It could have been Beirut all over again
Same here. I went through initial training with many men of various ethic backgrounds—a few of them fulfilling propositions from judges for very serious first offenses (yes, still happens contrary to myth)—go in as problem children and come out as great men. Would’ve trusted any one of them with my life after that 13 weeks. They were from Detroit, Chicago, Louisiana, Hawaii (oh, yeah, Samoan), Puerto Rico—all over.
Over 10% of them didn’t make it through the first, eight-week phase (various backgrounds, suicide attempts, stress fractures, etc.). Don’t know how many more dropped out during the remainder of the 13 weeks. But those who graduated were all great men. I was 31 and the only “old man” who made it. All of those who were from rough neighborhoods made it, if I remember correctly.