Tag Archives: Marine corps

Standing at Attention

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I had a dream last night. I was in boot camp. As dreams usually go, it was sort of disjointed; but anyway, I remember that I was sitting back, sort of rambling on about something. And then I was asked by a stern voice behind me why I was not standing at attention like everyone else. It was sort of a Gomer Pyle incident. Well, suddenly, in my embarrassment, I realized that I was not at attention as I should be, and I quickly snapped to it.

When I woke up from that short dream I immediately wondered what God was showing me—maybe that I am too lax in my life, and that I am not serious enough and steadfast enough in His program; that I need to get with it.

I was in the Marine Corps from 1969 to 1971 and I never had trouble standing at attention. In fact, I think my conduct was good. I was a good Marine. But lately, now in my old age (at 72) maybe I am becoming a little lax. Maybe I am letting things slide. I think I need to ‘get with the program” more (God’s program).

When I think of standing at attention these words and phrases come to mind: being still, rigidness, readiness, alertness, being cautious, watchfulness, not being lax or slack or laidback or careless, looking my best, being fearless, bold, steadfast, courageous, resisting evil.

And usually, when you think of standing at attention you think of standing with other solders in straight lines—all ready for inspection. So, the picture is of the readiness of a combat unit ready for war.

I think God wants me to understand my dream as how I can be better prepared for the war against the flesh and all evil. He is telling me that I am too lax, too slack, too laidback, undisciplined, too unprepared to do battle against the enemy and evil.

Here are a few verses that come to mind as I think of standing at attention.

Matthew 26:41. Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

I remember those days in boot camp while standing at attention. It was the perfect opportunity to be still and pray and listen to the voice of God—and my drill instructor!

Isaiah 50:7. Because the Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. I have set my face like a flint to do His will; and I know that I will triumph.

I remember wearing those wool dress uniforms. They were very itchy and uncomfortable. Standing at attention very still was helpful. I was determined to be strong through the discomfort. Now, 53 years later, I also need to be strong and determined, and to resist all evil and trouble.

Joshua 1:9. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Standing at attention is taking a position of strength and courage. Showing fearlessness.

1 Corinthians 15:58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

When we stand at attention in our mind in the army of God we demonstrate to the world and to the angels that we are steadfast and unmovable in any work for the Lord. We will be steadfast to resist all evil and continue in the work of God as He has planned for us to do, knowing that our labor for Him will not be in vail.

Marine Corps Boot Camp: 8 Periodic Events

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At the rifle-range.

There were some things in boot camp that weren’t on a daily basis. Here are eight of those events.

1. The three-mile run. This was a regular exercise, but not daily; more like every other day. And we usually ran in full gear: boots and backpack. I didn’t mind this event or any of the other more physical events. I was in pretty good shape.

2. The twenty-mile run and walk. We only did this a couple of times during boot camp, and it was also in full gear. I think this exercise was planned especially for those who would be going to Vietnam (most of us). What a workout!

3. The rifle-range. I think I remember going to the rifle-range about once a week. It was basically an event to learn how to hold your rifle steady while shooting, and in different positions. We would shoot standing up, in the prone position, and sitting. We also did some shooting with the 45-caliber pistol. One thing I couldn’t understand is why we trained with an M14 rifle in boot camp and then were issued an M16 in Vietnam? It made no sense to me. And even though the M16 was lighter, I wish I had an M14 in Vietnam. I would have felt safer with it, because I think it was more accurate.

4. Weapons training. In addition to shooting the M14 and the 45, we would also learn how to throw grenades. That was scary to me, just knowing that you only had a few seconds to throw it after pulling the pin before it would explode. We were also introduced to a few other weapons like the M60 machine gun, the M72 LAW, a very nifty lightweight anti-tank weapon, and the M79 grenade launcher, which was my primary weapon in Vietnam. We all had our turns to shoot these weapons—kind of fun. We also watched demonstrations of other larger, more powerful weapons like tanks, cannons, mortars (an artillery weapon), and we even watched the fully- armed, black-hawk helicopter destroy things. A great show!

5. Self-defense and bayonet training. As for the self-defense training, I already knew quite a bit from high school wrestling. But the bayonet training we got I think was helpful—that is, it would have been if I had an opportunity to use it. Most of the close hand to hand combat was done earlier and during the Tet Offensive (from 1965-68). I didn’t get to Nam until 1970.

6. Guard duty. Guard duty in boot camp was on a rotating basis during the night, about a two-hour shift. I never liked it. I did the same thing in Vietnam every night. I didn’t like it there either.

7. Surprise cleaning duties. Every once in a while, our drill instructor would announce to the platoon that we had a project to do. I remember once when we washed a rather large concrete floor. We did it all by hand scrub brushes and white towels. I remember the instructor saying that it had to be clean enough to eat off of. And it was.

8. Punishments. We were harassed and yelled at constantly; that was part of the training. But punishments were different and less often. One time the entire platoon was punished, but I can’t remember what for. Anyway, we spent hours doing calisthenics in deep sand. Most of the time the punishment was on just one Marine. It was usually quite brutal and for the least offences. But then we were Marines and were expected to perform out duties well, and without complaining.