I’ve been at a weird place in career where I’ve come far enough to be proud of what I’ve accomplished so I’ve lost a lot of motivation. The thought of why am I still here or why did I accept these orders lingers in my head all day. But hearing his story really reignited a flame 🫡 thank you Ssgt Nichols.
We had 3 StaffSGT's fresh off the drill field show up to our platoon. We were dreading it. They showed up and held formation. They said, " bootcamp is over, were all Marines, were not going to play bootcamp. If ya'll need help with anything, ask us, remember we are joining your platoon and we just want to be apart of your platoon." They were amazing leaders.
I love SSgt Nichols’ comment about sending the elevator back down and supporting the next generation. I’m about the same age as him and I do what i can to pass my knowledge on to the next generation.
Good stuff, SSGT Nichols! You nailed it. It's been 40-plus years since I was a DI. Time flies. I've raised my family, built a career, and don't live in the past. But I'm proudest of my time on the drill field and being a Marine. I appreciate and honor every one of my Marine brothers and Navy Docs. Semper Fi, Devil Dogs!
It's funny how we see people. I watched the Black Friday series while my son was at BCT (Army) and it brought back memories from MCRD in 1985. You never picture the people you watch as struggling, but listening to SSGT Nichol's struggles and putting it in the context of watching Black Friday reminds me that we all have our demons....these interviews are fantastic. I'm passing that quote about knowledge on to my kids....it's very powerful.
Coastie here... I still contact my Company Commander (Drill Instructor) after 20+ years... I was part of her first Company, and she whipped my butt! 😂 but was always my "momma bear"... Thank you Chief Sparks!!!
I served July 85-89, 3rd Tracks Motor T. My cousin who flew for Air America in Laos told me everything a drill instructor teaches you there’s always a reason and I can agree with that. At the time we don’t think about that but it makes sense. SEMPER FI
They say that we're the golden era of Marines, Well! it was because of your generation of DI's that forged us. SSgt Nichols thank you for your service and thanks to your peers of DI's that made me a Marine, I will always be grateful to you.
This man is a legend! SSgt Nichols is regarded as one of the most insane yet amazing D.Is to walk MCRD SD! Funny dude and a solid Marine and brother. Much love Big Nichols.
So much respect, may have hated my drill Sargents (I'm in the army the idea is the same) but even though I hated them while I was in training on the other side you learn to have nothing but respect for the men and women training the next line of soldiers. Sir I respect you all the work you have done and all those that you trained and passed the torch to I hope they bring this same sentiment you speak of here forward and pass it on cause the world will be better for it. God bless.
I'm 51 years old and I miss the Corps everyday. I told my wife while I was still in, well when wWE were still in, if I made Sgt. In my first enlistment I was staying in, I wanted to be a DI. I got out in Sept. 96 if id stayed in id been a Sgt. That coming December. There were so many Marines that got out at that time frame that it opened up a lot of rank. And the one and only reason I did get out was because I wanted to watch my boys grow up. My youngest was born June 2,1996 at Camp Lejune. I would have reenlisted if my 1st Sgt would have told me that id be a Sgt in 3 months. Id probably reenlisted if he had told me I would have made Sgt in 6 months . He my 1st Sgt talked to me for 2 hours trying to get me to reenlist. He was in my ear for well ove a month. There was no way I would have wanted to have been a Recruiter, wasn't for me. Miss my Brothers and sisters from the Corps everyday. That you for your service. Semper Fi from an old Marine
I said the same to my SSG. He said he'd once promoted a man to SGT on the day he got out because he deserved it. I said I wasn't that guy, that if I got it I would be in it for life. He told me, "Son, you are perfect for the Army. The Army, isn't right for you. You cannot let this thing hold you back. You've got too much potential." We got back from Iraq, I ETS'd, and spiraled downward for 13 years. Combat can change a man, and some of us don't realize- let alone accept- that we need help until it's damn near too late. Only in the last 7 years have I gotten it together and built a career. I'd be retiring this year, instead of still discovering what I can do with the skills I've mindset I've painstakingly cultivated within myself. No sense thinking about how it could've been, I suppose. I'm grateful for the life I've led. But that SSG was right about one thing: I was perfect for the Army. So much so, that I had no idea who or what I was supposed to be, once it was over.
I'm glad the staff is getting his props. I've been watching his channel for a while, which taught me to live within my means fs one day ill be a marine ❤
3:43 What SSGT Nichols just described as ‘Teach Backs’ are called Modules at THE USADSA (Army Drill Sergeant School). And there are Failures. I graduated Class 05-12 “Knights” Platoon. This We’ll Defend!
Well dang I wish I knew about that fitness training SkillsBridge program when I was getting out. Former Air Force here, and I’ll confidently say I and other fellow airmen were NOT set up for success when getting out. Almost 4 years since getting out and I’m still learning the ways of civilian life.
As a new recruit, I believed DIs hated us - In retrospect, they showed nothing but the toughest love ever. 3063 MCRD SD graduated 8.22.1986. Semper Fi!
LOVE this series. Oorah, gents. That "skill bridge program" sounds AMAZING!...that's friggin awesome!! That "ten T survey" thing sounds like it could be a pretty good thing. Don't know if they did that when I was in (2009) but ALL of my DIs were Sgts, which I thought was strange, and I'm thoroughly convinced TO THIS DAY that our SDI LEGITIMATELY hated us. I think he even got kicked out for beating recruits. Definitely don't want pssy ass "stress cards" or anything, but something like that "survey" thing...something to reign in and re-ground DIs...that's probably a good thing.
To this day, I'm still not 100% convinced that USMC DIs are actually human... the things I've seen them do.. as far as I'm concerned, they're mythical creatures
16:24 maaaan Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant (at the time) Smith this had to be a cycle or two before mines. Guy was a stud and is still a phenomenal marine. Played such a impact on me in boot camp
"why are you dehydrated? why are you dehydrated? ILL TELL YOU WHY...IT'S BECAUSE YOUR NOT FREAKING DRINKING ANY GODDAMN WAAAATTTERRR!!!!" - SSgt Nichols
@@kennethsflee right on Brother, 13 days after turning 17, 24JUN1975 I entered the Reception Station Toughest School of Infantry Known to Man, Fort Polk. Got a motorcycle, went down hill from there.
Give me a shout out brother! It's been a while. Been watching you lead by example. Proud of you! MSgt Dionisios Nicholas, USMC RET. (1983-2006). Let's catch up.
I watched "Full Metal Jacket" with my father, a DI/SDI at PISC during Vietnam. I had seen it before, but he had not. As we were watching the video, my Mom was commenting about the scene where Joker is holding Pyle up as he stumbles with Gunny screaming at him. She made the comment that she thought Gunny was being too hard. My father explained that she was seeing it wrong. He was yelling. Then he asked, "Do you feel dizzy? Are you going to faint?" The DI was doing a wellness check to be sure Pyle wasn't going to have a medical emergency. Then he yelled, "Jesus Christ, I think you've got a hard on!" THAT was Gunny motivating him. He was hard on Pyle, he was checking on Pyle, he was motivating Pyle. In that moment, I saw my DI's in an entirely new light.
12 yrs in the USMC & he only got out as an E-6?! Damn! What they all say about slow promotions in the USMC is all true! If you want to enlist because you think their dress blues are cool, it's a free country. But if you want better equipment & faster promotion, join Army. If you want air con, carpets & work from your seat, join the Chair Force. Better food, too.
I would have loved to be a marine. I was born with heart issues so I wasn’t able. I had 4 surgeries by the time I was 1. I had another surgery at 12 and a pacemaker at 17. I eventually had a transplant at age 20.
Those that graduated from DI School, do they go to Parris Island,or Camp Pendleton immediately? What happens to those that doesn't get assigned right away?
This 9/11 Marine will still die for all of the Marines still serving. However, you Marines have zero idea what we went through when 9/11 happened and got deployed into after. I tried joining in 1995 when I was 18. BUMED said "no". I finally made it in 1999. This modern generation doesn't get to say there like us. USMC 1999-2007
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“Light duty King right there” -SSGT Nichols
I was a Corpsman back at MCRD Partis Island and I still remember a kid who we said deserves the “golden crutch 🩼 Award”
Bernard B….. You still there?
light duty king. heh heh heh yea
“you were a sick bay commando during recruit training weren’t ya” -SSGT Nichols
Yep…yep light duty king right der.
Oh man you beat me to it. I was going to say that!
“Mole thkin?! Where you get dat?”
As a Corpsman 4yrs out of my 8yrs with the Marines I appreciated the Marines that trained the Marines I was deployed with. I love my brothers!!
Docs are the best! Semper Fi
SEMPER FI DOC 1st bn.9th Marines 1968 DI BO CHET
I’ve been at a weird place in career where I’ve come far enough to be proud of what I’ve accomplished so I’ve lost a lot of motivation. The thought of why am I still here or why did I accept these orders lingers in my head all day. But hearing his story really reignited a flame 🫡 thank you Ssgt Nichols.
I’ll never forget seeing SSGT Nichols in the Ears open eyeballs click documentary. Powerful stuff
I respect this man so much 💯
We had 3 StaffSGT's fresh off the drill field show up to our platoon. We were dreading it. They showed up and held formation. They said, " bootcamp is over, were all Marines, were not going to play bootcamp. If ya'll need help with anything, ask us, remember we are joining your platoon and we just want to be apart of your platoon." They were amazing leaders.
Damn bro haha that’s sick . Not my experience with staff coming off the drill field at all.
That's SSGT, not "StaffSGT's".
Did you forget or are you faking what you said?
Get him bro!! I’m holdin you back 🙌!!!!
@@alexblack6421, hey moron, he said "StaffSGT". If you're a Marine, you know that's not how it works.
@@EfiLiveLB7 I'm no buying your bullshit.
It's not "StaffSGT" and every Marine knows that.
I love SSgt Nichols’ comment about sending the elevator back down and supporting the next generation. I’m about the same age as him and I do what i can to pass my knowledge on to the next generation.
Good stuff, SSGT Nichols! You nailed it. It's been 40-plus years since I was a DI. Time flies. I've raised my family, built a career, and don't live in the past. But I'm proudest of my time on the drill field and being a Marine. I appreciate and honor every one of my Marine brothers and Navy Docs. Semper Fi, Devil Dogs!
This is more motivating than those cringy tiktok/instagram reels recruiting videos.
Hats off to this generation’s Ronald Lee Ermey. Get this man in a movie! 🍿
It's funny how we see people. I watched the Black Friday series while my son was at BCT (Army) and it brought back memories from MCRD in 1985.
You never picture the people you watch as struggling, but listening to SSGT Nichol's struggles and putting it in the context of watching Black Friday reminds me that we all have our demons....these interviews are fantastic.
I'm passing that quote about knowledge on to my kids....it's very powerful.
Respect to all our Drill instructors and drill Sgts, literal legends.
Coastie here... I still contact my Company Commander (Drill Instructor) after 20+ years... I was part of her first Company, and she whipped my butt! 😂 but was always my "momma bear"...
Thank you Chief Sparks!!!
I served July 85-89, 3rd Tracks Motor T. My cousin who flew for Air America in Laos told me everything a drill instructor teaches you there’s always a reason and I can agree with that. At the time we don’t think about that but it makes sense. SEMPER FI
They say that we're the golden era of Marines, Well! it was because of your generation of DI's that forged us.
SSgt Nichols thank you for your service and thanks to your peers of DI's that made me a Marine, I will always be grateful to you.
Well said, SSgt. This was a great video to watch. Makes me proud to be able to call myself a Marine.
This man is a legend! SSgt Nichols is regarded as one of the most insane yet amazing D.Is to walk MCRD SD! Funny dude and a solid Marine and brother. Much love Big Nichols.
So much respect, may have hated my drill Sargents (I'm in the army the idea is the same) but even though I hated them while I was in training on the other side you learn to have nothing but respect for the men and women training the next line of soldiers. Sir I respect you all the work you have done and all those that you trained and passed the torch to I hope they bring this same sentiment you speak of here forward and pass it on cause the world will be better for it. God bless.
I'm 51 years old and I miss the Corps everyday. I told my wife while I was still in, well when wWE were still in, if I made Sgt. In my first enlistment I was staying in, I wanted to be a DI. I got out in Sept. 96 if id stayed in id been a Sgt. That coming December. There were so many Marines that got out at that time frame that it opened up a lot of rank. And the one and only reason I did get out was because I wanted to watch my boys grow up. My youngest was born June 2,1996 at Camp Lejune. I would have reenlisted if my 1st Sgt would have told me that id be a Sgt in 3 months. Id probably reenlisted if he had told me I would have made Sgt in 6 months . He my 1st Sgt talked to me for 2 hours trying to get me to reenlist. He was in my ear for well ove a month. There was no way I would have wanted to have been a Recruiter, wasn't for me. Miss my Brothers and sisters from the Corps everyday. That you for your service. Semper Fi from an old Marine
I said the same to my SSG. He said he'd once promoted a man to SGT on the day he got out because he deserved it.
I said I wasn't that guy, that if I got it I would be in it for life.
He told me, "Son, you are perfect for the Army. The Army, isn't right for you. You cannot let this thing hold you back. You've got too much potential."
We got back from Iraq, I ETS'd, and spiraled downward for 13 years.
Combat can change a man, and some of us don't realize- let alone accept- that we need help until it's damn near too late.
Only in the last 7 years have I gotten it together and built a career. I'd be retiring this year, instead of still discovering what I can do with the skills I've mindset I've painstakingly cultivated within myself.
No sense thinking about how it could've been, I suppose. I'm grateful for the life I've led. But that SSG was right about one thing: I was perfect for the Army. So much so, that I had no idea who or what I was supposed to be, once it was over.
SSGT Nichols is one of the coolest, toughest and most respected guys ever
I'm glad the staff is getting his props. I've been watching his channel for a while, which taught me to live within my means fs one day ill be a marine ❤
this is amazing.. i love how he breaks his pov down
Mad respect for all the DI's in the Marine Corps
I love watching his DI videos and this interview is amazing to get some inside views of the emotions. Amazing series!
3:43 What SSGT Nichols just described as ‘Teach Backs’ are called Modules at THE USADSA (Army Drill Sergeant School). And there are Failures. I graduated Class 05-12 “Knights” Platoon. This We’ll Defend!
LIGHT DUTY KING
This man is a legend
Well dang I wish I knew about that fitness training SkillsBridge program when I was getting out. Former Air Force here, and I’ll confidently say I and other fellow airmen were NOT set up for success when getting out. Almost 4 years since getting out and I’m still learning the ways of civilian life.
Ssgt Nichols is a LEGENDARY DI
I didn't even recognize him with hair on his head, like I had seen him on here but didn't even know it was Nichols
Thank you for your service sir!
Thanks, Mr. Nichols!
Thanks, Mr Nichols!
As a new recruit, I believed DIs hated us - In retrospect, they showed nothing but the toughest love ever. 3063 MCRD SD graduated 8.22.1986. Semper Fi!
LOVE this series. Oorah, gents.
That "skill bridge program" sounds AMAZING!...that's friggin awesome!! That "ten T survey" thing sounds like it could be a pretty good thing. Don't know if they did that when I was in (2009) but ALL of my DIs were Sgts, which I thought was strange, and I'm thoroughly convinced TO THIS DAY that our SDI LEGITIMATELY hated us. I think he even got kicked out for beating recruits. Definitely don't want pssy ass "stress cards" or anything, but something like that "survey" thing...something to reign in and re-ground DIs...that's probably a good thing.
To this day, I'm still not 100% convinced that USMC DIs are actually human... the things I've seen them do.. as far as I'm concerned, they're mythical creatures
They have to be in the top 10% to even apply.
This vid got me inspired
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Love and Respect to All these Heroes and Veterans 😊
16:24 maaaan Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant (at the time) Smith this had to be a cycle or two before mines. Guy was a stud and is still a phenomenal marine. Played such a impact on me in boot camp
PLT 3085 Mike Co. 3rd BN MCRD SD 1985. I will never forget my Drill Instructors names. It is engrained in me. Semper Fi.
Rah
Mike Co. PLT 3023 1993.
"Get up son, that ain't a broke leg.... I know what a broke leg looks like" Ca Fall 2002 Camp Pendelton California. 🤣
SIR, I LOVE YOU, SIR.... SURELY YOU DON'T WANT A SIR SAMMICH 😂😂😂
ssgt Nichols is a great guy
Ohhh man the memories! 1/29/1980! The date which live in infamy! My battalion commander was a medal of honor. Lt. Col Harvey Barnum...
"why are you dehydrated? why are you dehydrated? ILL TELL YOU WHY...IT'S BECAUSE YOUR NOT FREAKING DRINKING ANY GODDAMN WAAAATTTERRR!!!!" - SSgt Nichols
"Molthkin? Hooked you right up didnt he? Your a sick bay commando ain't you? Yup, light duty king right here"
Fuckin A Brother, told folks all my life, Toughest job on this planet, "Drill Sergeant aka Drill Instructor" Keep up the Fire, America is Our Home.
I enlisted at 18. Reported to Parris island. Watching this. I say to myself. “ I could of done better “.
@@kennethsflee right on Brother, 13 days after turning 17, 24JUN1975 I entered the Reception Station Toughest School of Infantry Known to Man, Fort Polk. Got a motorcycle, went down hill from there.
Give me a shout out brother! It's been a while. Been watching you lead by example. Proud of you! MSgt Dionisios Nicholas, USMC RET. (1983-2006). Let's catch up.
Me and you gon' fight, making the senior stay out here longer
"Yep.. yep.. light duty king right there"
I watched "Full Metal Jacket" with my father, a DI/SDI at PISC during Vietnam. I had seen it before, but he had not.
As we were watching the video, my Mom was commenting about the scene where Joker is holding Pyle up as he stumbles with Gunny screaming at him. She made the comment that she thought Gunny was being too hard.
My father explained that she was seeing it wrong.
He was yelling. Then he asked, "Do you feel dizzy? Are you going to faint?" The DI was doing a wellness check to be sure Pyle wasn't going to have a medical emergency.
Then he yelled, "Jesus Christ, I think you've got a hard on!"
THAT was Gunny motivating him.
He was hard on Pyle, he was checking on Pyle, he was motivating Pyle.
In that moment, I saw my DI's in an entirely new light.
@9:49 was like Moses parting the red sea.
Light Duty King is a major burn…You don’t get that title. You earn it!
The man.
My guy when his cover is on, looks like the principal from Back to the Future.
Slacker !
In life we all try to stand out. In Boot you must reverse this mindset. Standing out is being a nail. DI’s are Hammers.
thankyou
i was like, OH SHIT its that guy. drill sgt nichols. oh shit
I have all his movies on disc hella badass DI wish I could've had him but hey I had some pretty solid DIs Mike co 3267
"HOW CAN THE PLATOON BE AT PT, WHEN THEY'RE IN THE FRICKIN HEAD!"
12 yrs in the USMC & he only got out as an E-6?!
Damn!
What they all say about slow promotions in the USMC is all true!
If you want to enlist because you think their dress blues are cool, it's a free country.
But if you want better equipment & faster promotion, join Army.
If you want air con, carpets & work from your seat, join the Chair Force. Better food, too.
Light Duty King
shout out to Recruit Ruiz!
😂
8:17 ribbons stack upside down
Good eye!
11:00 Is that the same song from that SCP 096 film 😂 I know yall might not know what Im talking about but I sweaar
My man sounds like a Louisiana boy representing
I would have loved to be a marine. I was born with heart issues so I wasn’t able. I had 4 surgeries by the time I was 1. I had another surgery at 12 and a pacemaker at 17. I eventually had a transplant at age 20.
Didn't make it up the 6ft wall on the O' Course & fell off the slide for life 😂
Those that graduated from DI School, do they go to Parris Island,or Camp Pendleton immediately? What happens to those that doesn't get assigned right away?
Keyboard Warriors Trolling in the comments. Wouldn't last a day in your shoes. SemperFi
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
This 9/11 Marine will still die for all of the Marines still serving.
However, you Marines have zero idea what we went through when 9/11 happened and got deployed into after.
I tried joining in 1995 when I was 18. BUMED said "no". I finally made it in 1999.
This modern generation doesn't get to say there like us.
USMC 1999-2007
Errrrr
Indeed.
Sgt.Leon 15:07?!
Molthkin😂
Why is he still wearing that uniform?
Bag.
It’s just a piece of paper !!!!!
Seeing Nichols in army BDUs made me a little sick to my stomach.
South Louisiana accent
why is he wearing ribbons he didn't earn for the interview thats pretty disingenuous even for a skit