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 Corps and country. I will demand of them, and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality and professional skill. It is their sole responsibility to take the American men and women who want to claim the title and transform them into basically trained Marines.
Drill instructors are an example and a mentor to the recruits while they are in training.
In order to become a drill instructor, an enlisted Marine must go through Drill Instructor School, an intense 12-week course taught to prospective Marines on Parris Island. When a drill instructor begins to train recruits, he or she is usually accompanied by two to three other drill instructors all assigned to one platoon. One platoon general has approximately 60 to 80 recruits. These drill instructors wear green duty belts combined with a hat called a campaign cover, i.e. Smokey bear cover. Leading the platoon's drill instructors is the senior drill instructor.