Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) Professor Janel Doyle recently took part United States Marine Corps (USMC) Educator’s Workshop. The USMC Educator’s Workshop is an annual all-expense paid awareness program geared toward high school and community college educators and focuses on what it like to become a U.S. Marine.

Janel has worked with the U.S. Marine Corps for several years by serving as the Regional Director for the Toys for Tots campaign in South Central Kentucky.

Retired Marine General Jerry Humble of Russellville is a former commanding officer of Parris Island.

Doyle, along with Warren County High School Assistant Principal Joey Norman, and Rose Rementer, a local reporter from WNKY, first traveled to Louisville to the USMC Recruiting Depot for processing. There were 40 educators from all over Kentucky and Ohio who traveled to Parris Island, S. C. Upon arrival, the educators were treated just like incoming cadets.

According to Doyle, “We were immediately drilled off the bus by two vicious drill instructors. We stood on the yellow footprints, which was very emotional to me because I thought about the thousands of recruits that had stood on those very footprints before me”.

Doyle also said that they learned the difference in “yes/no, sir” and “Aye, Aye sir”. “Yes/No, sir” are said only when the drill instructor asks a question. “Aye, Aye” is said when the drill instructor gives a command. The educators also spent some time in the sand pit because they did not listen well to the drill instructors.

The educators also repelled down a 60-foot tower, participated in target practice, visited the barracks, and attended the Moto Run – where graduating recruits run down the streets of Parris Island with their platoons with their families there to cheer them on. The educators got to be a part of family day and had dinner with the graduating recruits and their families.

“In all honesty, this was the absolute best workshop/conference that I had ever attended. We got to experience firsthand how recruits are transformed into Marines in only 13 weeks. Recruits have to pass many tests before becoming a Marine. These tests include a test of knowledge (they are required to study and pass exams), swimming certification, physical and mental, riffle certification. The discipline and drive the recruits have is not comparable to any other. Work ethics and respect are top notch by the recruits and their superiors,” said Doyle.

“The Marines offer a reserve program for college students. This program requires them to go to boot camp (most attend during the summer) for 13 weeks, then they are required to report one weekend a month. They earn the title of Marine just like all others who are successful at Parris Island AND they get tuition assistance that does not have to be paid back for them to complete their college degrees”.