Do Marine Corps drill instructors act like the character in Full Metal Jacket? Yes. That was not a character. R. Lee Ermey (19442018, RIP), was in the Marines from 1961 to 1972 Men's Navy Blue Formal Shoes JoS. A. Bank Men's Blue Dress Shoes Macy's Drill instructors of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, retire their platoon guidons during their graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Jan. 24, 2020. Graduation takes place at the USMC MALE OFFICER BLUE DRESS BLUE WHITE DRESS UNIFORM ("A" AND "B")