Thanks, Gunny.
I knew I didn't dream all of that!
Remember that stupid ice plant that grew outside the tents we had to keep watered out of buckets?
Someone told me they have air conditioned and heated dorms there now.
The wusses don't know what they missed!
I had the distinct privilege of sitting with the Commanding General, Commanding Officer of Recruit Training Regiment and their respective Sergeants Major at a parade just about 30 days ago. Attended a recruit graduation at PI. The barracks are nice, though except for the A/C, not much different than those of the "old corps". Still wash racks outside, laundry lines, bunks and foot lockers, etc.
The just graduated Marines talked of "locker box drill" at 3am, double timing to and from the old Elliott's Beach area, etc. Some things have changed but not the basics.
The most impressive aspect to me was the absolute perfect physical condition of every Marine. Even the CG and CO RTR were hard with muscle, each wearing "white side wall" hair cuts. In two days on the island I did not see one single Marine (note: recruits don't count, they're still not Marines until graduation) with the slightest indication of a gut. Impressive. They still don't get their eagle, globe and anchor until after they have successfully completed the crucible.
I am more than ever confident that the Corps will do itself proud wherever they are told to go.