Cpl David Mulldune, U.S. Marine Corps (1967-1969)

Military Training Develops Life Skills

The day before graduation from boot camp at MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) San Diego, all the platoons gathered on the parade deck to do final drills in front of Major General English, CO of MCRD, and Colonel Boress, CO of the Recruit Training Regiment. We wanted to look sharp and make our DIs proud. Did we ever! Everyone performed flawlessly. Our boots all struck the deck at the same time. It was amazing that so many guys were in complete unison and moving as one. I was feeling so much pride when we did an “eyes right” as we passed General English’s stand and the Marine Corps Hymn started playing. Chills went down my spine, and I felt like my chest was going to pop the buttons off my shirt! I will never forget it.

Eventually, the greatest day EVER came. GRADUATION!!! We had put up with a lot of physical, mental, and verbal shit, but we had made it. I didn’t fuckin’ believe it. Ten weeks that I thought would never end were over. Incredible.At last, we were Marines. Our DIs were right when they said we would learn a great deal about ourselves. We learned that we CAN survive regardless of the conditions. We learned NEVER to give up. Others have done it, and we can do it, too. Where no others have done it, then we can set an example for others to follow. We were pushed and pushed to test our limits and to realize that when we thought there was no fuckin’ way we could go one inch farther, somewhere from deep inside, we could pull the strength to go that one inch. Of course, having a DI ready to kick your ass helped a lot in finding that inner strength. Whatever was required of us by Marine Corps standards, our DIs would always make us do one more. In PT, we had to do 18 pull-ups, but our DIs made us do 19 and 60 push-ups; we had to do 61 and 86 sit-ups in 2 minutes; we would do 83, etc. Where I doubted myself…I no longer doubted. I exuded a badass confidence from every one of my pores.

We were taught to be cool and calm under pressure. Your life and the lives of others might be dependent upon your ability to make calm and rational decisions under difficult and life-threatening circumstances. Such as where the majority of us were going. Vietnam. I went in at 6 feet tall and 150 pounds. Ten weeks later, I was 6 feet tall, 183 pounds, and rock solid. We were transformed from those slimy, undisciplined civilians into disciplined and efficient United States Marine Corps members. For the first time in 10 weeks, we were allowed base liberty without a DI breathing down our necks and riding our asses. The taste of freedom. And what an accomplishment. I would never have believed I could make it if I knew what was coming.

I am proud that I served my Country, that I became a Marine, and of my fellow Marines. Even though I didn’t recognize it at the time, the Marine Corps had instilled in me a will to win, never to quit, to be responsible and accept responsibility for my actions, and many other qualities that have contributed to me being a better person in this world.

If I had to choose one thing as being the single greatest thing the Marines taught me, it would be that no matter what the obstacle is, no matter what life throws at you, never, ever give up. There have been times since Vietnam when I have wanted to give up, but that one life lesson, that voice barking out saying “one more,” wouldn’t let me. I owe a lifetime debt of gratitude to the Marine Corps and to my Drill Instructors: SSgt. Sunn, SSgt. Garcia, and especially Sgt. Clark. My Marine training and experience is something that time and reflection have taught me more to appreciate. Semper Fi!

Read the Military Memories of our Runner-Ups.