Orientation Trip to Parris Island

[C./Fields]

Next year they are going to have an orientation trip to Parris Island for MCJROTC cadets at our school. Is there any tips/experiences/etc. that anyone would like to offer for those who have been there?

[armysc_25b]

Never been there, but if this orientation includes any time with personnel who's sole purpose is to turn your life upside down and mold you into Marines, here's my advice: eyes open, mouth shut.

[Juggernaut08]

Yes my MCJROTC unit went there twice. I do happen to have some "pointers" for you...
1. DO NOT say good morning to the DI as he/she walks down the squadbay while everyone is supposed to be sleeping.
2. The gnats are horrible, prepare to be covered in them while standing at attention.
3. Do not jump and land stomagh first into the dirty name. That will get you a free ticket back to restart-ville.
4. Everything is "Good to go!"
5. Don't be the first or last one done with chow.
6. Have fun! You don't realize how easy they're being on you as you're there as a cadet, enjoy the slightly less scarring atmosphere.

[scribe87]

Yes my MCJROTC unit went there twice. I do happen to have some "pointers" for you...
1. DO NOT say good morning to the DI as he/she walks down the squadbay while everyone is supposed to be sleeping.
2. The gnats are horrible, prepare to be covered in them while standing at attention.
3. Do not jump and land stomagh first into the dirty name. That will get you a free ticket back to restart-ville.
4. Everything is "Good to go!"
5. Don't be the first or last one done with chow.
6. Have fun! You don't realize how easy they're being on you as you're there as a cadet, enjoy the slightly less scarring atmosphere.


Have taken my cadets there as well, and I am a former Drill Instructor.

For some of my cadets that went, it was a major "wake up call". I took nothing but LE-I's and they did very well. Most of my cadets that wanted to go were "physical" kids to begin with, so there were going to be no issues with them negotiating the courses or doing PT.

If I can give any advice to a cadet attending an orientation trip, it would be this.

1. Listen VERY carefully to everything your SMI/MI's brief you on prior to leaving about the trip and then ask yourself "Can I handle this?" what you laugh at in the classroom or at home watching a "Full Metal Jacket" DVD OR youtube clips does not compare to you being blasted by a Drill Instructor in "Real Time".

Within two hours of hitting the Island I had cadets wanting to go home and in tears. If you have no respect for adults or you talk to adults like they are your peers that will end very quickly, get used to addressing adults like adults properly ALL THE TIME. I.E. "Yes Sir/Ma'am". If you have a little bit of common sense and can move with speed and intensity, it will be a very fun week.

2. Drill if you have not been paying attention to what you are being taught in class you will be exposed at Parris Island, nobody gives a rats behind if you can spin a rifle and do Exhibition Drill.

The Drill Instructors are going to correct any bad habits that other cadets have been teaching you, be receptive, sound off and do the movements the way they teach them. I do not deviate from the Drill and Ceremonies Manual (MCO P5060) when I taught my cadets so what the DI's were re-teaching was seamless for my cadets. I even conducted some of the Drill Periods while I was down there as well.

For the most part, your SMI and MI will be "hands off" you will be in care of the Drill Instructors and the training will be fun. It will be a good gauge to show how well your program is hitting the mark.

[genr8n-x]

Very cool Scribe....

It's good to see you're are helping the cadets out and answering their questions.

Cadets - For what it's worth, he knows his stuff. Listen to him. He won't steer you wrong...

Genr8n-x