Do the DI's ever hit the recruits in boot camp?

Question

One of my friends just got back from Marine Corps boot camp(he didn't graduate he just told me he got kicked out for medical reasons) and he said that the DI's could hit you when outside of the barracks. He said one of the recruits got 4 cracked ribs by being hit by one of the DI's. I know the DI's can't hit you no matter what, but do they still do it anyways? Just curious cause I leave for bootcamp June 1st.

Answer 1

If they want to be court-martialed, yes. General Patton nearly lost his job over doing just that.

Answer 2

I never saw a DI hit a recruit nor have I ever been hit myself. However, there was the good old campaign hat brim on the bridge of the nose; the earlobe, adams apple, and nose finger-flick. As for actual violence involving recruit and Drill Instructor: once, there was a fight in the showers, between two recruits. Two DIs went in to pull them apart. The two boots were swinging at each other and one threw some kicks and punches at a DI. Naked, the boot didn't have much of a chance and wound up with some bruises and scrapes. Sore feelings were eventually smoothed over and they both graduated.

Those of you who carried the M1 or M14 may have been popped on the head with the tip of the operating rod. That happened to me while dozing off in a class. Once, during, a formation, after inspecting my rifle, the DI returned it to me by slamming into my solar plexus, muzzle first. The final assault on my body, in boot camp, came when a rifle range NCO put my left thumb in the receiver of my rifle and slammed the bolt home. Is there anyone else here that can relate and tell our potential recruit what this feels like?

Also, I was stationed at PI for almost a year and never once heard of a Drill Instructor assaulting a recruit, Inside or outside the barracks.

Finally, don't compare yourself to your friend. I'm sure you will do great.

Answer 3

Sure they do, but not to inflict pain, to smarten ones *** up every now and then. Besides it's not really hitting, and if a recruit can't take it, this weeds out those that would probably get you or your buddies killed because they couldn't hack it.

When I went through (1967) I got thumped a few times but all because I wasn't paying attention. I never hated them nor held it against them.

Why do you think the Marine Corps Boot Camp is considered the toughest!!

As our DI would say "the more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war"

Whooooooo Rahhhhhhh

If your friend came home with a medical discharge, and he isn't wearing a body cast, then most likely he flunked out and they politely sent him walking.

Answer 4

It is illegal for the DI's to hit anyone in boot camp. My husband is a former Marine and tells me that this stuff does NOT happen (not even on the downlow) and if it does, then that DI is given court martial or appropriate punishment. More likely is that your friend is telling you this to scare you or was misinformed. Don't get me wrong. Boot camp will be tough, but you will not be physically abused by a DI. Good luck to you and thank you for serving our country!

Answer 5

There might be one of two Drill Instructors that abuse recruits but there are a lot of things in place to keep that from happening. Besides, most DI's will not risk their career over a recruit.

Your buddy is probably lying to you. Ask him about his "medical" problem. A person does not get "kicked out" in training due to some unforeseen medical issue. The proper term would be called a "Chapter". For instance, when I was in, a chapter 13 was for being over weight.
Your buddy probably couldn't hack it and does not want anyone to think he is a puss.

Anyway, good luck and thanks for volunteering to serve this great nation. The first couple of weeks will be absolute hell but stick it out and it will get easier as it goes.

Answer 6

There not allowed to, but they do. There's been a rash of news stories in recent months about recruit abuse, and the DIs responsible for it being court-martialed, and their superiors being court-martialed for knowingly allowing it to happen.

In the last few years, a DI hit a recruit for not entering the pool for aquatic survival training. This was on tape, and the next day the recruit died in the pool. That DIs career is now over.

Answer 7

If they do and get reported they are in a world of hurt but so will the recruit who reported them, the new DI will find out about the lack of loyalty and honor the recruit displayed by making the report. It is hard to be in the military even harder to be a Marine. If you are afraid of getting hit don't join whether a DI hits you or not you will get hit you will need to fight someone some time.

Answer 8

If they are all fighting than they have not learned AYNTHING yet and should be washed back to week 1. Other than that no they dont fight normally that I know of, other than the combat training which involves some american gladiator type stuff and some hand to hand combat. Isnt this like the 4th time ive seen you ask this question?

Answer 9

I heard people say that it still goes on, after we were watching "Full Metal Jacket". I don't know who they were trying to impress.

Physical violence on recruits (or by recruiters, ei "blanket parties") have been prohibited for over twenty years. There are still stuff that goes on by the lower ranks, but no DI is going to risk his/her career by striking a recruit.

Answer 10

He probaly broke his ribs while figthing with another recruit. Would be a good explanation for him being kicked out. DIs dont touch you but will yel at you very loud.