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Prior to the conception of the recruit depots and Drill Instructor Schools, noncommissioned officers at the various posts and stations trained newly joined Marine recruits in the "principles of military movements" and the use of the rifle. The quality of training was as varied as the number of bases and noncommissioned officers. In 1911, MajGen. William Biddle, 11th Commandant of the Marine Corps, determined that such training was inadequate and established the first centralized recruit depots at Norfolk, Va.; Philadelphia; Mare Island, Calif. and Puget Sound, Wash. By 1915, East Coast recruit training was centralized at MCRD Parris Island, S.C. In 1923, MCRD San Diego assumed the duties as the sole recruit depot for the West Coast. During World War II, the Drill Instructor Schools were first established at both depots, but shortages of drill instructors needed to train the influx of new recruits forced the schedule to cover only a couple of weeks. In 1947, academic instructors were added to supplement the staff at the schools and the training syllabus was expanded to ten weeks. During the Korean War, recruit training was once again in high gear and Drill Instructor School was reduced to 3 1/2 weeks. Exceptionally qualified privates first class were admitted to the school until 1954 when enrollment was restricted to noncommissioned officers. Today, Drill Instructor School strives to be the premier leadership school in the Marine Corps. It encompasses over 500 hours of academics, physical training and practical application over an 11-week course. Not only are students given a thorough review of all military skills, but they are acquainted with an intensive indoctrination in the conduct, regulations, and procedures governing recruit training. The students also undergo a comprehensive leadership package which includes time management, communication skills, and counseling. Squad instructors continuously evaluate and counsel their respective students to ensure maximum performance. |
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There is one distinction that separates a Drill Instructor from all other Marines... the "Smokey" cover. Wearing it is part of the prestige that comes with training recruits, but it wasn't always limited to DI's. The history of the "Smokey" dates back to 1859, according to Dr. Stephen Wise, a Parris Island Museum curator. All Marines at that time wore only two covers: A dress cover and a Civil War-type "kepi" undress cover. Although the "kepi" didn't even remotely resemble the cover Drill Instructors wear today, it was replaced by the "Smokey's" close cousin - the Campaign Hat. The Campaign Hat, which resembled a cowboy hat, was introduced in 1898 to protect Marines from the sun and rain. It was worn in the field and in garrison, when ordered. A slit down the center made the top slouch, so it was often called a "Slouch Hat." In 1912, the Marine Corps replaced the Campaign Cover with the style of cover Drill Instructors wear today - the Field Hat. Many Drill Instructors mistakenly call the Field Hat a Campaign Cover. This cover was distinctive because it was the first American style hat. Up to this point, the Marine Corps had patterned uniforms after other countries. This cover was worn by all Marines, not just Drill Instructors. During World War II, the need to cut back on expenses made it necessary to discontinue some of the leather parts of the uniform. The Field Hat was one of the first to go in May 1942. After the war, gunners at Weapons Training Battalion were authorized to wear the Field Hat. In 1956, however, the felt version "Smokey" was returned to Drill Instructors' wardrobes. This mark of distinction has now become tradition. |
