IN REPLYING
REFER TO No.
LOI 4 HC-99-004

From the Director

From: Office of the Director, USMCHC

To: All new USMCHC "Living History" and "Contemporary" interpretive applicants

Subject: Recruit probation.

Reference: USMCHC Marine's Handbook, (5th edition); L.O.I. # HC-99-014 This letter augments these references, and gives requirements for the satisfactory completion of recruit probation of all personnel entering the USMCHC as active interpretive members.

This Letter has been revised on 23 December 200 1, and supersedes all previous regulations.

It is the policy of the USMCHC that all personnel entering the USMCHC as living history or contemporary interpreters, in order to maintain the high standards of this organization, and of the Services they are representing, must successfully fulfill an apprenticeship (recruit probation) period. During that time the recruit must satisfactorily master those basic skills, both military and educational/interpretive, necessary to properly perform at the basic level of the position/service/ time period(s) they will be representing.

After the review and acceptance of an individuals application, the recruit will sign an enlistment agreement. This agreement does not obligate the individual to a specific time requirement, but does confirm that they understand the commitment the are accepting, and agree to abide by all regulations and requirements as set forth by the USMCHC.

The probation period for all new applicants shall be no less then one year, and will commence on the date recorded on the enlistment agreement. That period may be extended at the request of the recruit, or at the recommendation of the training NCO, or Platoon Leader.

All new living history applicants, upon being accepted into the USMCHC, will be trained in and represent Marines of the mid twentieth century (WWII/Korean era). Once a recruit has successfully completed probation, if desired, a request may be submitted to expand into representation of other periods in Marine Corps history. All such requests will be reviewed by the Director and approved based on the demonstrated competency of the individual and the needs of the USMCHC. To successfully complete the probation period the living history recruit must meet the following requirements:

1. Before the completion of probation the recruit must attend one of the 5 day basic training courses, held annually in the June/July time frame, and participate in at least two (2) public educational programs.
2. During probation the recruit must complete training in and demonstrate a satisfactory proficiency in the following areas. All information and training material needed to complete the probation period is contained in the USMCHC Marine's Handbook. These skills and knowledge include:
   • Basics of Infantry drill and individual movements without arms
   • Manual of Arms with the service rifle
   • Care and proper wearing of the uniform
   • The basic pack system and equipment; assembly, care, and maintenance
   • Maintenance and care of the service rifle
   • Customs and courtesies of the service
   • Physical Fitness standards as set forth by the USMCHC
   • Basic Marine Corps history and traditions
   • Basic interpretive/educational techniques
3. At some point during the probation period the recruit, when he/she feels ready, must pass the Physical Readiness Test with a minimum score as listed in L.O.I. #HC-99-002. If the recruit fails to meet the minimum score on the first try they will automatically be rescheduled to take the test again. A recruit can not complete their probation period without meeting the minimum score for the Physical Readiness Test. Note; prior to participation in the Physical Readiness Testing, or any other physical activity with the Historical Company or element thereof, a letter from your physician, ertifying that your health and physical condition is of a suitable level to allow your involvement, must be first forwarded to the USMCHC's Medical Department.

Contemporary Applicants:

To successfully complete the probation period a contemporary interpretive member wishing to work directly with the public must meet the following requirements:

1. Before the completion of probation a contemporary interpreter must participate as an observer and interpretive assistant in at least three (3) public educational programs.
2. During probation the contemporary interpreter must complete training in and demonstrate a satisfactory proficiency in the following basic areas:
   • Basic knowledge of Marine Corps history (including uniforms, equipment, and weapons)
   • Basic interpretive/educational techniques
3. Although every opportunity and assistance will be given each recruit in training the skills needed, it is the responsibility of each recruit to practice and gain a basic level of proficiency on their own.
4. At the end of the first year, the recruits service record and performance will be reviewed by a board of three senior members of the recruits regional Platoon. During this review the individual will be interviewed by the Board.
5. if the recruit has met all of the probation requirements to the satisfaction of the board, the Board will forward their recommendations through the chain of command to the USMCHC Director.
6. If, on the other hand, the recruit has not met all of the probation prerequisites, the probation period may be extended, and the individual counseled by the Regional Platoon Leader, or designate, as to what further they need to accomplish or improve upon.
7. If a recruit fails to meet the minimum probation requirements within a two (2) year period, their record will be reviewed and they may be redesignated as a Supporting Member. They must then resubmit for active membership status.
8. Upon the approval of the Director, the recruit will be promoted to Active Membership status within the USMCHC.

It should be noted for living history recruits, that a complete basic uniform and equipment issue is not required to complete probation. However, every effort should be made to obtain all needed basic items of clothing and equipment as soon as resources and finances allow. An incomplete individual issue puts a burden on company resources, and may hamper an individuals ability to function as part of the team in some programs.