1970s era Marine Corps Motivation Platoon M14
Here's a picture and link to the M14 I'm referring to
http://p3-group.us/P3-Photos/m14.jpg
Being stuck in STB while in Marine Corps boot camp in the early 70s, I know that this was part of Motivation Platoon's gear. I think that it is also also the same model that I wore around my neck during swim qual. Ahhh.... what memories! The MOT Ditch - the telephone pole - taking a trip down the ladderwell in a fart sack... And who could forget watching TV for what felt like hours! Where was cable when you needed it back then!
I "acquired" this while I was stationed at PISC between 1976 - 1981 so I know that it's at least 35 years old. It's been following me around since then.
Does anyone have any information on the manufacture of this? How many were made? Who made them? I'm not interested in parting with it but I'd like to assess the value. I'd also like to restore it if possible.
I'm posting this on a couple of boards in the hope of getting information...
http://p3-group.us/P3-Photos/m14.jpg
Being stuck in STB while in Marine Corps boot camp in the early 70s, I know that this was part of Motivation Platoon's gear. I think that it is also also the same model that I wore around my neck during swim qual. Ahhh.... what memories! The MOT Ditch - the telephone pole - taking a trip down the ladderwell in a fart sack... And who could forget watching TV for what felt like hours! Where was cable when you needed it back then!
I "acquired" this while I was stationed at PISC between 1976 - 1981 so I know that it's at least 35 years old. It's been following me around since then.
Does anyone have any information on the manufacture of this? How many were made? Who made them? I'm not interested in parting with it but I'd like to assess the value. I'd also like to restore it if possible.
I'm posting this on a couple of boards in the hope of getting information...
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I went through MCRD San Diego in 1977. Never saw one of those. We had hard rubber M16's to go swimming with.
Thanks for the flashbacks though, sorry I couldn't help.
Mgderf-DORMANT U.S.Marine If you know what's good for you, let sleeping "Devil-Dogs" lie.0 -
These dummies were present at MCRD Diego in the late 60s and early 70s. I have no idea as to who made them or what value one might place on them today. 0 -
Come on - someone has to have some information about these... 0 -
Motivational platoon . Isn't that for the guys that can't keep up with the rest of the company ? Back in the 60s the army called it the "Special Training Corps" , or STC . We refered to them as Shirly Temple Commandos , 80% of them were mustered out when they couldn't cut it there 0 -
Actually, the Marine equivalent of the Army group you're referring to was Casual Platoon. They were attached to HQ Co, RTB, RTR, MCRD. Recruits awaiting discharge (medical, fraud, inability to walk AND breath, etc...) would spend their last weeks or months there.
STB (Special Training Battalion) was made up of PCP (Physical Conditioning Platoon - overweight or under strength), MRP (Medical Rehabilitation Platoon - hurt, but not bad enough to be discharged) and others who's names and acronyms I don't recall (it's been 35 years).
The MOT (Motivation) Platoon, I'm not sure of the acronym, was under STB and was the platoon that ran the MOT ditch, played extremely silly games (as opposed to the normal "silly" games played by Marine Recruits) and was, for the most part, the most abusive, errr... educational). "Unmotivated" recruits would be sent there for a heaping helping of "motivation."
If a week or two at MOT didn't motivate the private, he stood a very good chance of being transferred to the Casual Platoon.0 -
Bumping to the top in hopes of someone seeing this and having information.
Thanks!0 -
IMHO, if there are no manufacturers markings it was made by the Marine's in their own, or Navy workshops/foundries. Contract equipment made for the military by manufacturers is marked.
From your photos the main part appears to be a simple sand casting. The barrel assembled to the sand casting with a roll pin.
During the Viet Nam war I worked in a very busy Naval shipyard. It was common to have sailors and marine's requesting under the table "CUMSHAW" jobs done, and parts made. Usually payed for by pilfered navy stores or equipment.
If this is how your motivational platoons "rifle" came into existence, not likely you will ever find any specific information regarding it.0 -
quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
IMHO, if there are no manufacturers markings it was made by the Marine's in their own, or Navy workshops/foundries. Contract equipment made for the military by manufacturers is marked.
From your photos the main part appears to be a simple sand casting. The barrel assembled to the sand casting with a roll pin.
During the Viet Nam war I worked in a very busy Naval shipyard. It was common to have sailors and marine's requesting under the table "CUMSHAW" jobs done, and parts made. Usually payed for by pilfered navy stores or equipment.
Interesting theory. Who knows... Could be!
If this is how your motivational platoons "rifle" came into existence, not likely you will ever find any specific information regarding it.0 -
quote:Originally posted by 11b6r
http://user.pa.net/~the.macs/BAYONET.html
Very cool! Thank you!0
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