CAGING THE BARRACKS
By Andy Weddington
Saturday, 19 August 2023
There's a way out of any cage, and I'll find it. - Jeffrey Hunter
Not too many weeks ago a Marine posted half dozen photographs, on Facebook, of recruit barracks aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
The bothersome images have to and fro'ed in thought since seeing them.
Finally, a conclusion or two.
I recognized the barracks - Second Battalion.
My battalion for three years 1983-86 (as series commander, company executive officer, battalion operations officer, and company commander leading and supervising drill instructors charged with the mission to make Marines).
But the barracks recently modified.
For fencing installed to block outer open areas of the second and third decks, the barracks turned into cages.
Thoughts of kennels and zoos and youth prisons first came to mind.
So I asked, "Why fencing?"
To prevent jumpers came reply.
Now there's so many jumpers as to require physical countermeasure?
Who are these recruits?
Was first question that came to mind.
But, wrong question.
The wiser questions go to leadership.
Who the drill instructors?
Who the officers supervising those drill instructors?
Reflecting, not one jumper during three years comes to mind. Maybe there was one. Maybe two. But not so many as to call for a costly and eyesore remedy. Never mind the inexhaustible discussion as to the psychological aspect.
Seems bizarre, to me.
I wonder thoughts of new recruits, visitors, and parents on graduation day (second battalion barracks sit on the main boulevard directly across from the parade deck)?
What kind of tone is that to set? The impression lasting.
What other countermeasures implemented?
To Mr. Hunter's opening thought, a determined suicidal recruit will find a way out of the cage.
Or "cage."
Patches mask and fail.
The correct and enduring countermeasure rests in leadership.
And supervision.
Making Marines is an art that requires professionals.
So it is Parris Island enjoys a scores and scores long rich history of turning out an extraordinary product - civilian transformed into Marine; globally feared.
Now fencing required?
Something is wrong.
Something is seriously wrong.
Remove the caging.
Back to time and battled-tested principles and traits, Marines.
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2 comments:
Concur all. It has puzzled me and bothered me as well. So I ask, what is happening in recruiting and recruit training that has precipitated such actions aboard the Depot? Is something missing in the screening at MEPS and by recruiters? Has boot camp become so harsh that recruits see suicide as the only way out? We need to start asking questions and digging deeper. Something is amiss.
Barrow sends
Have some issues accepting the premise that leadership is the primary cause of suicides and the resulting "Cages" at PISC. Please do not take any of my comments as a blessing of today's leadership in the Corps, for I believe it is abysmal at all levels especially at the top! However, I am saying that I would not be too quick to go after the recruiter or the MEPS. A close look at our current society tells me the younger generation, whatever it is they are calling themselves today, are weak. Suicide is the second leading cause of teen deaths in the U.S. As a DI (1962-64) we experienced no suicides during my tour. And as the CO of the largest RS in the Corps (Chicago 1982-85), none of the 1000's of enlistees we sent to MCRD committed suicide. Recent reports state that as high as 70% of the military enlistment age group (18-25) are ineligible to enlist in any service because of physical and mental issues. Add to that problem the fact of all services, even the USAF have failed to make their recruiting goals. Yeah, I know the Corps recruiting guru recently stated it was going well for the Marines. Been there and understand it. Say is is well and those considering may join, say it is not going well and those same kids will wonder why and not consider joining. Have personal experiences with that philosophy post Beirut bombing in 1983 within Ninth District. In closing, I will agree with the cage philosophy. Me personally? If they want to jump, let em'. JB sends
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