A new Marine recruit will be stepping his little paws on the famous yellow footprints on his way to becoming the Corps’ newest mascot.
English bulldog recruit Chesty XV starts training next week to replace the retiring Chesty XIV, according to Marine officials.
But don’t expect drill instructors in this pup’s face: He’ll shadow Chesty XIV as part of his training before he is ready to participate in official Marine ceremonies.
“He will remain as ‘recruit’ until he gets promoted before he officially takes over as the Marine Corps mascot next year,” Marine spokeswoman Capt. Colleen McFadden told Marine Corps Times.
Chesty XIV is currently the official mascot of the Marine Corps, named after legendary five-time Navy Cross recipient Lt. Gen. Chesty Puller.
Chesty XIV has been in service since 2013 and will retire before next year’s parade season, according to McFadden. Chesty reports to the Marine Barracks Washington D.C., 8th and I, where he participates in drill ceremonies and parades with the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.
The Corps expects Chesty XV to participate in his first parade event on or about July 6.
When asked by reporters on Monday if he was a good dog, McFadden replied, “He is a great puppy and new recruit. The Barracks was very excited to welcome him aboard today.”
Shawn Snow is the senior reporter for Marine Corps Times and a Marine Corps veteran.
