Boot Camp Death

[H2O Man]

MSNBC is reporting on the death of 19-year old Jason Tharp, at Marine boot camp at Parris Island, SC. They have a tape of a DI physically abusing Tharp the day before the recruit drown in a pool. The DI was abusing this kid because he was refusing to get in the water.

The father of this kid, who entered the marines to "prove" himself to his family, shared letters with NBC that clearly show this young man should have been discharged from the service. He wasn't marine material.

The news story raises some serious issues. The larger issue involves how the military should weed out recruits who do not measure up to the military standards. Some kids simply aren't going to be able to meet the standards. There should be clear indications before they die.

The other obvious issue involves the DI who abused this kid. He was reportedly going to face charges. The next day the kid drowns. Hmmm.

I should note I am not "anti-marine." My grandfather was a DI at Parris Island during WW2. He was on the cover of the marine training manual.

[izzie]

1. I see we all have to add the thing about we are good Americans

I do it my self. The Freepers say the news hates US. and the service for having it on the TV. I frankly think it is an American thing that we know what is going on and the service was always to be under the control of the people. Founding father's thoughts long before I got it. Some people are just not cut out to be in the service, even if they sign up and may think they are. This is just a shame. Now who can they blame this on?

[H2O Man]

4. I don't "have to add" anything.

I choose to for a reason.

Perhaps the pressure to meet recruitment goals is playing a role in the keeping of a kid who should never have been in the marines to begin with.

[evannever]

2. Sad, but it happens.

It's unfortunate and it leaves everyone in that recruit's life with a deep sense of loss. The Marines will conduct a thorough investigation and will prosecute if there was negligence or foul play.

While I was in basic combat training in the Army, a Private died at my post and two others died at other posts, but I never felt like my life was at risk. There was a strong focus on safety during training.

[Wcross]

3. He should have been dropped.

When I went through basic at Parris Island we had guys that were dropped. I saw the tape of the DI hitting this kid and thought to myself, is that all? I remember being gut punched four or five times during training (hard enough to drop to my knees).

As far as the recruit drowning, I find it hard to believe they didn't screw up with that. Whomever was in charge of saftey during the swim should be held accountable. I don't think a little punch the DI gave him the day before contributed to the drowning.

BTW, why would a kid who can't swim join the Marine corps?

[H2O Man]

5. I do not think

that anyone thought the shove with the forearm was part of the cause of death. I think that it has more to do with showing that this kid was scared shitless of the water exercise, and had been singled out by one DI. The DI apparently knew that he faced some potential consequence for the abuse.Was that DI at the pool-side the following day? That seems to be the question the MSNBC reporters were asking.

[oneighty]

6. Death march at Ribbon Creek

8 April 1956 where six Marine recruits drowned in Ribbon Creek during a forced march.

There is a book about the incident: The Court Martial At Parris Island. By John C Stevens-he too was a Marine.

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