DVIDS – News – MCRD SAN DIEGO HIGHLIGHTS MARINE CORPS CAPABILITIES FOR CIVILIAN LEADERS ATTENDING JOINT CIVILIAN GUIDANCE CONFERENCE

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (October 28, 2022) – MCRD San ​​Diego hosted 39 civilian leaders from American universities, corporations and businesses attending the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) to en learn more about life inside the Marine Corps.

JCOC participants received first-hand experience of the Marine Corps boot camp. Their morning began as they unloaded the buses directly at the iconic Yellow Footprints, where over the next 20 minutes, Marine Corps Drill Instructors provided a mock reception experience, allowing attendees to get down to place of a Marine Corps recruit when they first arrive at recruit training. After their high-intensity introduction to the Marine Corps, the group visited a squad bay to receive a mock introduction to their drill instructors before enjoying a meal with some of the Depot’s permanent staff at Duncan Chow Hall. The highlight of the morning was the hands-on application of the 60-foot rappel tower, a tool used to instill confidence in Marine Corps recruits. JCOC participants donned Marine Corps combat utility uniforms and strapped in harnesses before fast-roping from the center of the tower with assistance from masters of the helicopter rope suspension technique sailor from the depot.

“It’s important for us to show these influential members of society what we do here on a daily basis, because often things are glamorized through movies like ‘Full Metal Jacket’, where they think they know exactly what we’re doing here. “said GySgt. . Danielle Brinkman, head of academics at the Drill Instructor School, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. “This opportunity gives us a chance to show civilians a look behind the curtains, so they can see how important it is for us to be here and why we do what we do.”

During their visit, participants also attended the graduation ceremony for the newest company of U.S. Marines, who have spent the past 13 weeks undergoing the Marine Corps transformation process, learning the customs and traditions of the Marine Corps and to prove that they meet the Corps’ high mental, moral and physical standards. Following the ceremony, the group huddled on the parade deck for a photo with Brigadier General Jason L. Morris, the Commanding General of MCRD San ​​Diego and Recruiting Region West, before heading to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to continue their day of Marine Corps learning.

“Although each branch has its own culture, sentiments, quirks and sense of community, there is something about the Marines that seems so different…it’s not that the other branches aren’t as impressive, but the Marine Corps in general just feels like a different planet and it’s absolutely for the good of the Marines and the good of this country,” said Mike Goldberg, a JCOC participant.

The JCOC is the DOD’s oldest and most prestigious public liaison program, established in 1948. It is the only Secretary of Defense-sponsored outreach program that enables business and community leaders Americans to have a full immersive experience with their military. Americans learn about their military and the men and women who serve.

Participants are nominated for the conference by senior military officials or program alumni and selected for their influence. This year’s group includes leaders from academia, financial institutions, the entertainment industry and professional sports.