Now would not be a good time for anyone to question the honor, duty and sacrifice of our servicemen and women in my presence. I’d like to have ten minutes alone with Michael Moore behind the woodshed. If you’re offended by that non-intellectual approach to differences of opinion too bad and please kiss my ass.
I was concerned about how I would handle my emotions on the trip. I can get emotional about things, particularly when it comes to the military and my family. Put the two together, and I’m in trouble. I genuinely feared that I would lose complete control and dissolve into a blubbering, loudly sobbing idiot at some point during the three days. I managed to maintain better control than I anticipated but I confess I spent a lot of time wiping the corners of my eyes, clearing my throat and trying not to sound choked up. But so did many of the other parents, family and friends who attended the graduation so I don’t feel like a total wuss.
It was comforting to be back on a military base again. I am an Army brat, and I grew up on military bases. The sight of painted curbs, buildings with numbers and signs and the absence of any speck of trash had a familiar feel.
The Marines organized the experience well. The first day on base we went to briefings for parents. I’ll say this about the Marine Corps—it doesn’t sugar coat things. It was made clear that the Marines view themselves as America’s premier fighting force with the emphasis on fighting. There was no bullshit about the Marines being a big humanitarian relief organization. In their words, they are the “tip of the spear” and “the first to fight.”
We were warned to be prepared for a change in our son’s behavior. No longer is he a “slimy civilian” (their words). Now he’s a Marine and expected to comport himself accordingly. For example, while in uniform Marines do not put their hands in their pocket, chew gum, whistle, smoke while walking, embrace or hold hands, hold an umbrella (not even as an escort), wear a cell phone that is visible, walk while talking on a cell phone or texting or wear ear phones. I might also add that they do not walk on the grass or cross the street at other than a designated crosswalk while on base.
We were told that we might be able to catch a glimpse of our “new Marine” that first day if we watched the recruit company practice for the graduation ceremony on the parade deck. (Marines walk on decks regardless of whether the deck is a parade field or the floor of a building.) We saw Mike, but it wasn’t easy. All recruits look pretty much the same—same uniform, same hat pulled down over their eyes until the brim is two fingers above the bridge of their nose, same shaved heads.
The second day we were joined by very close friends from Clearwater who came to see Mike graduate. The new Marines were given a short liberty from 10:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. following a brief ceremony in the indoor training facility. The new Marines marched into the building in formation. The training company consisted of six platoons totaling about 280 recruits. Seeing them march in company formation was impressive and yet another opportunity for me to clear my throat and try to wipe my eyes inconspicuously.
Parents, family and friends descended on the new Marines like locusts when the company sergeant released the company for liberty. Mike hugged us all, and we hugged back. There was more throat clearing and eye wiping on my part.
We headed to the on-base Subway where Mike proceeded to demolish two foot-long subs in very short order. During the 13 week boot camp recruits are given three meals a day. They can eat all they want as long as they can do it in 20 minutes (and sometimes less). Combine that sort of food discipline with the all-day high energy activities that recruits undergo, and you get some hungry boys.
We then walked around the base while Mike related some of his experiences. Here’s a clue if you ever take a walk with young Marine just ending boot camp—don’t. He has just finished 13 weeks of intense physical training where he ran or walked everywhere. He is in superb condition. He is not affected by heat, humidity or distance. You on the other hand have spent the last 13 years sitting on your ass. Mike suggested we walk to the MCX (Marine Corp Exchange) which is the base department store. I thought we were walking around the corner. A half a mile later, I discretely asked him if we were getting close and whether there was a base taxi service.
The Marines have their own terminology and jargon, and they are fond of acronyms. Not only are floors decks, but doors are hatches, windows are portholes, posts are stanchions and walls are bulkheads. The Marine emblem is the eagle, globe and anchor. To a Marine it’s an EGA. The acronyms go on and on. Mike started telling us about his boot camp experiences, and I couldn’t understand half of what he was saying. I kept having to interrupt him to ask translate.
Then there was his voice. He had just spent the last 13 weeks screaming so he sounded like Froggy. We’re told that his drill instructor croak will go away after a few days.
The third day was the graduation ceremony. That morning we attended the flag raising ceremony. The Parris Island Marine Band played martial tunes and marches. More eye wiping and throat clearing on my part. There’s something about The Stars and Stripes Forever that gets me every time. Maybe it's the piccolos. As for the graduation ceremony itself I don’t need to say anything more than it ended after the troops marched in review as the Marine Band played. It was a good thing I was thoroughly practiced in eye wiping and throat clearing by that time.
Mike is home for a few days before he goes to his next training. I’ll say it again: I’m so proud of Mike. Oorah.
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