Shiflett said drill instructors watch Marines as they are created.

"Without them to train 'nasty civilians', the Marine Corps would not exist today," she said.

Agreeing, Knight said that drill instructors get to watch every day citizens become Marines, which not everyone can do. It is a sense of accomplishment that not many people get to achieve.

But getting there is not easy, as Brown knows first hand. The drill instructor school is extremely exclusive, only picking the best of the best. Then, the drill instructor hopefuls must complete the hardest school in the Corps.

Brown also said it will be worth it.

Once completing DI training, Brown will receive and extra $375 per month special duty pay. Also, as time goes on Brown's experience as a drill instructor will help with promotions.

"It is one of the most respected jobs in the Marine Corps," he said.

The Future

Because each of these Marines are or at one point were, well, Marines, they will be given opportunities in the future if they decide to retire from the military that they may not have otherwise received.

During his stint in the Marines, Schmidt was a bulk fuel specialist, providing support and fuel for all air and ground vehicles. Schmidt just started a new job with United Biofuels in York, Pa., where they turn soybean oil into bio diesel, citing his experience and his being a Marine key roles in getting the job.

Knight is considering working for the government when he retires from the Marines, saying his clearance would go a long way with the ATF or the DEA.

Unlike her male-counterparts, Shiflett's post-Marine path has nothing to do with her learned skills or the government. She wants to pursue photography on a professional level or focus her studies on biology.

"I want to be free and make decisions without having to let the Marine Corps know about it," she said.

As for Brown, he is considering making the Marine Corps his life long career. He cannot be certain when he will retire from the Marines or what he will be doing once he gets out.

He does not know where his path will lead him, he said. "I don't have a crystal ball," Brown said, laughing.

These are the few and the proud. They have faced the dreaded drill instructors and survived to tell about it. These made Marines are thankful for their experiences and the paths their lives have taken, whether they chose to continue working for the military or find another job.

One thing they do have in common, though, Schmidt said it best.

"I LOVE BEING A MARINE. OHHRAH!"

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