There is a slang term used for the first Friday after arriving in bootcamp: "Black Friday". This is the first time your recruit will be introduced to his/her drill instructors. Indeed, this is one of the defining moments in the recruit's training.

To this day, my son as well as every Marine I have met, continue to hold their DIs and SDI (Drill Instructors and Senior Drill Instructor) in the highest esteem and with intense respect. Your son or daughter will do the same.

How do recruits move from "Black Friday" to holding their DIs in the highest esteem in 13 weeks? The drill instructor creed, below, says it all. These are not just words; this is the 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, 13-week mindset of every instructor with your recruit. The drill instructors do not go home at the end of the day when they are training a platoon--they stay with the platoon. They sacrifice much to live by this creed and they will make sure your son or daughter earns the title of "United States Marine".

"These recruits are entrusted to my care. I will train them to the best of my ability. I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained marines, thoroughly indoctrinated in love of the Corps and country. I will demand of them and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality and professional skill."

A quote from a Marine with a son in recruit training:

"Our Sons are in good hands, the Marines and Drill Instructors our sons come in contact with are the cream of the crop! They are true professionals and will train our sons to the best of their abilities. Every day our sons will be their top priority. I put all my trust in the professionals that will take my son though the toughest training in the world. Our sons are in good company!"

Dedication ~ Leadership ~ Integrity