Another Letter dated June 14th 2009

Hey Mom, June 14th 2009

It's Sunday and Tuesday we have Initial Drill.

It's going to be awesome, after that it's 2nd Phase.

I can't believe that tomorrow (last monday) is the Gas Chamber.

Parris Island is different we go to the Gas Chamber and the Rappel tower.

Anyways, I wanted to check in, This week has been crazy, I can't believe

I've already been here a month. Next week is Grass Week which means RIFLES!

Anyways, its Chow and getting ready to leave. So I'll write you later.

I miss you!

Love ERICA ANN

aka Your Miss AmErica

post by: darlene

'On My Watch Tonight' Video by Mike Corrado

On My Watch Tonight Video by Mike Corrado - MySpace Video

click on the title to see my space video .. awesome

Shared via AddThis

I come from an Island

In the Carolina sand

Where I was broke down,

Built up and reborn a fighting man

My blood runs red,

white and blue

I’ll brave the cold,

the rain, the pain

and the bullets

so you don’t have to

Don’t worry about me;

I’ll be all right

Just care for your children and sleep tight

I’ll keep you safe

on my watch tonight

It’s a long, long way from that island

And a long way from home

With the thought of you standing behind me

I could never be alone

There’s a promise

I need you to make

While I’m gone you take care of the love

And I’ll deal with the hate

Don’t worry about me;

I’ll be all right

Just care for your children and sleep tight

I’ll keep you safe

on my watch tonight

Don’t worry about me;

I’ll be all right

Just care for your children and sleep tight

I’ll keep you safe

on my watch tonight

written by Major Mike Corrado 

posted by: darlene r.

Letter from miss Erica getting down to business

miss erica's saint

"Dear Mom,

Sorry I have not written you in a while, I've been really busy. This week was swim week. Monday I qualified and passed. Initial Drill is on Tuesday. This is really important! We've been poppin sticks everyday, with inspection arms and port arms.

The weather here is freaky, it ranges from 115 degrees to thunder storms that shut down Parris Island. They have this air raid siren that goes off telling everyone to take cover. It rains practically every other day.

As for chow, I've been eating hard boiled eggs, yogurt, cereal, honeydew,cantaloupe and thats for breakfast. For lunch, it changes a lot, but I always have my apple raspberry juice, it's actually sugarfree. Oh with every meal there is a banana, which is awesome. Parris Island JUST got back peanut butter as they had that scare a few months back.

Anyways, once again I'm sorry I didn't write you sooner, it's just that you have no time. First Phase will be over on Tuesday, right after initial drill, then from there we start blousing our boots. We have already sent our woodland cammies to get our names stitched.

Our platoon has already dropped 6 people, that was with-in the first two weeks.

4 claimed to be suicidal, sadly my one of my bunkmates and my rack mate. My SDI had the whole platoon move bunks so that the empty bunks would be in the back of the squad bay. We started with 60 recruits on forming day and now it is TD 22 and we are at 56, we just got a new one today who is from FRP, FRP is recruits that had gotten dropped because they got hurt or sick.

Just found out we have gas chamber on Monday (today) the day before the bid drill off. Our sister platoon is 4022. I've gotten close to a few over there. My new bunk mate is (.........), she is from New York City, I believe Queens. The bunk beside me is (.....) is from Washington. and (S.......) from Brookland, New York(this recruit was a bunk mate that has been with erica from the beginning) Then there is (.....) who is from Arizona.

Iv'e been pitted three times and IT'd 'quarterdecked' 4 times. (IT is being punished with exercises) It's not like some people. Our Phase 1 test is training day 25, so it right around the corner. (Tomorrow - Tuesday) I haven't been writing because for square away time we have an hour and we have our hair perfect!

I'll write more in my next letter.

I love you & miss you Love Erica Ann"

posted by: darlene r.

FLAG DAY today

PARRIS ISLANDS FLAG
USA and Marine Corp flags

posted by: darlene r.

Training Week 5 **Initial Testing & Initial Drill**

[-]

This schedule is of course subject to change based on weather, holidays and the needs of the company. TrainingDay24 Monday We are at the beginning of Week 5 -- and you thought they wouldn't even make it this far.... Today is a big day!!! They will start off the day with Initial Testing -- a multiple choice test on all the classes they have had so far in training. The recruits will also get to test out the rappel tower Then it is on to the gas chamber!! They will get a class on the gas chamber and the gas mask and how to properly use it. Then they all line up outside the gas chamber with their masks properly strapped to their waist in the pouch. Just before entering the gas chamber they will put it on and make sure they have a good seal around their face. They will file in to the gas chamber and watch as the NBC tech breaks open some tablets of CS gas (tear gas) on the little burner. Once the fizzling has stopped then they all have to take a deep breath and hold it and close their eyes and lift their masks up to their foreheads so that all the DIs and Series Commanders can see everyone’s eyes (closed still) sometimes this can take a little bit if one of the recruits has a problem. Once they see everyone’s eyes they allow them to "Don and Clear their masks" (put them back on and clear the gas out by making a good seal again). They then turn and grasp the shoulder of the person in front of them, play follow the leader to the outside of the chamber. Once outside they can take off their masks and air out a little. But meanwhile the CS has really opened their sinuses and they definitely are not a pretty sight as they come out of the chamber with tears and runny noses that are involuntary. Of course they will all try to squeeze in some practice drill some more for TOMORROW!!!! Follow Series TD25 Tuesday ****START OF PHASE II**** TODAY IS INITIAL DRILL!!!!!!!!! Lead Series will have their weapons triple checked for any possible problems before they go to the range next week. Then both series will have a class on their travel arrangements (so they can start thinking about it ahead of time) and a class on grooming standards in the Marine Corps. TD26 Wednesday Lead Series will have a 3 mile run and then get to take a trip to the exchange to pick up anything they might need while at the rifle range. And of course they will be taking pictures...however, they don't get to show off those pearly whites, but it will still be an awesome picture that you won't trade in for the world. They don't get to smile because ... "Marines are not supposed to smile they are supposed to be serious." Follow Series They will be getting their second clothing fitting - - the khaki /green service uniforms that Marines wear TD27 Thursday Today is essentially a flip flop of yesterday..... Follow Series will get to do that 3.0 mile run and get to visit the recruit exchange and taking pictures...you know, that awesome picture that you won't trade in for the world. Lead Series will be getting their second clothing fitting--(the khaki/green service uniforms that Marines wear.) TD28 ONLY 7 MORE FRIDAYS UNTIL GRADUATION!! Shots again! Then they will have a class on Thrift Savings Plan (the USMC 401k) and how the MOS structure works, Follow Series will have their weapons triple checked for any possible problems before they go to the range next week. TD29 Saturday Today the recruits will be having a nice little walk for about 6.0 miles calling cadence and carrying packs on their backs...At the end of their little hike they will be at their new homes at the rifle range for the next couple of weeks. yes, they will still be getting their mail on regular mail days. After, they get to the range, they will get a few classes on their weapons and then practice that AWESOME drill. *see the Parris Island photos by clicking on the upper right - it will take you to my album of Parris Island ....thanks tammy for all the info written and posted by: darlene r.

My dad, Erica's grandpa Bill

MY Dad William (Bill) F. Marine Corp 1962, Erica's grandpa, Erica said He wasn't the only reason she went for the Marines, in fact she wrote me a big list.. need to find it. But I know he was a reason that she checked out the Marines.

I am so proud of her, Making such a big decision in her life.

She wants to travel and she wants schooling.

She told me of all the schooling they offer while in the Marines

and she said if they offer a class she's going to take all they give.

That is so great and what ever course she takes while she's in they pay.

Good deal! Keep her in your thoughts and prayers, I know she really does not have much time to write but I know every letter we write her keeps her going. She needs to know we are all pulling for her and how proud we are, so keep those letters coming!

you can send it to me and I will enclose it with mine if you like.

dar66@msn.com

Bryan Jon and his little sister Erica Ann

written & posted by: darlene r.

Training Week 4 **Swim Quals & MCMAP testing**

swim photos are of men platoons





This schedule is of course subject to change based on weather, holidays and the needs of the company. If one of the items is underlined, click on it for more details. This is a BUSY week with two of the USMC boot camp graduation requirements falling in this week, but they will all do AWESOME!!!

TD18 Monday Today the recruits will keep busy with some MCMAP classes,

ANOTHER USMC history class,

a class on operational risk management

and of course try to squeeze in some drill practice

for INITIAL DRILL that is coming up!!!

TD19 Tuesday they will get their desert cammies issued They will also get to practice some drill and have a class on water safety as well as an overview of the swim qualifications levels. Later in the day, a review session for INITIAL TESTING that is next week.

TD20 Wednesday Today they will have a busy day learning how to swim in jeans,

tee-shirt, shorts, and a jean jacket (cammies are about the weight of jeans when wet) with a pack on.

The combat swim qualification levels are pretty tough,

but definitely nothing these recruits can't handle!

Lead Series will get to do the obstacle course and have a MCMAP review session and then get to go swimming in the afternoon. Follow Series will get to go swimming first and then they will get to practice drill for Initial Drill coming up in the afternoon.

TD21 Thursday Today is essentially a flip flop of yesterday. Lead Series will do swim qual again (work on the next level or try to get level 4 again -- they have lots of time to try it), they will also get to practice for Initial Drill. Follow Series will do the obstacle course and have a MCMAP review for Friday's test! Then they will of course have swim qual again for all those who passed level 4 today!

TD22 Friday The recruits are SWIMMING again today to try to better their class of qualification. Since this is the third day of swimming, I figured maybe it is time for a refresher course of all of us on their requirements. They will also be having their MCMAP test to earn their tan belt. they will of course practice again for Initial Drill which is on Tuesday. Well, that is a pretty busy day if you ask me, so my guess they will sleep well tonight!

TD23 Saturday Today the recruits will be doing a 1/2mi run with some functional fitness exercises they have learned and do the entire session three more times. They will also get to do one of my favorites -- the obstacle course. Then they will have a class on corps values.

Practice some more drill moves to get ready for Initial Drill.

Last but not least play with the pugil sticks again!

Whew, sounds like ANOTHER busy day to me...

(Detail of the Combat Swim qualification levels)

As you saw in the training schedule, they get four days to qualify at the most basic level (CWS-4). Assuming they qualify CWS-4 on day 1,

they then come back on each successive day and attempt to upgrade.

However, if they fail to upgrade on any given day, they are done with upgrades. The pool only tests each level (successively) on one given day. If you don't get CWS-3 on Tuesday, you don't get another chance (at Parris Island).
As for what happens should you not get the level you need for your MOS(job), that sort of depends. It is entirely possible that you will be given another chance at MCT, possibly even at MOS school, and occassionally beyond.
Theoretically, a Marine can stay in his MOS without meeting the swim qual requirement. The command will, however, put a great deal of pressure on that Marine

(to include withholding promotions) to learn the requisite skills to successfully upgrade.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Small explanation - you must do CWS-4, before you fo CWS-3, must pass those levels before you can go on to CWS-2, and pass levels 4,3 & 2 before you go on to CWS-1.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Combat Water Survival, Fourth Class (CWS4)
Emphasis is on personal survival without combat gear. CWS4 training will include instruction on the Beginner's Swimmer Stroke (front and back), drown-proofing, and treading water. Minimum skill level for all enlisted Marines (unless assigned MOS dictates otherwise). Re-qualification will occur every year.

(1) Uniform for qualifying is utilities only (no boots).
(2) Enter shallow water (minimum 1m depth).
(3) Swim 25m in shallow water using either the beginner swimmer stroke (front or back), or demonstrating a basic knowledge of a survival stroke, or any combination thereof.
(4) Using the ease-in entry method while wearing utilities, enter deep water and perform personal water survival skills using one, or a combination of, water survival techniques (i.e., drown-proofing, treading water, and/or trouser or blouse inflation) for a total of four minutes. Touching the bottom or the side of the pool before the four minutes elapses will disqualify the Marine.
(5) Without exiting the water, from the side of the pool, swim 25m using either the beginner's swimming stroke (back or front) or demonstrate working ability of any survival stroke or combination thereof.

Combat Water Survival, Third Class (CWS3) Marine must have completed CWS4. Emphasis is on personal survival under combat situations and while on
maneuvers in full combat gear. Re-qualification will occur every two years.
(1) From minimum height of eight feet (maximum of 15 feet), using the abandon ship technique and wearing utilities and boots only, enter deep water and travel 25m using either a beginner swimming stroke (on front or back) or demonstrating a basic knowledge of any survival stroke or combination thereof.
(2) Enter shallow water (minimum 1m depth) with rubberized training rifle at port arms and wearing full combat gear.
(3) Walk 20m in shallow water (minimum 1m depth/waist deep) with weapon at port arms and wearing full combat gear.
(4) Walk 20m in chest high water wearing full combat gear with weapon slung around neck, muzzle down.
(5) Travel for 20m in chest deep water wearing full combat gear with weapon slung around neck, muzzle down, using a modified breast stroke arm movement and modified combat stroke leg movement (bicycle kick).
(6) Travel for 40m in deep water (over the head) wearing full combat gear with weapon slung around neck, muzzle down, using a modified breast stroke arm movement and modified combat travel stroke leg movement (bicycle kick).
(7) From a height of five feet, using the abandon ship technique, enter deep water with full combat gear and weapon (weapon inverted at sling arms),
travel 10m, remove pack, and travel 15m transporting both pack and weapon.

Combat Water Survival, Second Class (CWS2) Marine must have completed CWS3. Emphasis is on the ability to assist an exhausted/wounded Marine to safety wearing full combat gear. CWS2 is the minimum requirement for all naval aviation aircrew with a written waiver from their commanding officer. It is the minimum skill level required of all officers, MOS 0313 (LAV Crewman), 0481 (Landing Support Specialist), 1371 (Combat Engineer), 1833 (Assault Amphibian
Vehicle Crewman), and all 7212 assigned to LAV-AD platoons. It is also the minimum skill level required for Marines assigned to "Boat/Raid Companies."
Re-qualification will occur every three years.
(1) Wearing full combat gear minus pack, using one or a combination of survival strokes, travel 50m in deep water, with weapon slung across back (muzzle down).
(2) Wearing full combat gear, perform 25m collar-tow on wounded "victim", dressed identically, while simultaneously towing two packs. Weapons will be slung across the back (muzzle down). Victim will hold on to the two packs and will not assist in propulsion.

Combat Water Survival, First Class (CWS1)
recruits are no longer allowed to attempt this level of qualification at boot camp, but can attempt it when in the Fleet Marine Force
Marine must have completed CWS2. Emphasis is on developing the ability to rescue oneself, assisting a victim/distressed swimmer to safety, and surviving under adverse conditions. This is the minimum skill level required for MOS 0303 (Light Armored Vehicle Officer), 1803 (Assault Amphibian Vehicle Officer) and 0321 Basic Reconnaissance Man.
Additionally, CWS1 is the prerequisite for a Marine attending Basic Reconnaissance Course. Re-qualification will occur every four years.
(1) Survival Strokes. Demonstrate an efficient ability to perform the following rescue strokes for a distance of 25m. Uniform is utilities only (no
boots):
(a) Breaststroke.
(b) Sidestroke.
(c) Elementary backstroke.
(2) Rescues. Dry land drill, water demonstration, and student practice time of all three rescues (wrist tow, cross chest carry, and collar tow). Students must properly demonstrate each rescue for qualification, utilizing an appropriate entry technique with a victim 20 meters away. Rescuers must return the victim to the rescuer's point of origin. Victims (either other students or instructors) are passive during the carry or tow process. The following are steps to perform each rescue:
(a) Rescuer, using a stride-jump entry,enters the water, performs a breaststroke approach stroke and assumes a ready position six to eight feet
from the victim. Victim puts rescuer in a front head hold; rescuer performs a front head hold escape. Rescuer performs front surface approach and a wrist
tow.
(b) Rescuer, using a stride-jump entry, enters the water, performs a breaststroke approach stroke and assumes a ready position six to eight feet
from the victim. Victim puts rescuer in a rear head hold; rescuer performs rear head hold escape. With the victim passive, and back to rescuer, rescuer
performs rear approach, double armpit level off. With victim passive, rescuer performs a double armpit tow and then transitions to a cross-chest carry.
(c) Rescuer, using a stride-jump entry, enters the water, performs a breaststroke approach stroke and assumes a ready position six to eight feet
from the victim. Victim puts rescuer in a double wrist grip; rescuer performs a double wrist grip escape. With the victim passive, rescuer performs a singlearmpit level off. With victim passive, rescuer performs a single armpit tow without breaking contact and transitions to a collar tow.
(3) Splash Recovery Technique. While simulating a burning oil spill situation, wearing utilities and boots:
(a) Using abandon ship technique, enter water from a height greater than eight feet and less than 15 feet.
(b) Without surfacing, travel 10m underwater.
(c) Using proper splash technique, surface.
(d) Remain on surface, and using modified breaststroke splashing technique, travel 40m for a total of 50m.
(4) Travel 250m using one or a combination of survival strokes wearing utilities and boots.

There are higher levels of qualification, but not that a recruit here at Parris Island can attain.

written and posted by: darlene r.