Boot Camp Graduation - July 2017 Parris Island Recruit Depot

**AdamBogle** · 10th December 16, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Steve hasn't said this explicitly, and I don't mean to put words in his mouth.

But for myself, as a Marine who well remembers my graduation day from OCS at Quantico: Please think twice about doing this. Your son will have been through thirteen long grueling weeks, under a great deal of pressure. What I remember most about my graduation (besides being proud of finally being a Marine) was not being able to wait until it was finished so I could get out from under the noses of the Sergeant instructors, into some civilian clothes, and have a relaxed meal off-base with my family. Had my dad shown up in a kilt I would have been very frustrated.

Be there and be very proud. But don't make it about you. Wear trousers and a nice shirt. Let your son be the center of attention. This is his day.

Thanks, He's asked me to wear a kilt, I'll ask him to reconsider and let me know when he's closer to graduation. And thanks for the input, it's very much appreciated

**Geoff Withnell** · 10th December 16, 02:43 PM

As another graduate of PI, I can say that it will be remembered as one of the most important days of his life. If he asked for you towear the kilt, and/or associates the kilt with recognition of special events, I would wear it. In any case, Semper Fi!

**AdamBogle** · 11th December 16, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

As another graduate of PI, I can say that it will be remembered as one of the most important days of his life. If he asked for you towear the kilt, and/or associates the kilt with recognition of special events, I would wear it. In any case, Semper Fi!

Thanks Sir for the input Sir and Semper Fi

**Benning Boy** · 12th December 16, 02:51 AM

As a graduate of where else than Benning School for Boys, I'm pretty familiar with summer in the Southeast. If you do go kilted, and your son is OK with that, wear the Leather Neck since a lot of people you'll meet there will ask about your tartan. A woolen one will be about as comfortable as one in P/V, maybe more so. The difference wouldn't be much. Here in Eastern Kansas humidity can be pretty bad. I've worn woolen kilts on these bad days and felt comfortable. Since you're going to a military affair, get a pilot shirt to wear. One looks STRAC with a kilt. You could add a tie to it and look better dressed. I would never consider even wearing a traditional woolen jacket or waistcoat.

**davidlpope** · 10th December 16, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by AdamBogle

Thanks, He's asked me to wear a kilt, I'll ask him to reconsider and let me know when he's closer to graduation. And thanks for the input, it's very much appreciated

Adam,

That changes my analysis.

"Making the Corps" by Tom Ricks is a good read for folks heading to training and their families. Check it out. Ricks is a great writer.

https://www.amazon.com/Making-Corps-.../dp/141654450X

**Steve Ashton** · 10th December 16, 03:53 PM

I have also heard, but not seen it personally, that graduations today are quite a bit different than in my day.

I grew up with a DI father. I remember when the barracks were wooden, two story squad bays. They did not have air conditioning or even screens on the windows.

When I went to boot camp myself they shipped me across the country to San Diego because my dad was still 'under the cover'. (that's marine talk for a Drill Instructor)

(I didn't go to OCS, I was commissioned in the field.)

In my day, graduations had very few parents in attendance due to the cost of travel back then and the fact that we were all going to be going off to Viet-nam. A few parents attended and they dressed up. My dad could not attend at all.

My enduring memory of my graduation was the hours in formation just waiting for it to be over. All I could think of was how much I wanted a Coke. I had not had a soft drink for 21 weeks. Once the graduation ceremony was over we all piled into buses and were taken to the airport for our first leave. I walk up to the first bar I saw and ordered a pitcher of Coke Cola, no ice, and chugged it in one long drink.

I have heard that graduations today are very much about family. They are included in the ceremony as much as possible and encouraged to attend. They actually call it "Family Day & Graduation". You may be invited to share a meal with your Marine in the chow hall, tour the barracks, and see some of the training he just completed.
I just watched a few you tube videos of Family Day & Graduation. I did not see one man in a jacket and tie. Lots of jeans and t-shirts. A couple of collared shirts on older guys.
Lots of older Marines with Corps ball caps. A couple entire families in matching USMC red t-shirts.

So dress and prepare to make a day of it. Enjoy it and show your pride in your son. He has just completed something that not everyone can do.

**AdamBogle** · 11th December 16, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Adam,

That changes my analysis.

"Making the Corps" by Tom Ricks is a good read for folks heading to training and their families. Check it out. Ricks is a great writer.

https://www.amazon.com/Making-Corps-.../dp/141654450X

Thanks very much! I just ordered that one and several others. I'm an Army vet, so the input is very helpful.