Straight Scoop

Reading the 25 May newsletter, I came across some information regarding rifle and pistol qualification that needs to be clarified to some extent. I have qualified with the three service rifles that the Marine Corps had up to 1988: They were the M-1 Grand, M-14, and the M-16. From the fifties and well into the eighties, the course of fire for qualification for recruits never changed. read more

The USMC Tradition Continues

Lieutenant Col. Jason L. Nickerl, Deputy Director of Recruiting, Western Recruiting Region, was honored at his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 20. His retirement was bittersweet because as he leaves the Corps, he watched his son graduate recruit training and fill his footsteps. read more

The Flag Pole

Semper Fi to my brother and sister United States Marines!

I served from July 1986 – July 1990 and my oldest son served from October 2011 – October 2015. We both went through MCRDSD; at some point I will share some stories! I have received the Sgt. Grit newsletter for several years now but this is the first time I have submitted a letter. read more

1st Radio Battalion Vietnam Reunion

At one time, these ‘young’ Marines were all members of 1st Radio Battalion, most served in either Kaneohe Bay or Vietnam or both.

We just finished our 2016 1st Radio Battalion Reunion in San Diego, and a great time was had by all. Of course, we visited MCRD San Diego. read more

WWII Heroes

Article By
Jim Holland
Rapid City Journal

Like so many young men returning from military service in World War II, Loyd Brandt just tried to pick up and move on and leave memories of the war behind.

“You just started living a new life, raising a family. You were too busy to dwell on the war,” said Brandt, of Rapid City, who celebrated his 90th birthday a week ago. read more