Citadel steps in to support Marine Recruit Training
SUMMARY
New Marine recruits destined for Parris Island will spend two weeks at the Citadel before moving into training.
The United States Marine Corps has begun placing incoming recruits into two weeks of isolation where they are regularly monitored by medical staff to identify any potential symptoms of COVID-19 infection, but the temporary tent housing these recruits stay in has been deemed insufficient as America's southeast braces for this year's hurricane season.
In order to ensure the safety of recruits awaiting training, the Marine Corps reached out to the Citadel, a public military college in South Carolina where aspiring military officers attend classes alongside civilians. The president of the Citadel, retired Marine General Gen. Glenn M. Walters, was happy to support.
"The Secretary of Defense charged each military service to develop strategies to maintain basic training, and The Citadel is proud to be part of the solution for the Marine Corps," said Gen. Glenn M. Walters.[facebook https://www.facebook.com/ParrisIsland/posts/10157269239882444 expand=1]
"Since The Citadel campus is currently closed due to the pandemic, the college is positioned to quickly assist as a mission-capable site in this effort that supports national security."
Recruits will be housed in the campus' empty barracks beginning on May 4, where they will remain for a two-week period of monitored isolation. During their time on the campus, they'll be given access to the college mess hall, infirmary, laundry, and tailor shop. They will also utilize some classrooms for periods of instruction.
"While meeting our mission, the health and safety of our Marines, all civilians and our families are a primary concern," said Brig. Gen. James F. Glynn, USMC commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depos Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region.
"With high school graduations happening now, this is one of our busiest times of the year. We are grateful to have this temporary arrangement so near to Parris Island."
The benefits of this agreement aren't one-sided either. While the Marine Corps gets a safe and well equipped place to house recruits in isolation, the contract established between the Corps and the Citadel will help offset the significant economic impact the college has suffered due to closures amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"This partnership is reminiscent of the Second World War, when The Citadel campus supported over 10,000 military personnel training in various programs before shipping overseas," Walters said.
"This is an historic partnership at a time of need, and it is a privilege to be a part of it."
You can learn more about what each branch is doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at basic training here.
This article originally appeared on Sandboxx. Follow Sandboxx on Facebook.
