Kilo Company Graduation at MCRD San Diego | May 20, 2022



The new Marines of Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, graduate at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 20th, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marines Corps customs and traditions. Following graduation, the Marines were given 10 days of leave before taking the next step in training at the School of Infantry at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

Transcript

Officially formed in 1921 Marie Ben san Diego has thrown countless millions throughout the world with its inspiring renditions of traditional and contemporary music. Each member of the band has completed recruit training, maintains combat skills and many have been on combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan giving true meaning to the title Murray musicians Marie Ben san Diego is under the leadership of Chief warrant officer, two Alex Spanos band officer and master sergeant. Gary Robinson Bad master. Today the band is led on the march by corporal Samuel calzada luna drum major and is under the direction of the enlisted conductor gunnery sergeant. Megan harper Russia. Yeah, yeah. Mhm. Mhm, mm hmm. Yeah, mm hmm. Mhm. Yeah, mm hmm. Yeah. Mhm. Mhm mm hmm. The pre parade surname was provided by Marie from san Diego. Marine Corps recruit depot, san Diego California. Mhm. Mhm. The Marine Corps has played an active role in San Diego history ever since Marines from the Super War, Cyan sees old town during the Mexican American War. In 1846, Marines have been stationed at the recruiting depot since 1921 when most of the buildings to your front were constructed. These buildings known as the arcades were designed by world famous architect Bertram Goodhue. The arcade is among 25 buildings that have qualified for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places and are outstanding examples of Spanish colonial revival architecture. Since 1923 more than a million marines have completed their recruit training here at the Marine Corps recruit depot san Diego and since 1915 at the Marine Corps East Coast recruit training depot at parris island in south Carolina. Regardless of where a marine attended boot camp, you can rest assured that they received the toughest and most physically and mentally demanding recruit training offered anywhere in the world. Some individual techniques and methods may have evolved over the years, but the focus and adherence to your core values of honor, courage and commitment are as strong today as any time in our history today. The marines of Company K accept the responsibility to safeguard this proud tradition as they stepped forward to join this rich heritage ahead of them live bright futures that will no doubt add to the proud marine legacy that they now rightfully claim as their own corporal many is a three year old, full blooded English bulldog born in Fallbrook, California on July 9th 2018, he’s named in honor of Sargent, john er Manolito sr one of the original 29 Navajo code talkers who trained in the first all Navajo platoon here aboard the depot. In 1942 Sergeant Manolito helped create the code that the Navajos developed at Camp Elliot, now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. He became an instructor, teaching other Navajo marines. The Navajo code later Sergeant Manolito participated in the battle of Iwo Jima, where a marine signals officer stated. Had it not been for the code talkers. We would have never taken Iwo Jima corporal many continues the tradition of a long line of marine corporal dog mascots dating back to 1921 went regular General Smedley Butler appointed Sergeant Major Jigs as the first bulldog mascot for marine Corporate’s Quantico. He’s being escorted by the Office of Communication, strategy and operations. Corporal max J. Noel. Okay, Okay, mm hmm. Thank you. Yeah. Oh yeah. Hey, spiritual development plays an important part in the making of the United States Marine Lieutenant Junior Grade Alicia Morales, chaplain corps. United States Navy will deliver the graduation prayer. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Let us pray marijuana. We thank you for your presence here today. We thank you for these young men who came in as recruits and are leaving as marines. So the hard work and perseverance, they now join the family and ranks of the finest fighting force on earth. We thank you for the friends and family who provided support through thoughts, prayers and letters of encouragement. May they rejoice in this great celebration. We thank you for these drill instructors for they have made marines through their leadership discipline and sacrifice. They have instilled within each and every one of them. The honor, courage and commitment that is woven into the very fabric of this core. It is because of these drill instructors that these new marines cannot live out the great honor traditions to always be faithful first to fight and most ready when the nation is at least ready. May they rejoice in their great accomplishments. Once again, we thank you for your presence here today. And as always we ask that you continue to bless this country and corps. Amen. Thank you. Please be seated. The Commanding General, Marine Corps recruit depot, san Diego welcomes you to what is a historic event in the life of a marine. Their graduation from boot camp Approximately 40 weeks each year. For the past 100 years, New Marines have departed San Diego for service with units of the Marine Corps around the globe. The primary mission of the recruit depot is to provide basic training to recruits enlisted west of the Mississippi, which represents approximately 51% of all applicants in the Marine Corps. Each year, the depot is also home to recruiter school and drill instructor school. All our efforts here are geared toward one end producing America’s finest fighting force, the United States Marines this morning. Company K Third recruit training battalion recruit training regimen will form in March in the parade following the passing review, The graduating marines will return front and center of the reviewing stand for final dismissal. The staff for today’s parade is comprised of marines from the river training regiment. The commander of troops is Captain Stuart J. Fallen. Company Commander of Company K. Third recruit training battalion. The parade Adjutant is Captain Rowland, Hulun. Executive Officer. Company K Third recruit training battalion, recruit training regiment. Yeah, the marching units are now being called to attention and the Adjutants Command Sound Adjutants goal will begin today’s parade as you did. Marching in today’s parade are 198 of the graduating Marines from company K. Among the 198 marines are two marines who displayed outstanding performances and to individually graded events. Private Lyndon B. Jackson from platoon 3235 is the company high shooter, scoring a 334 out of 350. Private first class Trevor L. Mullins from platoon 3230 is the most physically fit Marine, scoring a 297 out of 300 on the physical fitness test And a 300 out of 300 on the combat fitness test. They will be receiving awards from the Marine Corps Association and Foundation. Present. Today is the company gonna graduate recruiter. Staff Sergeant Gabriel Alcantar, Also present today is the primary marksmanship instructor with a platoon high shooting average of 215 for platoon 3235 corporal Alberto Rodriguez Recruit training is compressive subjects required to produce basic marines who function effectively in garrison. Are trained in rudimentary individual field and combat skills and practice the personal and professional traits which distinguish them as marines. Examples of these traits are discipline, the achievement of a state of discipline which assures respect for authority, instant and willing obedience to orders and the self reliance to maintain or improve those traits which exemplify a marine military bearing consistently demonstrating military presence and personal awareness as well as the proper wearing and maintenance of uniforms. Mm hmm, mm hmm. Okay esprit decor, acquiring the common spirit of the marine corps that inspires enthusiasm, devotion, pride, initiative, team, board aggressiveness, determination, moral courage, integrity, camaraderie and the burning desire to work with and for others towards excellence and common goals. Mhm. For 246 years marines have fought and won whenever and wherever the nation calls in the harshest conditions over the most brutal terrain and against the most formidable enemies. Marines defend the ideals of freedom with grit and tenacity though, battlefields change and capabilities evolve. History proves that true victory comes from the individual marine with steel, resolve. The drive to overcome any obstacle and the warrior spirit to fight on against all odds. It takes that steadfast faithfulness, semper Fidelis to core country and each other that abounds throughout our storied legacy. Marines today remain in combat forward deployed throughout the world, confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty and faithfulness, their resolve to be most ready when the nation is least ready to defend freedom anytime and anywhere, to stand ready to aid those devastated by natural disasters to pay tribute to those who have forged our proud legacy and to honor the families and loved ones who faithfully stand beside us. For the Marines of Company K. Today marks the end of the 13 week recruit training cycle. They have marched countless miles at Camp Pendleton and on this parade deck and have been trained as they’re all marines as basic rifleman. In addition due to an intensive physical training program, their strength and endurance have doubled since their arrival aboard the recruit depot. They’re marines qualified to take their places in the ranks of the world’s finest fighting organization. Mm hmm. Well mm hmm. The platoons are now being aligned from left to right in order to get them into their exact positions for the parade. Yeah, The next portion of the ceremony will be our national anthem. We welcome veterans and members of the armed forces to join us in rendering appropriate honors with the military salute for guests who have not served in the military. It is proper etiquette during the national anthem to place their right hand over their hearts and for those in the audience wearing headgear to remove it. Will the guests please rise for the presentation of the colors? Mhm mm hmm mm hmm mm hmm mm hmm. Mhm. Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem? Mm hmm. Yeah. All right, mm hmm, mm hmm. Sure. Mhm. Mhm mm hmm mm hmm mm hmm, mm hmm. Mhm. Thank you. Please be seated following the command parade, Rest the parade Adjutant will give the command sound off which signals the band, the parade forward of the assembled marines while playing military marching music. Mm hmm. Mhm mm hmm. Mhm mm hmm. Thank you. Mhm mm hmm. Yes. Mm hmm. Mhm mm hmm. Mhm mm hmm, mm hmm, mm hmm. Okay. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm mm hmm, mm hmm. Yeah. Mm hmm mm hmm. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm mm hmm. And. Mhm mm hmm. The Parade adjutant now presents the assembled command to the commander of troops. Yeah Jerry. Yeah. Yes. Mm hmm. 3000 sorry. Mhm. At the command officer center March, all unit commanders and guide on bearers marched the front and center of the formation. Historically it was at this point that commanding officers would issue orders and instructions to the unit commanders. Following this. The unit leaders would face about, return to their units and pass the information along to their marines. Mhm. Okay. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Yeah. Harry. Yeah. Mm hmm. Mhm. Yeah. Mm hmm. Mhm. Um mm hmm. Yeah. Mhm. Mhm mm hmm. Throughout our nation’s history, millions of men and women have earned the title of United States Marines. Many who have helped shape our history, join us here today in keeping with the tradition of once a marine, always a marine. We would like to recognize them at this time. Those in the audience who have served as marines please rise. Ladies and gentlemen a round of applause for their dedicated service to court and country. Mm hmm. Yeah, mm hmm. Thank you. Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, the battalion commander for third or true training. Battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher. A fashion hurst. Good morning, Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, distinguished guests on behalf of the commanding general of the Marine Corps, recruit depot, san Diego and the western recruiting region. Brigadier general Morris as well as the commanding officer of the recruit training regiment. Colonel jones. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the graduation ceremony for Company K. It is also my distinct pleasure to introduce our parade, reviewing official kernel Folsom whose impressive biography you will hear shortly sir. It is an honor to have you with us today. Now I’d like to take a few moments to talk about why I am so proud of the young men. You’ve come to see graduate, but first let me draw your attention to these impressive marines wearing those distinctive green campaign covers. They certainly do not need an introduction from me for we all know them as the legendary Marine corps drill instructor. From the moment a recruit arrives aboard the depot, there is a drill instructor with them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Everywhere they go. For it is the drill instructor that is the heartbeat of what it takes to transform a civilian into a United States marine of the thousands of people we will meet throughout our lives. Let’s be honest, most of them we will forget but no marine anywhere will ever forget the name, the face or the gentle loving voice of their drill instructor. Also seated by the reviewing stands are the families of the officers and drill instructors of kilo company. These families know firsthand the time, dedication and sacrifice it takes to make marines and we could not do it without their love and support. So if you would all please join me in a round of applause for the families of kilo company. We also know that making marines is a team effort and it all begins with the hardworking Marine Corps recruiters who are spread throughout this great country of ours. Today, Marine Corps recruiting command is represented by Staff Sergeant Alcantara from recruiting Substation Abilene Texas. Staff Sergeant Alcantar was the recruiter for our company honor graduate private first class Mullins. It was staff sergeant. All counter that first gave PFC Mullins the opportunity to earn the title Marine Outstanding Job Staff Sergeant. Now let me turn my attention back to the remarkable young men standing in this formation behind me. They are truly some of the best this country has to offer. When they arrived here. They were young and fit 18 years old, on average and already in better shape than most people their age, 99% of them are high school graduates. Three of them have already earned a college degree, but furthermore, they displayed a courage and a commitment that most of their peers could never muster when they raise their right hand and swore that solemn oath to support and defend the constitution of the United States. They come from every expanse of the globe in this case, four different countries. Some are from as far away as Poland and the Philippines. Others are from just across the street here in san Diego. But it was a single goal that brought the 198 of them together. And that goal was to earn the title marine. Three months ago they embarked on the world’s most demanding entry level training as they got off those busses and stepped foot into our historic yellow footprints and trust me throughout their time here they have undoubtedly been tested. They have been trained and evaluated in the attributes that make the core both unique and deadly. We have developed in each of them a physical and mental toughness that will never quit or give up despite the odds, they’ve been indoctrinated in our core values of honor, courage and commitment so that we create marines of exemplary character, both at peace and at war. They’ve been trained in battlefield tested warfighting skills so that when this nation calls its marines always win. And thanks to the marksmanship instructors at weapons field training battalion up in Camp Pendleton. When these Marines arrive on their objective, they are capable of delivering precision rifle fire at a pinpoint target at staggering distances out to 500 yards. And finally we created small unit leaders out of each of them and evaluated their ability to decide, act and communicate with a bias for intelligent action. For that is what the future operating environment will demand. Now in addition to all of that, I hope yesterday you noticed a few other upgrades we’ve installed. They should have stood a little taller. They certainly looked a little leaner. They should have looked in the eyes and said these strange phrases like yes sir, yes ma’am, moms and dads. It should be a long time before you have to tell one of these marines to get a job or a haircut and I assure you they know how to clean up after themselves and make their beds. But it is the change within that we are the most proud of for having been indoctrinated our core values And then by virtue of the fact that they are standing here today means that they have embraced those values as their own. And so it is because of this journey they have made because of the physical mental and moral development they’ve displayed which was built upon the foundation that you all laid. That I am proud to present 198 young men who through their own blood, sweat and tears can now and forever claim the title of United States Marine right now. If you’ll excuse me for a moment while I address our new marines one last time. Good morning marines. Did you all hear that? That is pure pride that has prided themselves and pride in the title that they have earned. Now kilo company. I know when you arrived here so many weeks ago, the last thing on your mind was graduation, you were probably thinking what in the world have I gotten myself into? And how do I get them to stop yelling at me? But you stand here today as America’s newest marines having accomplished something that most would never dare attempt and when you get home this weekend, people are going to look up to you. They’re going to be proud of you as they should. And your friends are going to ask you how you did it. And when they ask you that, I want you to take him for a walk down to your recruiting station and introduce them to your recruiter because I can promise you your drill instructors well, they would love to meet your friends. But remember that with this new title comes a great responsibility for the strength of the marine corps. Is not found in a weapons system or piece of equipment. It is found in the war fighting spirit of the individual marine. That is what matters most in combat and that is what makes us different. This world is a dangerous and chaotic place, but that is why we have you and the legacy of our core of not only being the first to fight, but to always win, belongs to you now for safekeeping That Eagle Globe and anchor that we handed you on top of the reaper represents 246 years of all of the marines that have gone before you. So be proud of yourself. Be proud of what you have accomplished. But remember who you now are and who you now represent and always remember to protect what you’ve earned. So on behalf of the officers, the drill instructors and all of the support personnel here aboard Marine Corps recruit depot san Diego. Let me be the first to issue fair winds following seas separate Fidelis. Marines. Welcome to our core. Now taking their position in the reviewing area is today’s parade reviewing official kernel set. WB Folsom, Commanding Officer, headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division. He is accompanied by Colonel Joseph W. Jones, Commanding officer, recruit training regimen. Marine Corps recruit depot san Diego California. Colonel Seth WB Folsom. Commanding officer, Headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division. Colonel Folsom was born to a U. S. Navy family in Monterey California. He earned his commission through the platoon leaders class program and graduated from the University of Virginia in 1994. After graduating the basis school, Colonel Folsom reported to infantry officers course and obtained the military occupational specialty of 0302. Infantry officer. Colonel Folsom has served in a variety of challenging bullets and numerous commands to include serving as a platoon commander at company, a first Light armored reconnaissance battalion and battalion landing team 21 Company commander at Company D. First Light armored reconnaissance battalion battalion landing team 31 G three. Training officer and current operations deputy at First Marine Division adviser team leader at military transition team 0733 and third Battalion 28th Brigade Seventh Iraqi Army Division in Al Qaeda in Iraq. International Affairs Officer, Program Coordinator at Plans, Policies and Operations Department Headquarters, Marine Corps Operations Officer and Deputy Division Chief for the Joint Staffs, Joint Operations Directorate at Central Command Division And the Assistant Chief of Staff G three at First Marine Division. Colonel Folsom currently serves as the commanding officer for headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division. His personal decorations including the legion of merit with C device for meritorious performance into combat Operation, the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing V device and two gold stars in lieu of third award and the Combat action ribbon. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs and Master of Arts and Strategy tick studies and he’s the author of three books, The Highway War. A Marine Company Commander in Iraq in the gray area. A marine adviser team at war and where youth and laughter go with the cutting edge in Afghanistan. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Colonel Seth WB Folsom. Yes. Yes sir. Thank you. Mhm. Okay. Mhm. More than a million marines have been trained here in the past 100 years and then departed San Diego for combat in conflicts around the world, including places whose names are immediately associated with Marine courage and dedication names such as Guadalcanal Tarawa, Iwo Jima poussin, Chosen Reservoir Basin Waste city, Lebanon, Granada, Panama Kuwait Somalia, Fallujah, Ramadi Marjah Sangin and our most current operations worldwide. This parade nick is rich in history and tradition and no marine trained here ever forgets its sights and sounds. Ladies and gentlemen, the commander of troops. Captain Stuart J. Fallen company commander and the regimental staff. Mm hmm mm hmm. Ladies and gentlemen, as the national flag passes directly in front of you, please rise. Once it passes you may be seated. Yes. Marine band san Diego. Marine Depot san Diego California. Series 3229. Series Commander, First lieutenant nelson piquet sharks. 3229. Senior Drill Instructor, staff Sergeant Rudy Jay Rodriguez, Honor Platoon 3230 senior drill instructor sergeant, Robert. L. A. Ko 3231. Senior drill instructor, staff sergeant Rene Torres mm hmm. The regimental color guard is led by the regimental color sergeant, drill instructor. Sergeant Jesus are Aguilera. Mm hmm mhm. Series 3233 Series Commander. Captain santos T Rodriguez and platoon 3233 Senior drill instructor, Staff Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez, Platoon 3234 Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Elias J. Irizarry. Okay, oh what And Platoon 3235 Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Jonathan, M. Vance. Mhm mm hmm please. Mm hmm mm hmm. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you turn to page 21 of your graduation pamphlets, you will find the Marine Corps hymn. The Marines Hip has a history dating back to 1859. It is a longstanding tradition for marines to face the direction of the music and stand at attention when it is heard. It is now directed that all marines present and who have served honorably and ladies and gentlemen, you are all encouraged to join, sing the words of the first verse as Marine Van san Diego performs anchors away followed by the marines. Him will the guests please rise, mm hmm. Thank you. What what are you doing? Thank you. Please be seated. The marine course uniqueness and strength as an elite fighting force is directly attributable to the magnificent efforts of the drill instructors and company officers who train and supervise the recruits. The distinct qualities of spirit and discipline. The heart and soul of every marine have been developed, nurtured and ingrained and recruits through their observance and relationship with their drill instructors and officers. Recruit training is the very foundation of the core. Each year. Richard training provides thousands of America’s finest young men and women with the basic knowledge and skills to function in profession characterized by its own set of high values and tough standards. The most important thing we do in the Marine corps is make marines. The individual marine is the core. That is what we do here. Although Company K prepares for their final dismissal from boot camp today. Their initial training is not over soon after graduation, they will report to the school of infantry, kemp Pendleton California where they will continue to be trained to serve as an effective member of a marine rifle squad. The intense initial training that every marine undergoes is designed to instill the fundamental premise that every marine is a rifleman. Mm hmm. Mhm. Okay. Mhm, mm hmm. That’s right. Oh who’s ladies and gentlemen at this time we would like to introduce to you the marines responsible for ensuring the success of the difficult transition required to become a marine. The company commander is captain Stewart jay Follet. The company 1st Sergeant is 1st Sergeant Carlos. A cons. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the company staff of Company K. Mm hmm. The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional function of retiring the guidance. Uh huh, mm hmm. The guide dogs have been carried by the platoon’s throughout recruit training and are being retired to symbolize the disbanding of platoons. All similar units in the Marine Corps carries such guidelines which identify the unit and are a source of pride to each individual member. Note that the honor of carrying these guidance is bestowed upon those worries who displayed outstanding leadership qualities, motivation and character and was selected as the platoon honor graduates. The platoon honor graduates compete for the titles of series and company honor graduate. They’re considered the top marines graduating today and have demonstrated the highest potential for future leadership and responsibility in the marine corps. Mm hmm mm hmm. Thanks away. Mark got him. The guidance will now be returned to the drill instructors. Yeah. Mm hmm mm hmm. Got him. Mm hmm mm hmm mm hmm. The honor graduates will now be presented a plaque by the battalion commander. Lieutenant Colonel Ashton Hearst and the battalion sergeant Major Sergeant Major Cruz Jr. Ladies and gentlemen, please hold your applause until all honor graduates have been recognized more so the honor graduate for platoon 3229 is Private first class David S. Merrick from Billings Montana. Mhm Right, sir. The honor graduate for platoon 3230 the company honor graduate is Private first class Trevor L. Mullins from san Angelo Texas. Private first class Mullins is also the recipient of the chesty puller award for his outstanding meritorious performance while in recruit training. Mm hmm. The honor graduate for platoon 3231 is Private first class Malaki a Duran from Martindale Texas. Good morning sir. The honor graduate for platoon 3233 is Private first class Garrett. See victor from Robinson Texas. Good morning sir. The honor graduate for platoon 3234 is Private first class steven. Eight inches from Hemet California one sock and the honor graduate for platoon 3235 and the series undergraduate is Private first class tanner M. Metzger from reno Nevada. Mhm. Ladies and gentlemen. The owner dredge wits of Company K. Oh, mm hmm. Mm hmm. Mm hmm. Mhm. Mhm. Okay. Mhm. Okay. The first sergeant. Okay, mm hmm. I’ll be across the border. The company the company first argued, will now give the command to the senior drill instructors to dismiss their platoons, needless to say this will be the most welcome command they have received throughout recruit training. Senior doctor. This all right, first word. Oh, ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today’s ceremony. Mm hmm. Yeah. Oh, but Oh yeah.

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