MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Marine Corps drill instructors dedicate their lives to working long hours while training recruits, and their hard work does not go unrecognized.
On every graduation Friday, drill instructors from the graduating company are commemorated with an award ceremony held in the base theatre.
Last week, Company B drill instructors selected their peers who they believed deserved the awards. Winners were presented their awards by their company first sergeant in front of their graduating platoons.
“We hold the ceremony in front of the new Marines so they can observe their drill instructors getting recognized, and to emphasize the importance of faith and service to God and country,” said Gunnery Sgt. Sam Mortimer, a Company B chief drill instructor.
Each company presents Marines with the Moral Leadership and the Band of Brothers Awards. Depending on the company, some choose to present the Staff Sgt. Gonzalez, Gunnery Sgt. Nichols or the Dan Daley Awards as well.
The Moral Leadership Award is given to the drill instructor who demonstrated outstanding effort in solving problems that arise during recruit training. The recipient is one who served as a role model and counselor to their fellow drill instructors and recruits during the training cycle.
“Receiving this award is a great honor,” said Staff Sgt. Carlos R. Xavier, senior drill instructor of Platoon 1025 and receiver of the Moral Leadership Award. “Everyday I strive to excel in my job and it means a lot to me that I was recognized by my fellow drill instructors.”
The Band of Brothers Award is presented to a platoon’s drill instructor team that preformed well together throughout the training evolution and displayed an exceptional amount of teamwork.
“During training we developed a tight bond with our team of drill instructors,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Figuerado, drill instructor of Platoon 1021 and one of the recipients of the Band of Brothers award. “We all shared the same mission and strived to make the best Marines possible.”
During last week’s ceremony, Company B bestowed the Staff Sgt. Gonzalez Award to Sgt. Matthew Harris, drill instructor of Platoon 1027.
The Staff Sgt. Gonzalez, Gunnery Sgt. Nichols and the Dan Daley awards are given to the Marines who possess a strong amount of work ethic and dedication to their job.
All of the awards are intended to promote friendly competition amongst the platoons, which reduces stress and makes work more of an enjoyable environment, said Mortimer.
Every day drill instructors strive for perfection. Those who perform beyond normal expectations earn the awards and a Meritorious Mast, a certificate recognizing an individual for noteworthy performance of duty.
Drill instructors are held responsible for molding the future of the Marine Corps, and the depot sets aside one day of the week to reward them for their contributions.