bucket, to be used during "field days", filled with essential items such as the GUIDEBOOK FOR MARINES (I still have mine), toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, razor, razor blades, towels, washcloths, etc. This was paid for out of our first pay, which then amounted to $20. I don't remember what happened to the bucket when I left San Diego, it was probably "recycled" – I don't think any of us were particularly eager to take them on boot leave with us!
— Gerald R. Brookman, USMC (SGT E-4) 7/1/52-6/30/55