[Terry Mross]

Apparently he changed his mind. This wouldn’t have happened if he’d been on an island.

[doorgunner69]

I sometimes wonder, looking back, which was the better way to go through bootcamp, SD or PI. Strangely enough, never recall discussing that with guys who went through PI.

Seeing all the homes up on the hill in the sunset as we used the wash racks, watching the airliners take people to who knows where..... Essentially seeing the world happen just beyond your reach. The isolation of PI may have been a better way to get through without the longing to be out there..........

[BwanaNdege]

First page, circa 1968, (paraphrased) of the Recruit’s little red notebook.

“Parris Island is in fact an island. It is surrounded by miles of treacherous swamps. The swamps contain quicksand, sinkholes, poisonous snakes and alligators. Past the swamps are the ocean and inland waterway channels. These have very strong tides which can easily sweep away even excellent swimmers. Moreover, sharks, barracuda and other dangerous marine creatures inhabit these waters.”

(IOW, DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT ESCAPING!)