New Zealand Family Reacts to What New Marine Corps Recruits Go Through In Boot Camp 

Americans are enormously proud and respectful of the Marines. Doesn't matter who you are, or if you served. It's a bad day if you have to face a United States Marine in battle.

I was an absolutely horrid teen who was involved in drugs, burglary, and street racing. I joined the Army in 1981 and basic training turned me around immediately upon graduation. I was a high school dropout who now has 2 masters degrees and have retired from a successful career as an aerospace engineer. The military experience turned my life around and I am incredibly thankful for the experience.

From my experience as a Marine that video skips a bunch of the far tougher things that you go through in boot camp. Joining the Marines changed my life. I was a college student living off of mom and dad with a .5 GPA. Worked as a short order cook at a 24/7 fast food restaurant. Joined the Corps, learned what hard work really is, what discipline is, 5 years later I used my Post 9/11 Gi Bill and graduated with honors from a pretty prestigious college . Now I have a great job making really good money, the title of United States Marine that I will never lose, and the respect of my community. I served from 2003-2008

I am a USMC veteran. I went to bootcamp at Parris Island SC from Dec 85-mar86. My platoon was in the 5th series of women to qualify on the M16A2 rifle. Serving in the Marine Corps is an honor I will carry with me the rest of my life.

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don't have that problem.” -- Ronald Reagan

The proudest day of my life was when my drill instructor handed my me EGA and called me a marine for the first time. Bootcamp was hell but I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. Semper Fi

It was a bit of a shock to my little Kiwi heart to marry a Marine, but it’s been a hell of a ride. He did a full 20 years, and is proud to be a Mustang - an enlisted Marine who earned a commission. Living on bases was always fun (my accent helped!). Marines are some of the most loyal and kind people I’ve ever known. I treasure every Marine friend I’ve made over the past 30-plus years.

My father and my brother were both marines. My father taught me the marine corps song when I was a little girl. I sang it at his burial recently as he passed December 27, 2021, two days after Christmas. He lived his life by the marine corps motto which is semper fi which means always faithful.

I did 32 1/2 years in the Marine Corps! The empathy shown in your daughters eye's..... awesome parenting

The true love of my life my first husband became a Marine. He was an amazing guy before but after becoming a Marine he became the best man I have ever known. We started dating when I was 14, and married when I was 17 just before he went to Lebanon. The love of my life never returned, we were married less than 6 mts before I lost him, I was 3mts pregnant when he was killed, he never got to see his son. I am now in my middle 50s, and still miss him, I remarried a great guy, we raised our boys together. My son became a Marine just like his father, and he will retire a Marine. I couldn’t be prouder I know his father is proud also

The way that girl answered that question "To server their country". That gives me hope right there. I was watching the reaction of these kids the entire video. Their reactions are so honest and forthcoming.

I went through that straight out of high school in 1984. Watching this brings back a lot of memories. I actually went to Camp Pendleton in San Diego. To this day, I am proud to be a Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine! Oorah!

As a Marine I enjoyed this. One thing to consider is that once you earn the title Marine, you are a Marine for life.

My son just graduated the Marine Corps on September 3 we were at Paris Island South Carolina for his graduation I’ve never been more proud and what they go through is truly hell

I’m an army vet and I must say hats off to marines. Basic training was tough but those men and women are a different breed.

I became a Marine because I wanted to be tested in the most difficult and challenging way. Marine Corps boot camp gave me that challenge. I went to boot camp, expecting the worst. When I arrived at Parris Island, I got worse than I expected. The physical challenges were there, yes. But as you progress through the training, the physical challenges became easier because you became stronger. It's the mental challenge that is the toughest for many recruits. The Drill Instructors will push you past where your mind thinks it's limits are. Being able to overcome those mental blocks, instills self-confidence to a point where you feel you can conquer anything, any time, anywhere. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fidelis!

16:50 I watched this 5x 😂 Watching the drill instructor yell, "sit up straight" and the daughter and son straightened up so quickly 😆

One of my most problematic students I had in 9th grade, walked up to me years later in dress uniform and respectfully said hello, ma'am, thank you for what you taught me ma'am. I was so very very proud of all "my kids" who entered the armed forces. ❤

many members of my family have honorably served our country with a great sense of pride and honor for serving our country, my grandfather fought in WW2, my father fought in Vietnam, my cousin served as a navy seal, my older brother served in the army, I served 4 years in the army and then 4 years in the navy. I alway saw serving as an honored thing all the men in my family have done for generations. I almost forgot about my other cousin who served in the airforce .

Becoming a Marine was one of the best feelings that I have ever experienced. There’s no way to describe it other than to go through it!

As a retired Marine, I appreciate this video. Becoming a United States Marine was so important to me and I am honored to be a member of this group of America’s finest men and women. Yes it is illegal to abandon your post and you will be charged with desertion.

My daughter went through this training and is a United States Marine. I'm so proud of her.

My son is in camp pendleton now he graduates oct 20th our marines are everything

Once a Marine, always a Marine.

I love the daughter’s answer to why they would put themselves through that, “to serve their country”

As a Marine Corps Veteran I can assure you there are plenty of great times and laughs with some of the best brothers you'll ever have in your life. After boot camp lol

I served 4 years in the Corps. The pride is still feel 10 years later is incredible. I love my Corps

Lol this is the quietest I've heard you all during a video. Boot camp is intense, but so is the fleet and the lifestyle. My training and power in life really didn't set in until I was out for a few years. I struggled for a bit but then I found myself excelling in every environment. Graduated top of my class, and worked into a nice job in a massive corporation. I push harder and can outwork almost anyone, and am incredibly passionate about life and exploration. I love it, because I work hard, then I go home and enjoy the life that I've earned. The Marine Corps really is a gift to young Men and Women who need discipline and direction. Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful

Fun fact: Sgt. Espinoza was one of my drill instructors back in 2018-19. Happy to see him as a senior DI. Definitely one of my favorite drill instructors

lol your daughter is adorable! yes, sweetheart: we do laugh. :D

I’m happy to see that this family has a close bond with each other. If only more families were collectively together like this family. Lots of love. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

My husband went to.Paris Island. Did 27 years in the Marine Corp. it is truly interesting how the Marines come about. Know as Devil Dogs, Jar Heads and Leather Necks. After the Marine Corp he worked for CIA. He was injured and had left below knee amputated. I a very proud of my husband!❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Boot camp was brutal but necessary. At 18 years old I honestly felt that there was nothing I couldn't do, no obstacle I couldn't master, no problem I couldn't solve. The confidence, professionalism and relentlessnes was crucial.

My son was in the Marines for 12 years. He was a Marine Sniper and did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan just to name a few. Very proud parent.

My Grandmother, Grandfather, Aunt, Uncle, and Father were all in the Marines Corps. So proud of their service!

My son is one recruit who, for some unknown reason, could not get through for his initial phone call. We didn't even know if he was there or not until his first letter a couple weeks in! 😅 proud of him for becoming a great young Marine 💪

Lots of fun when the instructors aren’t around. Training after its over and you look back, it’s one of the best things you have ever done in your life

A young family friend who had just graduated Marine boot camp, was talking about how hard the final stage called ‘Citidel’ was. My Dad, who had gone through Marine Basic training, in 1952, quietly sat listening. After talking for quite awhile, the young Marine stopped and looked at my Dad… He asked him ‘Sir, Where did you do your ‘Citidel’ at? Without blinking, my Dad turned to look at him and said one word…..”KOREA”. The Conversation Ended there. Semper Fi, Dad. RIp 🇺🇸

I enlisted in the Marines a few years after graduating high school. After entering the work force, I realized having been raised without a father, I didn’t have the skills I needed to succeed in the world. I had no self discipline and sometimes couldn’t motivate myself just to get out of bed in the morning. The Marines changed my life forever. Without that Corps, I would probably still be living with my mother “figuring things out” like so many in my generation. I highly recommend enlistment to any young man or woman struggling to find their place in the world.

The yelling and screaming is to create warriors that are unfazed by anything…Gunfire and explosions everywhere and they can still listen and follow through with the mission…It gets total strangers to bond together and work as a team…The reason it’s still done this way is because it works.

As a former Marine musician...that drum routine at the beginning is forever stuck in my head. I was stationed in San Diego and did so many recruit graduations, and that's what the percussion section used to march the recruits onto the parade deck. Fortunately, I was mostly doing drum major work by that point, lol.

You guys are killing it....great job

I graduated recruit training at Parris Island in the mid 90’s. Wanted to be a Marine since I was a little boy. The finest fighting force in the world! Semper Fi Devil Dogs!!!!

I joined the Marines at 17 and I learned so many valuable life skills during my 4 years. I would not be where I am today had I not joined. I was a freshman in high school when 9/11 occurred and that played a big role in my decision to join. People thought a cheerleader could not become a Marine and I never liked being underestimated so I also wanted the challenge. I will always be willing to give my life to protect and defend our constitution.

Watching this makes me wish even more that I'd been able to do this. It was my dream to join the USMC. I wanted to be a marine corps sniper like my cousin. I really looked up to him. Then, in high school, I was in a track accident. I destroyed my left knee (irreparable), nearly broke my neck (crooked for life and shaved the vertebra), nearly broke my back (crooked for life), ruined my left ankle, and wrecked both shoulders. The left one still clicks and it has been almost 15 years. Oh, and ruined both bronchial tubes. I couldn't pass the prerequisite physical. I get around okay now, but the knee will still never heal. I still can't jog more than a few steps. I basically exploded the meniscus and bruised the bone at the bottom of the femur and the top of the tibia, so every time I walk it impacts and re-bruises. Not even surgery can fix it. They could put a new meniscus substitute in, but unless they're replacing the bones themselves, it's just risking infection. After nearly 15 years, it's a lot better than it was. But just as long as I don't try to run. Every time i see stuff for the USMC my heart aches for the younger me. I could've fought through the rest of it, but that damn leg. Maybe it was God's way of putting me where he wanted me. But to those who made it to become Marines, you're my hero and you'll always have a cheerleader. Even here in the cheap seats.

My dad was a Marine and went to boot camp in San Diego in the 1970s! Sadly, we lost him to cancer one year ago last Tuesday. 😞My grandad was a Marine too and fought in WW 2. Semper Fi!❤️

“What entices these people to become marines?” Many of us are tradition. My father was a Marine and many of uncles were as well. My first memories were of a parade deck where marine recruits were marching. That rhythmic thump of the boots all hitting at the same time and how sharp their uniforms looked was always something I looked up to. I didn’t find the “honor” or “pride” of serving until I was already in, I will admit I wasn’t mature enough to understand what that really meant.

Thank you for bringing back the worst and best memories of my life served 88-94 its so good to see young people learning and possibly shaping their futures. Semper Fi

I remember San Diego. I’m proud of all of them. They are doing a amazing job. Including my husband. And to the families. Thank you for be there and supporting them. Thank you for for your sacrifices when they have to leave.

I love how all the documentaries about basic training, no matter what branch, don’t show the true graphic moments. There’s a lot that the general public probably shouldn’t see, to be honest😅

Marine Corps bootcamp was the toughest thing in ever had to do in my life. The brutal training turned me into the man I am today. Although the training was tough, it was the best decision I have ever made. Simper Fi Marines

Thank you for your respect. It isn't easy becoming a Marine, but for me it was by far the best decision of my life. Semper Fidelis from an old Marine. 1974 -1977

Such a wholesome family

"What drives us to want to become Marines?" For me not only the sense of duty but also the challenge. At some point I was ready to give up, but the thought of going home a failure gave me that final push! Standing on that grinder graduation day hearing "GOOD MORNING MARINE" for the first time in font of family made it all worth it!!! Semper Fi!!

Marines definitely smile. Most often they're told not to smile when on camera. Always have to keep their "bearing". Marines are honestly some of the most silly people you'll meet when they get to be themselves and don't have their superiors nearby watching.

I love how your entire family is there with you on these videos

Loved my time in the Marines, glad yall got a kick out basic training.

Went through that on Parris Island, South Carolina, 27 years ago to earn the title of United States Marine. Proudest moment of my life.

You can be arrested for abandoning your duty station or going “AWOL” in any military branch. You sign yourself to minimum 4 years of service.

Merry Christmas NZ family from Chicago ❤

Marine Corps is a brotherhood. The shit you go through with your Marine buddies happens nowhere else! Glad to have served in the Marines. Semper Fidelis!

Thank you for reacting to this and, in the process, sharing it. At the end of the video, Mom asked why anyone would want to put themselves through this because, as she noted, "it looks like torture." It was suggested by Dad that we choose to be Marines to serve our country. While that is true, there is a deeper reason for the choice between the branches. We can serve our nation while attending an easier boot camp with more occupational options in the Navy or the Air Force. The Army's boot camp is tough but shorter, and it too has more occupational choices. So why would we join the Marine Corps? We joined the Corps to be Marines: to wear the uniform of the Marine Corps; to pursue the level of excellence demanded by the Marine Corps; to be warriors as required by the traditions and expectations of the Marine Corps. We are not angels, we are what the Germans called us when they first encountered us in WWI at the Battle of Belleau Wood: "Teufel Hunden." We translate that phrase as-and call each other to this day-Devil Dogs, but the phrase's meaning when correctly translated means Hounds of Hell. That is what we are and that is what we are all about: we are the hounds America summons from Hell itself when it needs us, and it is our Honor to have served her as such. I served a few decades ago. I am not as mean and not nearly as lean as back then, but we are Marines until the day we die at which point we are issued a duty belt, a rifle, and five rusted rounds so we can finally become dogs who guard the gates of Heaven wearing olive drab wings and ill-fitting boots, remaining Marines. Semper fidelis. Thanks again. May God bless you all.

I earned the title of Marine nearly 30 years ago, the traits of being a Marine have stuck with me and one of my sons earned the title as well just a couple of weeks ago. It’s indescribable what pride and honor you have instilled in your body becoming a Marine and then seeing one of kids becoming a Marine, priceless.

This was amazing to watch. I did a week in Parris Island, SC. as a 9th grader with my school/class. Memorable to say the least

As a gulf war veteran US Marine, every time i see these videos it brings me back to those days , 3 months of hell that made me a marine, i carry that with pride to this day

I still remember being done with the crucible and after that hike back.... We all cried when they gave us our Eagle, Globe, and Anchor lol

The term “desertion” is only used during times of war. Other than that, you can be UA (unauthorized absence) from your post. Both offenses are chargeable crimes under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Most Marines, myself included pride ourselves on never finding out what happens if you do either. Also, YES we can smile/laugh… when we are given permission. 😂

You guys are the best reaction channel cause you guys dont pause every thirty seconds and talk for 10 minutes like all the other ones do. 👍👍👍👍👍

I love it when they laugh simultaneously

I am touched by how precious and compassionate Atlanta is! She seems to have such maturity and understanding beyond her years. Evidence of great parenting!

I am a Marine. I enjoyed watching you guys experience what we go through to earn that title. To answer one of the questions asked. We become Marines because we want to challenge ourselves to be the best version of ourselves that we can. The Marine Corps offers that challenge. Strength of Mind and Body. Best decision i've ever made.

My brother was in the Marine Corps. We lived in Colorado and he joined at 18, just out of Highschool. He went to boot camp at Camp Pendleton in California. Depending on where you live in the US, that can depend on which base you go to. He retired from the Marine Corps after 23 years as a Gunnery Sergeant. He went overseas into hostile areas about 6 times and he has PTSD very bad and has not adjusted well since retiring, which was almost 10 years ago. He lost a lot of those he knew and worked with in Iraq and Afghanistan. Grenades were thrown over walls at them and some people coming onto the area where they were staying, strapped bombs to themselves and killed lots of people. War is NOT easy on families or friends and I wish that we no longer had war. Seeing how affected my brother is from being in the military, a job he loved and it was a way of life, one he continues to walk, he won’t ever be as he used to be, prior to joining. In the military, you are given an order and you follow them. In real life, even when asked or told, here in the US, some people still don’t do what they’ve been told. That’s one of the reasons military has a difficult time readjusting to civilian life. To anyone who has served, you have my deepest and utmost respect and I thank you for your service.

Retired Air Force here. So many great military training docs.... Watch the Air Force Pararescue hell night training... 24 hours of pain just to "begin" training... It has a 90% fail rate. (Only 10%) make it past the first day. Really gives perspective to those that sacrifice for us all

I'm a lifetime Soldier with 25 years on active duty and 47 months deployed to combat. My Marine brothers and sisters have my heartfelt respect.

I'm damn proud to have served eight years in my beloved Corps. Semper fi!

I went to bootcamp at Parris Island in 1976 it was the hardest thing I have ever done . I then went to Camp Lejune N.C. for school and served my tour of duty at Camp Pendelton in Ca.

My grandson is a marine and I could not be more proud of him , he is my hero

I am a U.S. Marine veteran. I was born and raised in california and flew across the country to Paris Island, South Carolina for the Marine Corps woman recruit training command(Boot Camp). I left for Boot Camp at age 20 on December 8, 1985 and graduated from Boot Camp in March 1986. I served four years active duty, and it was the best years of my life. I join the Marine Corps as a way to improve my life circumstances. It taught me pride and teamwork, gave me the chance to travel and the opportunity to serve in the very best military branch. To this day, I am still friends with the extraordinary women and men that I met while serving my country. And I would do it again! Semper Fi to my military, brothers and sisters,either we make it or we will all go down together!!🇺🇸🫡

I'm a Marine as well as my son. This video brings back memories. I was pre-crucible, but my son did it. The Marine Corps changed my life for the better. I enjoyed my time in, and will never make as good of friends as I did while serving. Semper Fi!

I love watching you guys you have a great family. I've been watching you for a couple years. I enjoy your comments and I think you're a loving family

18:20: Leaving a post without permission outside of combat is called going AWOL, and it can come with some pretty severe penalties in your military career. Typically if you’re AWOL for more than 30 days or abandon your duties during combat, that is desertion and will generally result in a trip to a federal prison.

You guys are great love from Florida

I loved watching you guys. Your son was very engaged along with dad. Mom and the daughter were like oh my this is rough. Fun stuff.

Former drill instructor here. This brings back memories. Good times.

To all of the soldiers in the comments, a big THANK YOU for your service! 🇺🇸

i went thru parris island in 1980. its something i will never forget. good times !!!!!!!!!

We got to watch our son become a Marine in 2013 in Parris Island. We were and are so proud of him. It showed the phone call home, I was the one to answer that call. One thing I can say about the Marine's, we are family. We sent one son to boot camp, I adopted 79 more. While our son served , if a brother couldn't go home for the holidays , we were his home, his family. When deployed, I sent care packages, I made sure they all got candy and cookies and whatever else they may miss from home.

Fun fact: when I went through back in 2014 one of the sounds they played over the loud speakers during the crucible was the d-day scene from Saving Private Ryan. I remember distinctly stopping mid crawl and going "is that fucking Tom Hanks yelling?" Before realizing where it was from

Just stating for the record, these DI’s *knew* the camera was on them. When they are off camera and no one outside is watching, things are very different if you’re catching my drift lol.

That looks fun. This only served to strengthen my will to join the marines after graduating high school. My brother is doing the same after he graduates as well. He’s a rising senior rn and I’m a rising freshman.

As a Marine, who is no longer in the service, I went to Parris Island in 1990. There is a period of time during boot camp where those who do not have the will or the desire to honor the commitment they made when they singed that enlistment contract have an opportunity to "quit". I don't believe it is a crime to do so, some cannot physically handle the rigor. It is absolutely a shock to encounter the combination of pain, exhaustion, and challenge that boot camp offers. But most physically capable human beings can do it, if they have the internal fortitude to just not quit. On the topic of desertion and criminality: you've signed a contract. You've committed of yourself to follow the orders and the directions handed to you. If you are asked to do something criminal it would be a crime to do that. If however, you are given a lawful order, it doesn't matter that you don't like it, or that it's hard, or that it puts your life in danger. The commitment you made to yourself, your fellow Marines, your country, and your God is to follow all lawful orders to the best of your ability. To fail to do so is to commit a crime. If assigned to guard duty, to fail to man your post until relieved is a dereliction of duty. It is criminal. The other Marines in your unit have entrusted their lives to you. You and your fellow Marines must be able to trust that you will each follow the orders they are given with the same level of commitment, discipline and effort. It is the duty of officers, to give lawful orders and to ensure that the orders they give accomplish their mission and keep the Marines under their command as safe as possible without compromising the mission. Anything less from the officers or from the enlisted members puts lives at risk. Desertion is punishable by imprisonment, there are military prisons. In combat, the traditional handling of desertion (like fleeing in the face of a lawful order to engage the enemy), has been handled by an officer shooting the deserter and killing them. The purpose is to prevent the total destruction of the other members of that unit, and the other units within that fighting force that depend on that unit accomplishing their mission. It may seem brutal and barbaric, but at the end of the day, there are reasons for these practices in military units around the world. People do come into conflict at the level of country vs. country, and when men fight for their country, success is counted in terms of sacrifice, discipline, training, and will to persevere. All of the training is focused on building into men and women who are willing to, that which is necessary to defend your country. Here in the US, we are particularly proud of our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence, and when we fight, we fight for them.

"Marine" is a title earned that you carry with you through life. Anything can be taken away from you, the title Marine stays with you. Once a Marine, always a Marine Semper Fi

To answer the little girl's question: "Do they ever laugh...." YES! We have a lot of fun outside of these videos! Even when deployed there is a lot of fun to be had! Unfortunately fun is very contextual and it depends on where we are and how bored we are! But we always maintain the highest levels of respect and integrity!

Love you guys. So at Parris Island SC in USA I can whole heartedly tell you that despite the rigorous challenge boot was, it was BEYOND A DOUBT some of the best memories of my life. Semper Fidelis. Oorah

It made me smile to see you guys sit up straight when the drill instructor yelled it, lol! So cute.

i love how the kids sat up straight too at 16:50. Man that was gold 🤣❤

My daughter is in Army basic training right now. 10 weeks 4 days. Its insane the amount of things they have to go through. So proud of all of our soldiers

I earned the title "Marine" on September 19, 1986. Second Battalion, Bravo Company, Platoon 1070. MWSS 472 El Toro. OORAH!

As a retired jarhead, I think my Grandfather taught me the best lesson ever about being in. He was a WW2 Army Air Corps veteran in the South Pacific. Right after my cousin and I returned from our first deployment he told us " Those who have been understand, and those who haven't never will." Truer words I have never heard. The war will never end inside.

I remember when my nephew was getting ready for this. He talked to me everyday before he went to Paris Island. I worried about him a lot. I just wanted home to not give up! This training is so good for them. It teaches them discipline under stress. You have to have that to fight a war.