I was in the Corps from 79-92 and went through boot camp at MCRD San Diego just prior to Mr. Calkins' supposed stint in my Corps. Naturally I was interested in learning a little more about the close combat the Marine Corps taught while I was in since I was already a martial artist. I learned from my inquiries and personal experience that the close combat program in the Corps was quite limited at that time. When I was in boot camp, we learned three throws (O Goshi, O Soto Gari and Ippon Seoi Nage) and the use of the bayonet. Later in the late 80's, the Marine Corps adapted the LINE program which expanded the close combat curriculum. As far as "self defense" at Parris Island or for that matter, anywhere in the Marine Corps, not very likely. First, there was not formal school for "Self Defense" or close combat during the time that Mr. Calkins claims. Only places that the Marine Corps taught close combat of any type was at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and San Diego, and at the Office Candidate School at Quantico (and specialized schools like the Marine Security Force school). Like I said, not a formar school, but simply a part of the Recruit/Officer training units on those bases. Instructors were ALL Drill Instructors who had already lead several platoons and they were sent to teach other things to recruits in order to give them a break from the pace of being with a platoon. When I was stationed at Parris Island from 85-89, I taught a Karate class for the base MWR and got to know most of the close combat instructors on the base. Every single one was a Drill Instructor.
As an aside, if Mr. Calkins was in the Corps from 80-84, it is a safe bet that he did not remain at Parris Island to be a Drill Instructor or to teach close combat. He would have been too junior to have attended Drill Instructor school and the only folks that get stationed at PI following their MOS school are those like support related MOSs like cooks, administrators, motor transport and the like.
Mr. Calkins should really learn that the more he types on his keyboard, the deeper the grave he digs for himself.
Mr. Calkins, please produce a copy of your DD-214. If you are not comfortable in posting it publically, you can send me a copy, I will remove any confidential information (like SSN) and post it for everyone to see. Otherwise, cease claiming that you earned the right to be called a Marine.
