Unit 2 IP Presentation Essentials - Essay Example

Outline of Grunt Life in the US Marine Corps Table of Contents Grunt Life in the US Marine Corps 3 Specific Purpose 3 Central Idea 3 Introduction 3 Body 4Conclusion 5References 7Grunt Life in the US Marine CorpsSpecific Purpose The main purpose of the presentation is to inform the audience about grunt life in the US Marine Corps, taking off from the available literature on the subject.Central Idea Grunt life in the US Marine Corps is hard and challenging, but for the sincere Marine this kind of life has its own rewards and fulfillments.

IntroductionI. The term grunt refers in general to infantry men in the Armed Forces, and for the Marine Corps all personnel that have the Military Occupational Specialty of 03 are infantry men or grunts (Urban Dictionary, 2012).1. The term is opposed to pougues, who are in essence non-ground personnel, or personnel with office or support details (Urban Dictionary, 2012)2. The different personnel classified as grunts include the following, together with their MOS number designations: rifleman (0311); Riverine Assault Craft (0312); LAV Crewman (0313); Rigid Raiding Craft (0314); Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft (0316); Scout Sniper (0317); Reconnaissance Man (0321); Reconnaissance Man, Parachute Certified (0323); Reconnaissance Man, Combatant Diver Certified (0324); Reconnaissance Man, Parachute and Combatant Diver Certified (0326); Machine Gunner (0331); Mortarman (0341); Infantry Assaultman (0351); Anti-Tank Missileman (0352); Infantry Unit Leader 0369) (Powers, 2012). II. Taking a step back, the grunt is part of the highly esteemed US Marine Corps, whose commander is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the US, and which functionally is part of the US Navy (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2012)1.

Marine grunts have a long and prestigious history defending the country against its enemies and being at the forefront of various wars since its inception (US Marine Corps, 2012). 2. The place of US Marine Corps in American culture is one of honor, as evidenced by the dedicated war memorial that has come to be the final resting place of US Marine grunts (National Park Service, 2012)Body I. Life as a Marine grunt is hard and strenuous, from the first day of training through the different missions and tasks that the grunt is assigned to.

It is demanding physically, emotionally, and psychologically, and only the fittest survive through to the training and the actual field deployments (US Marine Corps, 2012; Wetzel, 2012; Lodder, 2011; Hogan, 2008; Mitchell, 2010; Small Wars Foundation, 2009).1. The dangers that grunts face in the Marines is real, and there are testimonies to the strength and courage of those who suffered serious and life-threatening disabilities and injuries on the field. Those testimonies and stories make up the vast lore of valor and bravery that make up the life of the Marine grunt, and they are widely discussed and honored by all Marines and the larger society.

The story of one Marine who suffered massive injuries while on duty in Germany is the story of all Marines (Wetzel, 2012)References to grunt life in the protracted wars that the US continues to fight, such as those in Afghanistan, are graphic and unedited, giving us a glimpse of the unromantic aspect of grunt life, so unlike the romantic images we get from the movies and from popular culture. Real grunt life in the Marines is sometimes harrowing, but Marine grunts try and stick with the truth no matter where it leads (Small Wars Foundation, 2009; Hogan, 2008)II.

The rewards of grunt life include a life differently lived, surviving and thriving in the harsh conditions of the training and the deployments, and the wisdom and experience gained from such a life. This is on top of the honors and the high esteem given to Marines by American society (Small Wars Foundation, 2009; Hogan, 2008; Wetzel, 2012; National Park Service, 2012; Lodder, 2011; Mitchell, 2010). 1. The psychology of the Marine is partly about pride at being excellent in their line of work, and in being of true service to their country (Mitchell, 2010)2.

Society pays tribute to the Marine grunt through war memorials and a special place in the popular lore of American culture (Small Wars Foundation, 2009; Hogan, 2008; US Marine Corps, 2012; Wetzel, 2012; National Park Service, 2012; Lodder, 2011).ConclusionGrunt life in the US Marine Corps is difficult and challenging, as well as dangerous. There is a reason why the recruitment and training process is very rigorous, as only the fittest emotionally, physically, and psychologically are able to make the cut.

Being admitted is a big rewards in itself. Aside from that, grunt life in the Marines has its own satisfactions and returns, chief among them the esteem that comes from being considered among the best in the field, and from being part of a group that is held in very high regard in American culture and society (US Marine Corps, 2012; Wetzel, 2012; Lodder, 2011; Hogan, 2008; Mitchell, 2010; Small Wars Foundation, 2009).ReferencesColumbia Encyclopedia (2012). United States Marine Corps. Answers Corporation.

Retrieved from http://www.answers.com/topic/united-states-marine-corps Hogan, J. (2008). Marine in Iraq.”Whats it like to be a Grunt in Iraq”. The Military View (Blog). Retrieved from http://www.themilitaryview.com/?q=node/168Lodder, R. (2011). Killing Time (All in a Ball). Marines Blog. Retrieved from http://marines.dodlive.mil/2011/08/30/the-grunt-cax-experience-all-in-a-ball/ Mitchell, K. (2010). An old grunt, still a Marine. Life as a Marine. Retrieved from http://www.lifeasamarine.com/marines/story/250511-an-old-grunt-stillNational Park Service (2012).

United States Marine Corps War Memorial. US Department of the Interior. Retrieved from http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/marinecorpswarmemorial.htmPowers, R. (2012). United States Marine Corps Enlisted Job Descriptions and Qualification Factors. About.com. Retrieved from http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/03.htmSmall Wars Foundation (2009). Grunt Life in Afghanistan. Small Wars Council. Retrieved from http://council.smallwarsjournal.com/showthread.php?t=2654Urban Dictionary (2012). grunt. Urban Dictionary.

Retrieved from http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gruntUS Marine Corps (2012). Defining Moments. Marines.com. Retrieved from http://www.marines.com/history-heritage/defining-momentsWetzel, D. (2012). Wounded Marines Still Fight. Marines Mag. Retrieved from http://marinesmagazine.dodlive.mil/2012/08/20/wounded-marines-still-in-the-fight/