THE LEGENDARY YELLOW FOOTPRINTS
The transformation from civilian to U.S. Marine starts here
Day 1 begins with a bus ride to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) aka Boot Camp.
If you’re from East of the Mississippi – you go to Boot Camp at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina.
If you’re from West of the Mississippi – you go to Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego, California.
Upon arriving you are ordered to “GET OFF THE BUS AND GET ON MY YELLOW FOOTPRINTS!”
I stepped onto the Legendary Yellow Footprints of Marine Corps Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego, CA on September 25, 2001 – exactly 2 weeks after 9/11
The Yellow Footprints have been a Marine Corps tradition since January 1965. To this day, upon a recruit’s arrival, they are ordered off of the bus, and instructed to stand on the Yellow Footprints.
Receiving Drill Instructor
Once all the recruits have exited the bus and stepped onto the Yellow Footprints, they are given specific instructions on how to stand at the Position of Attention by the Receiving Drill Instructor – who then delivers this indelible speech:
You are now aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot (San Diego, California or Parris Island, South Carolina)
You have taken the first step to becoming a member of the world’s finest fighting force, the United States Marine Corps.
The Marine Corps’ success depends upon teamwork. Therefore teamwork will be an essential part of your training.
You will live, eat, sleep and train as a team.
The words “I” “Me” or “My” will no longer be a part of your vocabulary.
You will use words such as “This Recruit” “That Recruit” “These Recruits”
Do you understand?
Tens of thousands of Marines have begun outstanding service to our country on the very footprints in which you stand today.
YOU WILL CARRY ON THAT PROUD TRADITION!
Do you understand?
You stand on the Legendary Yellow Footprints as a RECRUIT. You are not yet a Marine but you are no longer a civilian…
Your heels are touching.
Your feet are at a 45° angle.
Your knees are slightly bent.
Your chest is out.
Your chin is tucked.
Your head and eyeballs are straight to the front.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY YOUR MOUTH IS SHUT.
This is the position of attention.
The transformation has begun.
– Semper Fi and God Speed,
Marine Miguel
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