The Evolution of the Marines: 9/11 Fades into the Past for Today’s Soldiers

National Security For a new generation of Marines, 9/11 is history

‘An exercise of forgetting’

In Parris Island, South Carolina, Marine recruits gather in an auditorium for a history lesson on September 11th. As Staff Sgt. Mark Anthony Ross looks around the room, he asks who among them knows what happened that day. Most of the recruits were born after the attacks and have only vague memories, if any, of that tragic event. This marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks, a day that will forever be etched in the collective memory of Americans. However, as American troops are no longer at war, the significance of the attacks seems to be fading into history.

According to Carter Malkasian, chair of the defense analysis department at the Naval Postgraduate School, there is a sense of pride among the armed forces for protecting America against terrorism after 9/11. However, there is also a recognition that the focus needs to shift toward new threats, particularly China and Russia. Malkasian states that there is an “exercise of forgetting” taking place, where the emphasis is on future challenges rather than dwelling on past events.

Peter Fever, a political science professor at Duke University, points out that for the new generation of recruits, 9/11 feels as historical and remote as other significant events from the past, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall or Pearl Harbor. He suggests that institutions struggle to teach the Global War on Terror in a balanced and informative way, avoiding the difficult questions about what went right and wrong. Instead, the focus is directed towards future threats and military preparedness.

The Changing Motivations of Recruits

The motivations of recruits have also shifted over time. In the aftermath of 9/11, many joined the military out of anger and patriotism, with a desire to fight against terrorism. However, the recruits of today have different priorities. For some, joining the Marines is a means to secure benefits, such as educational opportunities and financial stability. Others see it as a way to develop a sense of personal improvement and contribute to the nation’s service.

Sgt. Maj. Alkedra Tyler, who was drawn to the Marines by their dress-blue uniforms, recalls the moment she decided to join the military. It was on the day of the 9/11 attacks, and she felt a strong urge to take action and protect her country. Her experience reflects the sentiment of many recruits at that time. However, for the new generation, the idea of going to war is not a major motivating factor. Instead, they focus on the benefits and opportunities that come with military service.

1st Sgt. Brian Dear, who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, highlights the changing narrative used by drill sergeants to motivate recruits. Gone are the days of emphasizing the prospect of going to war. Instead, the focus is on educational benefits and other incentives to attract and retain recruits.

A Continued Remembrance

Despite the fading significance of 9/11 for many Americans and the new generation of Marines, there are still those who feel the personal connection and the weight of that day. Some recruits, like Jake McKay, have family members who were directly impacted by the attacks. McKay’s close family friend died in the Twin Towers while trying to help others. Although time has passed, the pain and the sense of recovery remain.

For John Michael Vigiano, the memory of 9/11 is always present. His father, a New York police detective, rushed into one of the towers and never made it out. Vigiano was only three months old at the time but feels the weight of the loss throughout his life. He recalls how his mother, also a police officer, focused on him rather than the “dark things” happening in the world. The Vigiano family keeps their father’s memory alive, finding solace and strength in their shared experiences.

Editorial: Reflecting on the Changing Significance of 9/11

The fading significance of 9/11 for a new generation of Marines raises important questions about collective memory, national identity, and the ever-evolving nature of national security. As the years pass, events that once shaped the course of history might become distant memories or mere dates on a calendar. This transformation is not unique to 9/11; it is a natural process that occurs with any significant historical event.

However, it is crucial to strike a balance between moving forward and ensuring that history is not forgotten. While the new generation of Marines may not have experienced 9/11 firsthand, it is essential for them to understand its impact on the nation and the sacrifices made by those who came before them. By incorporating a comprehensive and balanced approach to teaching the Global War on Terror, institutions can provide recruits with a deeper understanding of the challenges they may face in the future.

Furthermore, as the national security landscape continues to evolve, it is vital to adapt military recruitment strategies to align with the changing motivations of potential recruits. Offering benefits and educational opportunities, as well as highlighting personal development and service to the nation, can attract individuals who may not have considered a military career otherwise.

As we reflect on the changing significance of 9/11, it is important to remember that the impacts of that tragic day will forever be etched in the fabric of American society. While the memories may fade for some, it is the responsibility of institutions and individuals to ensure that the lessons learned and the sacrifices made are never forgotten.