The first photo was me as the Senior Drill Instructor (center
w/black belt around my waist) as I was picking up my very last
platoon of new recruits in early 1992. I have a video of this as
well I'd be happy to show you when we meet. Being a Drill
Instructor was very taxing in that you were with the recruits
for 16 hours every day and 24 hours every 3rd day for the 13
week duration they were in Recruit Training.
The second photo is my retired Drill Instructor Campaign cover.
It's customary for outgoing Drill Instructors to have their last
cover preserved with a plaque at the bottom reflecting their
roles & accomplishments while on the Drill Field. I did 3
Platoons as an Assist Drill Instructor and 2 as the Sr. Drill
Instructor until I took a Operations Chief role and then
subsequently the 3RD Battalion Drill Master position for my
final 6 months wearing the campaign cover.
The Drill Instructor tour was tough and very long hours (a
decent % of marriages do not survive, including my very own)
Hence an unofficial Marine saying, "it's about GOD, COUNTRY &
CORPS, if they wanted you to have a wife they would have issued
you one… BUT… this was the most rewarding job I have ever
had or will have… I thank God to have had this opportunity in
my life and will never forget what my contribution meant to so
many young men that "earned" the Eagle, Globe & Anchor…
Regards,
Rick Crawford