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January 13, 2016

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits stand tall for official photo on Parris Island

Photos by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Date Posted:01.13.2016 15:31

Platoon 3017, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, pose for his first official photos Jan. 13, 2016, on Parris Island, S.C. This photo is normally identified as a Marine’s official Marine Corps photo and has been taken in training since the 1950’s. Lima Company is scheduled to graduate March 4, 2016.

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January 12, 2016

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits test limits, learn to rappel on Parris Island

PhotoS by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Date Posted:01.12.2016 11:28

Recruits of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, on Parris Island, S.C are taught about the rappel tower. Lima Company is scheduled to graduate March 4, 2016.

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December 30, 2015

Images: Co. E - Falls/Leg Sweeps

by LCpl Angelica Annastas
Date Taken:12.28.2015 | Date Posted:12.30.2015 13:03

Recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program session at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Dec. 28.
Recruits receive several MCMAP sessions throughout training to prepare them for the test toward the end of training. The MCMAP test rewards recruits with their first belt in the colored belt level system, the tan belt. Echo Company is scheduled to graduate March 4.

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October 28, 2015

Hotel Company sights in on the rifle range

By | 10th Marine Regiment | October 28, 2015

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton -- Once recruits reach the second phase of training, they take on the challenge of becoming a rifleman at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

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October 19, 2015

How a recruit becomes a Marine in 13 weeks

BY MATT MCNAB AND GINA SMITH
MILITARY NEWS | OCTOBER 19, 2015

Phase I: BREAKING THEM DOWN
It starts with yelling.

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October 15, 2015

Parris Island celebrates 100 years

By Matthew L. Schehl, Staff writer 7:29 p.m. EDT October 15, 2015

The Cradle of the Corps is turning 100.

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October 14, 2015

MCRD Parris Island Centennial Motivational Run

Date Taken:10.13.2015 | Date Posted:10.14.2015 5:33PM
by Cpl Rafael Rodriguez, U.S. Marine Corps motion imagery by MCRD Parris Island Combat Camera/Released

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island participate in a depot motivational run at MCRD Parris Island, S.C., Oct. 14, 2015. The Marines and Sailors ran 3.1 miles around the depot to celebrate 100 years of making Marines.

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October 8, 2015

Kilo Company – Emblem Ceremony – Oct. 3, 2015

Photos by Lance Cpl. Aaron Bolser

Date Taken:10.03.2015 | Date Posted:10.08.2015 16:33

The Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem is earned only by those who are imbued with the Corps’ core values and have proven themselves worthy of belonging to the few and the proud. Kilo Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 9, 2015.

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September 7, 2015

Marine recruits conquer Confidence Course on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Aaron Bolser
Date Taken:09.02.2015 | Date Posted:09.07.2015 17:10

Platoon 4036, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, conquer the Confidence Course obstacle Sept. 2, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. This obstacle requires recruits to sidestep across a rope without falling into the pond beneath. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 6, 2015.

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September 4, 2015

Graduation Ceremony – Echo Company – Sept. 4, 2015

Photos by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:09.04.2015 | Date Posted:09.04.2015 11:28

Echo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, graduated boot camp Sept. 4, 2015.

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September 1, 2015

Images: Parris Island recruits complete Crucible, earn title Marine

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vanessa Austin
Date Taken:08.29.2015 | Date Posted:09.01.2015 15:57

Recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, salute the national colors during an emblem ceremony Aug. 29, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. Each recruit earned an Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and the title Marine after successfully completing 12 weeks of training. Echo Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 4, 2015.

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August 28, 2015

Images: New Marines graduate recruit training on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vanessa Austin
Date Posted:08.28.2015 13:27

Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, graduated boot camp Aug. 28, 2015.

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Images: New Marines graduate recruit training on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vanessa Austin
Date Posted:08.28.2015 13:27

Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, graduated boot camp Aug. 28, 2015.

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August 14, 2015

Images: Graduation Ceremony – Mike Company – Aug. 14, 2015

Photos by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Date Posted:08.14.2015 11:14

Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, graduated boot camp Aug. 14, 2015.

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August 6, 2015

New Marines show motivation during final run on Parris Island

Photos by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Date Posted:08.06.2015 16:29

Commanding officer, and commanding officers from 2nd Recruit Training Battalion and 4th Recruit Training Battalion, lead new Marines of Hotel Company and November Company on a motivational run Aug. 6, 2015. The run took place before the new Marines had a few hours to reunite with their friends and families for the first time in more than 12 weeks. Both companies graduated Aug. 7, 2015.

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July 24, 2015

Images: Graduation Ceremony – Lima & Oscar Companies – July 24, 2015

Photos by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Date Posted:07.24.2015 11:18

Lima Company and Oscar Company, graduated boot camp July 24, 2015.

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July 21, 2015

Parris Island recruits evaluated in Marine Corps Drill

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vanessa Austin
Date Taken:07.20.2015 | Date Posted:07.21.2015 14:54

India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, during an initial drill evaluation on close-order drill movements July 20, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. India Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 11, 2015.

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July 7, 2015

Marine recruits charge through PT session on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vanessa Austin
Date Posted:07.07.2015 14:32

Recruits of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, during a physical training session July 7, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits perform various exercises meant to strengthen the main muscle groups and prepare them for the physical fitness and combat fitness tests, both of which are graduation requirements. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 18, 2015.

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July 1, 2015

8 Fast Financial Tips for Military Recruits

USAA | by Lisa Severson
June 8, 2015

If you're a new recruit or junior enlisted service member, the military can throw a lot your way in a short time.

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May 17, 2015

Images: Graduation Ceremony – India and Papa Companies – May 15, 2015

by Sgt Jennifer Schubert
2015Date Posted:05.15.2015 11:30

India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion graduated boot camp May 15, 2015.

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May 15, 2015

Images: Graduation Ceremony – India and Papa Companies – May 15, 2015

by Sgt Jennifer Schubert
2015Date Posted:05.15.2015 11:30

India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion graduated boot camp May 15, 2015.

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May 6, 2015

Images: Marine recruits display teamwork during initial drill eval on Parris Island

Photos by Pfc. Vanessa Austin
Date Taken:03.23.2015 | Date Posted:05.06.2015 13:35

Recruits march during an initial drill evaluation March 23, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The strict, particular nature of close-order drill teaches habits of discipline and reinforces teamwork in recruits. India Company is scheduled to graduate May 15, 2015.

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May 4, 2015

WATCH: Nebraska Educators Experience Marine Corps Recruit Initiation

Updated: Mon 2:01 PM, May 04, 2015
By: Joe McHale

SAN DIEGO, Calif.-- We've all been pushed to the limit, to the point when all we want to do is quit. But for Marine recruits, that breaking point can happen at any moment during the 13 grueling weeks of recruit training. And it all starts on day one.

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May 1, 2015

Images: Graduation Ceremony – Alpha & Oscar Companies – May 1, 2015

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Date Posted:05.01.2015 11:33

Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion and Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Company graduated boot camp May 1, 2015.

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Images: Graduation Ceremony – Alpha & Oscar Companies – May 1, 2015

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Date Posted:05.01.2015 11:33

Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion and Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Company graduated boot camp May 1, 2015.

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April 29, 2015

Images: Marine recruits carry tradition on every Marine a rifleman

Photos by Pfc. Vanessa Austin
Date Taken:03.31.2015 | Date Posted:04.29.2015 15:49

Recruits of Platoon 4016, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, learn marksmanship fundamentals March 31, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. For one week, recruits learn and practice marksmanship fundamentals before firing the following week.

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April 24, 2015

Images: Graduation Ceremony – Mike Company – April 24, 2015

Photos by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Date Posted:04.24.2015 10:56

Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, graduated boot camp April 24, 2015.

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April 21, 2015

Images: Marine recruits charge through PT session on Parris Island

Photos by Pfc. Vanessa Austin
Date Taken:03.19.2015 | Date Posted:04.21.2015 15:54

Recruits of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion during a physical fitness session March 19, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits participate in more than 30 physical training sessions throughout boot camp to prepare for the Marine Corps’ high physical fitness standards. November Company is scheduled to graduate May 29, 2015.

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April 4, 2015

Images: Graduation Ceremony – Lima & Oscar Companies – April 3, 2015

Photos by Pfc. Vanessa Austin
04.03.2015

Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion graduated boot camp April 3, 2015.

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April 2, 2015

Marine Corps officer candidates tested in mini officer candidate school

Story by PFC Vanessa Austin
Date Posted:04.02.2015 14:38

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - More than 300 selected officer candidates participated in the 6th Marine Corps District Officer Selection Teams' Annual Field Training Exercise March 27-29, 2015, on Parris Island, South Carolina.

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March 26, 2015

Herschel Walker visits Marines and recruits at MCRD

Posted: Mar 26, 2015 6:12 PM CDT
Updated: Mar 26, 2015 6:12 PM CDT

SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL star Herschel Walker stopped at MCRD Wednesday to talk to Marines and recruits about the challenges of overcoming injuries and trauma from combat.

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March 13, 2015

Images: Graduation Ceremony – Golf and Papa Companies – March 13, 2015

Photos by Pfc. Vanessa Austin
Date Posted:03.13.2015 12:50

Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, and Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion graduated boot camp March 13, 2015.

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March 12, 2015

Marine recruits conquer Confidence Course on Parris Island

Photos by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:02.02.2015 | Date Posted:03.12.2015 13:47

Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, prepares to descend a rope on a Confidence Course obstacle Feb. 2, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The obstacle requires recruits to side step across one rope and climb down another rope without falling into the pond beneath. Raymond, 20, from McKeesport, Pa., is scheduled to graduate April 10, 2015.

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March 11, 2015

Marine recruits march in close order drill on Parris Island

Photos by Pfc. Vanessa Austin
Date Taken:03.04.2015 | Date Posted:03.11.2015 16:07

Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, perform a close-order drill movement during a final drill evaluation March 4, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The strict, particular nature of close-order drill teaches discipline and reinforces teamwork in recruits. Golf Company is scheduled to graduate March 13, 2015.

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March 6, 2015

Graduation Ceremony – Charlie Company – March 6, 2015

Photos by Pfc. Vanessa Austin
Date Posted:03.06.2015 11:59

Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, graduated boot camp March 6, 2015.

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February 27, 2015

Graduation Ceremony – Kilo & Oscar Companies – Feb. 27, 2015

by PFC Vanessa Austin
Date Posted:02.27.2015 12:17

Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, graduated boot camp Feb. 27, 2015.

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Graduation Ceremony – Kilo & Oscar Companies – Feb. 27, 2015

by PFC Vanessa Austin
Date Posted:02.27.2015 12:17

Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, graduated boot camp Feb. 27, 2015.

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February 26, 2015

Marine recruits build marksmanship fundamentals on Parris Island

by Cpl Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:01.22.2015 | Date Posted:02.26.2015 16:21

Recruits of Platoon 1016, Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, practice marksmanship fundamentals Jan. 22, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. For one week, recruits learn and practice the fundamentals of marksmanship before shooting live ammunition. Charlie Company is scheduled to graduate March 6, 2015.

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February 23, 2015

Echo Company finds mark during land navigation training

By Sgt. Benjamin E. Woodle | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | February 23, 2015

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Out in the field, when navigational equipment fails, one must rely on the tools few thought they would ever need. Land navigation skills still hold great value in today’s battlefield due to their ability to potentially save the lives of a Marine and his team.

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February 6, 2015

Photo Gallery: Parris Island recruits survive encounter with Marine Corps drill instructors

by Sgt Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:01.10.2015 | Date Posted:02.06.2015 19:58

Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion on Parris Island, S.C. is scheduled to graduate April 3, 2015. This was the first encounter the recruits had with the Marines responsible for the next 12 weeks of training.

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February 1, 2015

Alpha and Oscar Companies - Swim Qualification

Photos by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:07.21.2014
Date Posted:08.04.2014 11:38

Recruits of Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, tread water during basic water survival training July 21, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. All recruits must pass water survival qualification to advance in training. The training was designed to increase recruits’ self-confidence, reduce fear and ensure they can survive in water. Oscar Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 19, 2014 (Photo by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert)

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December 13, 2014

Dakota Meyer finishes Crucible hike, emblem ceremony with Parris Island's newest Marines

Images by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Posted:12.13.2014 11:27

Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer speaks with new Marines of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, during a warrior’s breakfast Dec. 13, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Meyer, accompanied the recruits on the nine-mile return hike from the Crucible then attended the emblem ceremony.

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December 12, 2014

Parris Island recruits learn Corps' value of commitment

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:10.07.2014
Date Posted:12.12.2014 11:15

Recruits of Platoon 3098, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, listen to a core values guided discussion on commitment Oct. 7, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Senior drill instructors use their personal experiences to explain the importance of unwavering commitment to fellow Marines, mission accomplishment and the Marine Corps. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 19. 2014.

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November 23, 2014

Marine recruits increase strength, stamina on Parris Island


Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink

Date Taken:10.01.2014
Date Posted:11.23.2014 09:01

Recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, crunch through a physical fitness session Oct. 1, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Throughout boot camp, recruits participate in more than 30 physical training sessions to increase their strength and stamina and prepare for the combat fitness and physical fitness tests they must pass to graduate. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 19, 2014

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Parris Island recruits immersed in Marine martial arts

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink

Date Taken:10.23.2014
Date Posted:11.23.2014 09:40

Rct. Nicole Corroto prepares to choke Rct. Chelsa Hazelwood, both with Platoon 4045, November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, on Oct. 23, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. All recruits must pass the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program test and earn a tan belt, the first level of the program, in order to graduate. Corroto, 18, from Acworth, Ga., and Hazelwood, 21, from Murfreesboro, Tenn., are scheduled to graduate Dec. 19, 2014.

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Marine recruits trace Corps’ roots on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:10.21.2014
Date Posted:11.23.2014 09:18

Recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, tread water for four minutes during swim qualification Oct. 21, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits learn to use their utility uniforms as flotation devices, safely abandon ship and quickly remove excess gear. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 19, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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November 18, 2014

Marine recruits fight toward their martial arts belt on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:10.08.2014
Date Posted:11.18.2014 13:22

Recruits of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practice chokes during a martial arts training session Oct. 8, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The Marines Corps Martial Arts Program is designed to increase the warfighting capabilities of Marines, enhance self-confidence and foster the warrior ethos. Hotel Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 12, 201

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November 17, 2014

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits exposed to battle zone obstacle course on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:10.29.2014 | Date Posted:11.17.2014 12:56

Recruits of Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion on Oct. 29, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C., in a course designed to improve balance, coordination and physical strength are conditioned mentally and physically. The course exposes them to the types of obstacles they may face in a battle zone.

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Marine recruits charge through physical fitness session on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink

Date Taken:10.08.2014
Date Posted:11.17.2014 14:35

Recruits of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, do pushups Oct. 8, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits participate in more than 30 physical training sessions to prepare for the Marine Corps’ high physical fitness standards. Hotel Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 12, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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November 14, 2014

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, SAN DIEGO PHOTOS

Photo By: Sgt. Benjamin E. Woodle
Nov 14, 2014

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego - Recruits of Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, listen as they get instructions during the Rifle Issue event, Nov. 3. During the event, recruits were issued and inspected each piece of their rifle cleaning kit to ensure all the parts were functional and accounted for. After all gear was inspected, they were issued their M16-A4 Service Rifle.

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Marine recruits charge through Parris Island combat training course

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:10.28.2014
Date Posted:11.14.2014 12:16

Recruits of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, maneuver under concertina wire on a combat training course Oct. 28, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits learn basic field-related skills all Marines must know. These skills will be broadened during follow-on training at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Golf Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 21, 2014.

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Marine recruits conquer swim qualification on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Jennifer
Date Taken:10.06.2014
Date Posted:11.14.2014 10:54

Recruits of Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, and Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, tread water during water survival qualification Oct. 6, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits must tread water for four minutes. Delta and Oscar Companies are scheduled to graduate Dec. 5, 2014.

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November 13, 2014

Marine recruits jump out of bed, begin another day on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:09.23.2014
Date Posted:11.13.2014 11:59

Recruits of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, eat breakfast Sept. 23, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Male recruits eat between 3,500 and 4,000 calories a day. Lima Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 26, 2014.

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November 12, 2014

Marine recruits conquer Confidence Course on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:11.04.2014
Date Posted:11.12.2014 09:31

Recruits of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, climb a Confidence Course obstacle Nov. 4, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The course is comprised of 15 obstacles designed to help Marine Corps recruits build confidence by overcoming physical challenges. Alpha Company is scheduled to graduate Jan. 9, 2015.

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Marine recruits conquer Confidence Course on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:10.07.2014
Date Posted:11.12.2014 09:10

Recruits of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, balance on a Confidence Course obstacle Oct. 7, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The course is comprised of 15 obstacles, which are designed to help Marine Corps recruits build confidence by overcoming physical challenges. Hotel Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 12, 2014.

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November 11, 2014

Marine's missing ring found by Florida cyclist

Posted: Nov 11, 2014 5:57 AM CST
Updated: Nov 11, 2014 5:57 AM CS

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (AP) - A Marine's missing ring that was found on a bike ride in southwest Florida is on its way back to its owner.

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November 5, 2014

Parris Island recruits test combat fitness

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:10.21.2014
Date Posted:11.05.2014 09:45

Drill instructor Sgt. Loan Nguyen, with Platoon 4038, Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, orders Rct. Sarah Brinkerhoff, also with Platoon 4038, to drop to the ground during a combat fitness test Oct. 21, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The test consists of an 880-yard sprint, repeatedly lifting a 30-pound ammunition can for two minutes and a shuttle run that includes a variety of combat-related tasks. Nguyen, 24, is from Orlando, Fla. Brinkerhoff, 19, from Beryl, Utah, is scheduled to graduate Nov. 7, 2014

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November 4, 2014

Civilians arrive to Parris Island to earn title Marine

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:09.22.2014
Date Posted:11.03.2014 10:49

Recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, wait for their first official recruit haircut Sept. 22, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits get fresh buzz cuts weekly until week 12 when they earn their first high-and-tight style haircut right before the Crucible. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 19, 2014.

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November 3, 2014

Continuing the LeJeune Legacy

Story by Sgt Lucas Vega
Date Posted:11.03.2014 14:46

NORMAN, Okla. - Ayden J. Lejeune, whose great-great-great uncle is the former 13th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune, leaves to Marine Corps Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Nov. 3.

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October 30, 2014

Marine recruits earn title, emblem on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:10.25.2014
Date Posted:10.30.2014 14:10

Recruits of Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, repeat the oath of enlistment during an emblem ceremony Oct. 25, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Repeating the oath is a custom that helps reaffirm their commitment to defending the nation. Kilo Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 31, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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October 27, 2014

Parris Island recruits gain new confidence after completing Confidence Course

Photos by Cpl. David Bessey
Date Taken:09.29.2014
Date Posted:10.27.2014 07:39

Recruits of Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, pull themselves up a Confidence Course obstacle Sept. 29, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The course is comprised of multiple obstacles that test recruits’ strength, endurance and courage. Delta Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 5, 2014.

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October 17, 2014

Graduation Ceremony – Bravo Company – Oct. 17, 2014

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:10.17.2014
Date Posted:10.17.2014 12:04

Pfc. Richard Mendez III, the Bravo Company high shooter from Platoon 1072, scored 331 points out of 350 points. Mendez graduated boot camp Oct. 17, 2014, and is from Argillite, Ky.

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October 15, 2014

Marine recruits maneuver through combat course on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. David Bessey
Date Taken:09.23.2014
Date Posted:10.15.2014 13:52

Recruits of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, clear an obstacle during a combat training course Sept. 23, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits learned to communicate and maneuver in a simulated combat environment. Recruits learn the primary mission of a Marine Corps rifle squad, which is to locate, close with and destroy an enemy by using fire and maneuver. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 17, 2014

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October 10, 2014

Oscar Company recruits conquer Confidence Course on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:10.01.2014
Date Posted:10.10.2014 10:29

Recruits of Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, balance on a Confidence Course obstacle Oct. 1, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The course is comprised of 15 obstacles designed to help Marine Corps recruits build confidence by overcoming physical challenges. Oscar Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 5, 2014.

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October 9, 2014

Charlie Company conquers classroom

Photos by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:08.25.2014
Date Posted:10.09.2014 10:16

Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, learned how to formally and informally seek assistance from their chain of command during a class Aug. 25, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Although learning is continuous on Parris Island, recruits are scheduled to receive 58 formal classes covering topics like problem solving techniques, combat care and Marine Corps history. Academics is only one obstacle these recruits will have to overcome on their journey to earn the title Marine. Charlie Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 7, 2014.

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September 29, 2014

Parris Island recruits learn Marine Corps’ core values

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:09.18.2014
Date Posted:09.29.2014 10:55

Recruits of Platoon 3093, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, listen to a core values guided discussion Sept. 18, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Most recruits find training is as mentally challenging as it is physically. Recruits must prove by the end of training that they are imbued with the Corps’ core values in order to earn the title Marine. Lima Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 26, 2014.

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Marine recruits gain sense of discipline, motivation through incentive training on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. David Bessey
Date Taken:09.16.2014
Date Posted:09.29.2014 11:18

Recruits of India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, sprint away from an incentive training session Sept. 16, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Drill instructors use incentive training to help instill discipline, defined as the instant and willing obedience to all orders, respect for authority and self-reliance, which is a key trait drill instructors must instill in recruits. India Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 10, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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September 25, 2014

Parris Island recruits strike blows during Marine Corps martial arts training

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple
Date Taken:09.18.2014 Date Posted:09.25.2014 19:13

Recruits of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practice armed manipulation techniques Sept. 18, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program combines hand-to-hand combat with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into ethical warriors. Golf Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 21, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915

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Marine recruits finish off their training day on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple
Date Taken:09.17.2014 Date Posted:09.25.2014 19:07

Recruits of Platoon 4038, Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, enjoy their hour of free time Sept. 17, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The evening routine – consisting of mail call, personal time and devotion – allows recruits to get a break from the close, constant association with their drill instructors at the end of the training day. Oscar Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 7, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915

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Marine recruits develop unit cohesion through close-order drill on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple
Date Taken:09.25.2014 Date Posted:09.25.2014 18:12

Recruits of Platoon 2090, Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practice marching Sept. 5, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits perform close-order drill movements in two formal evaluations to judge their grasp on these concepts. Drill instructors use close-order drill to teach recruits discipline, teamwork and respect for authority. Golf Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 21, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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September 24, 2014

Marine recruits improve physical fitness on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:09.11.2014 Date Posted:09.24.2014 11:58

Recruits of Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, do side planks Sept. 11, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits perform various exercises meant to strengthen different muscle groups. Physical training sessions help recruits prepare for the physical fitness and combat fitness tests, which they must pass to graduate. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 21, 2014.

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Marine recruits strengthen bodies, minds during physical training on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:09.10.2014 Date Posted:09.24.2014 10:46

Recruits of India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, squat during a physical training session Sept. 10, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. While on Parris Island, recruits participate in more than 30 physical training sessions meant to help them meet the Marine Corps’ high fitness standards. India Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 10, 2014.

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September 18, 2014

Marine recruits survive first encounter with Parris Island drill instructors

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:09.06.2014 Date Posted:09.18.2014 11:09

Drill instructors of Platoon 3092, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, storm through the squad bay shortly after being presented to their recruits Sept. 6, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. This was the first encounter the recruits had with the Marines responsible for the next 12 weeks of training. Lima Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 26, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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September 17, 2014

Marine recruits use teamwork to complete final drill evaluation

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple
Date Taken:09.10.2014 Date Posted:09.17.2014 14:28

Recruits of Platoon 4032, Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, march during their final drill evaluation Sept. 10, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Drillmasters, experts on the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual, graded the recruits on their discipline, bearing and attention to detail. Oscar Company graduated Sept. 19, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today,

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Marine recruits train in chemical warfare defense on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:08.26.2014
Date Posted:09.17.2014 16:16

Recruits of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, endure the effects of tear gas Aug. 26, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits experience temporary respiratory irritation, watery eyes and a burning sensation on the skin when exposed to tear gas, which is used increase their confidence in the mask’s ability to protect them in a biologically or chemically contaminated environment. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 17, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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September 15, 2014

Marine recruits learn unit cohesion, discipline through close-order drill on Parris Island

Photos byCpl. Caitlin Brink

Date Taken:09.02.2014
Date Posted:09.15.2014 10:54

Recruits of Platoon 3081, Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, march to their positions during close-order drill practice Sept. 2, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Close-order drill helps transform recruits into Marines by developing teamwork and unit cohesion while instilling discipline by teaching habits of precision and immediate response to orders. Kilo Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 30, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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September 11, 2014

Marine recruits get crash course in combat on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink

Date Taken:09.05.2014
Date Posted:09.11.2014 10:36

Recruits of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, use teamwork to scale a three-level Confidence Course obstacle Sept. 5, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The course is comprised of 15 obstacles designed to help Marine Corps recruits build confidence by overcoming physical challenges. Alpha Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 19, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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September 6, 2014

Here's the 10-point plan a poolee used to cut 83 pounds for bootcamp

By Joshua Stewart
Sep. 6, 2014 - 06:00AM

Pvt. Alexander Klopfenstein relied on a low-fat diet and regular exercise to lose 83 pounds so he could ship out to boot camp. Beth Moylan, a senior nutritionist with Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, reviewed Klopfenstein’s regimen and explained why it worked for him. Here’s what Klopfenstein did:

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August 27, 2014

Edson Range brings in 2nd female PMI in history

By Cpl. Tyler Viglione | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | August 27, 2014

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., - Marines are all trained to be riflemen from the beginning of recruit training, and it takes talented instructors to teach rifle fundamentals. One Marine at Edson Range holds the honor of being the second female to hold this important position, in the historically male dominant role.

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August 25, 2014

Recruits learn Marine Corps history, legacy on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple
Date Taken:08.18.2014
Date Posted:08.25.2014 11:00

Recruits of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, study Marine Corps history Aug. 18, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Lessons cover topics like the Marine Corps’ founding in 1775, the first woman to become a Marine in 1918 and recent operations to prepare them for their future as Marines. The Marine Corps’ more than 238-year legacy sets an example for recruits and Marines. November Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 24, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915

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Future Marines learn to be recruits on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:07.21.2014
Date Posted:08.25.2014 09:37

Drill instructors of India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, assemble their recruits for an incentive training demonstration July 21, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Drill instructors spend the first three days with their recruits teaching basic procedures and expectations. The formal 70-day training schedule begins about a week after recruits arrive on Parris Island; recruits spend the first week in-processing and learning basic procedures and expectations. India Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 10, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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August 20, 2014

Marine recruits kick-start transformation with martial arts on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple
Date Taken:07.08.2014
Date Posted:08.20.2014 14:19

Recruits of Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, practice horizontal knee strikes July 8, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into ethical warriors. Recruits must earn their tan belts, the first level in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, to graduate training. Oscar Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 19, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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Marines sort, deliver hundreds of pounds of mail daily to Parris Island recruits

Photos by Cpl. David Bessey
Date Taken:08.11.2014
Date Posted:08.20.2014 10:56

Mail is delivered to the depot post office on Parris Island, S.C. Marine postal clerks sort through hundreds of pounds of mail each day to ensure they reach the recruits in training in a timely manner. Most recruits’ only connection to the outside world during their 13 weeks on Parris Island is through letters from friends and family. To ensure mail reaches recruits, Marine postal clerks stress the importance proper packaging and addressing to include a full name, full unit name, post office box and return address.

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August 19, 2014

Marine recruits build self-confidence during martial arts training on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:08.05.2014
Date Posted:08.19.2014 09:29

Recruits of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, practice the vertical hammer fist strike Aug. 5, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. This is one of many strikes in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which is designed to increase the warfighting capabilities of individual Marines and units, enhance Marines’ self-confidence and esprit de corps and foster the warrior ethos in all Marines. The program fuses hand-to-hand combat skills with character development, helping transform recruits into physically strong and morally sound Marines. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 17, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Marine recruits stick to basics with bayonet training on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:08.01.2014
Date Posted:08.19.2014 08:49

Recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, hone their bayonet fighting skills during pugil stick training Aug. 1, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits wear safety equipment such as helmets, groin protectors, flak jackets, gloves and mouthpieces to prevent injuries. Bayonet training is part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into physically and morally sound warriors. Echo Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 3, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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August 15, 2014

Recruits donate blood for a good cause

By Cpl. Tyler Viglione | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | August 15, 2014

SAN DIEGO -- On average, Naval Hospital San Diego collects about 2,860 pints of blood per year and without the selflessness of recruits, none of that would be possible.

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August 14, 2014

Marine recruits put combat skills to test on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple
Date Taken:08.11.2014
Date Posted:08.14.2014 15:33

Recruits of Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, hone their bayonet skills during pugil sticks training Aug. 11, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits wear safety equipment such as helmets, groin protectors, flak jackets, gloves and mouthpieces to prevent injuries. Recruits fight with pugil sticks, which represent rifles with attached bayonets, to simulate a close encounter with an enemy. Bayonet training is part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into physically and morally sound warriors. Fox Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 24, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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August 12, 2014

Marine recruits stay on target during Parris Island training


Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:07.22.2014 | Date Posted:08.12.2014 08:45

Primary marksmanship instructors teach recruits from Platoon 4031, November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship, firing positions, weapons safety and rifle range procedures during the marksmanship training, July 22, 2014 on Parris Island, S.C. This is before the recruits fire live rounds the following week. Recruits train with scopes because the Marine Corps now equips all rifles with scopes, and rifle marksmanship fundamentals remain the same. November Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 5, 2014.

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Marine recruits train in close quarters combat on Parris

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:08.04.2014
Date Posted:08.12.2014 15:44

Marine recruits fight using pugil sticks on Parris Island, S.C. They fight in 15-second bouts using pugil sticks, which represent rifles with fixed bayonets, to test their bayonet skills on a live opponent and simulate a close encounter with an enemy. Bayonet training, along with other hand-to-hand fighting skills, is part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which contributes to the mental, character and physical development of Marines. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 17, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.

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Marine recruits train in chemical warfare defense on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:07.22.2014
Date Posted:08.12.2014 08:30

Recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, learn the basics of biological and chemical warfare defense by properly using gas masks while being exposed to tear gas. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 12, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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August 8, 2014

Graduation Ceremony – Golf and Papa companies – August 8, 2014

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Posted:08.08.2014 12:15

Golf Company and Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion's honor graduates and one new Marine with Platoon 3058, Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion who earned the highest combined physical fitness test and combat fitness test score for his company. He earned 590 out of 600 points. They graduated August 8, 2014.

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August 6, 2014

Hotel Company - Marksmanship Training - July 28-Aug. 1, 2014

Photos by Cpl Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:07.30.2014 | Date Posted:08.06.2014 15:15

Recruits of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, received marksmanship training July 30, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits fire more than 200 rounds each over five days. At the end of the week, they attempt to qualify from distances of 200, 300 and 500 yards. Hotel Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 5, 2014.

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August 5, 2014

Hollywood, Fla., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:07.22.2014 | Date Posted:08.04.2014 15:49

A native of Hollywood, Fla. along with others across the eastern part of the U.S. are currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Platoon 4030, November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion is scheduled to graduate Sept. 5, 2014. “Platoon 4030, November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Sept. 5, 2014. “I joined the Marine Corps to better myself and my future,” said one Recruit. “I didn’t see college working out, and I wanted to provide support for my mother and sisters. I’ve been thinking about joining for the past three years, and I finally just committed to it.” Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training.

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August 4, 2014

Alpha and Oscar Companies - Swim Qualification - July 21, 2014

Photos by Cpl Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:07.21.2014 | Date Posted:08.04.2014 11:38

All recruits must pass water survival qualification to advance in training. The training was designed to increase recruits’ self-confidence, reduce fear and ensure they can survive in water. Recruits of Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion are scheduled to graduate Sept. 19, 2014

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Deland, Fla., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:07.22.2014 | Date Posted:08.04.2014 15:53

A native of Deland, Fla. along with others across the eastern part of the U.S. are currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Platoon 3077, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion is scheduled to graduate Oct. 10, 2014. “I joined the Marine Corps to get a challenge out of life,” said one recruit. “The Marine Corps is part of my family. My uncle and brother-in-law are Marines, and when I heard about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, it inspired me to join.” Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training.

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August 1, 2014

Recruits filled with pride as they’re fitted for uniforms

By Sgt. Walter D. Marino II | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | August 01, 2014

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego --
There were some wide smiles as recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, received their name tapes and tried on their dress blue uniform for the first time at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, July 30.

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Tampa, Fla., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photos by Cpl David Bessey
Date Taken:07.24.2014 | Date Posted:08.01.2014 08:25

A native of Tampa, Fla. is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Platoon 2066, Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion is scheduled to graduate Sept. 5, 2014. “I want to have a sense of purpose.” He went on to say, “I want to serve my country and better my life.” Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training.

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Blackstone, Mass., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photos by Cpl David Bessey
Date Taken:07.24.2014 | Date Posted:08.01.2014 08:10

A native of Blackstone, Mass., is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Platoon 2073, Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion is scheduled to graduate Oct. 3, 2014. “I joined the Marine Corps so I could protect people.” Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training.

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July 25, 2014

Parris Island recruits start first lessons in martial arts on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. David Bessey | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 07.17.2014
Date Posted:07.25.2014 12:49

The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program contributes to the physical, mental and character development of Marines and indoctrinates recruits into the warrior mindset of the Marine Corps. Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, is scheduled to graduate Oct. 3, 2014.

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July 22, 2014

Marine Completes 90-pound Weight Loss

Jul 22, 2014
American Forces Press Service | by Cpl. Tyler Viglione

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. – For many potential recruits, enlisting in the Marine Corps is as easy as talking to a recruiter. But for some, it takes some willpower.

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July 19, 2014

Hotel and November Companies - Rappel Tower - July 15, 2014

Video by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:07.15.2014 | Date Posted:07.18.2014 11:43AM

The recruits of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, and November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, rappel a 47-foot tower July 15, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Each recruit’s safety depends on the tightness of the harness and the drill instructor who waits at the bottom of the tower to belay each recruit. Rappel training mimics descending from a helicopter skid or the side of a building using a rope and harness. These are skills the recruits may need if they become Marines. Both companies are scheduled to graduate Sept. 5, 2014.

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July 18, 2014

Parris Island recruits train to Marine fitness standards

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Posted: 07.18.2014 12:10

Platoon 4026, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, scheduled to graduate Aug. 8, 2014, perform various exercises meant to strengthen the main muscle groups and prepare them for the physical fitness and combat fitness tests, both of which are graduation requirements on July 9, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Marine recruits complete Confidence Course on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 07.08.2014
Date Posted: 07.18.2014 11:34

The Confidence Course is comprised of 15 obstacles designed to help Marine Corps recruits build confidence by overcoming physical challenges. Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, is scheduled to graduate Sept. 12, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Marine recruits learn unit cohesion, discipline through close-order drill on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Posted:07.18.2014 10:08

Platoon 3069, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion perform close-order drill practice July 9, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Close-order drill enables a unit to move from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner and creates a sense of unit cohesion. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 12, 2014.

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Marine recruits climb, jump flip through Parris Island obstacle course

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Posted:07.18.2014 13:28

Platoon 1069, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, attempt the obstacle course July 14, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The course is used to condition recruits mentally and physically and is designed to improve balance, coordination and physical strength while exposing them to the types of obstacles they may face in a battle zone. Alpha Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 19, 2014.

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Marine recruits survive first stressful night on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Posted:07.18.2014 13:37

On July 14, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C., if successful in training, the men of India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion of Papa Company and the women of 4th Recruit Training Battalion will be transformed during the following 13 weeks into basic Marines, representing the epitome of personal character, selflessness and military virtue. Both companies are scheduled to graduate Oct. 10, 2014.

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Marine recruits test strength, stamina on Parris Island circuit course

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 07.16.2014
Date Posted:07.18.2014 14:14

Combat conditioning sessions that Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, performed are meant to strengthen recruits to meet the Marine Corps’ high physical fitness standards and prepare them for the physical fitness and combat fitness tests, which are both graduation requirements. Alpha Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 19, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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July 17, 2014

Marine recruits climb, jump, flip through Parris Island obstacle course

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 07.10.2014
Date Posted:07.17.2014 14:42

Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, train on the obstacle course. The course is a tool used by drill instructors to condition recruits mentally and physically and was designed to improve balance, coordination and physical strength. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Marine recruits climb, jump, flip through Parris Island obstacle course

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Posted: 07.17.2014 14:42

Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, scheduled to graduate Sept. 12, 2014 from Parris Island on July 10, 2014, go through an obstacle course. The course is used to condition recruits mentally and physically and was designed to improve balance, coordination and physical strength while exposing them to the types of obstacles they may face in a battle zone. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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July 14, 2014

Recruits work as a team to finish log drills

By Sgt. Walter D. Marino II | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | July 14, 2014

Marnie Corps Recruit Depot San Diego --

Under a hot summer sun at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, recruits of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, were already sweating; and it was only the end of their warm-up drills.

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July 11, 2014

Manchester, Conn., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 07.08.2014
Date Posted: 07.11.2014 08:11

Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Sept. 12, 2014. Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps

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July 10, 2014

Recruit: Should I tell my DIs it’s my birthday?

July 10th, 2014 | Battle Rattle | Posted by Gina Harkins

A Marine recruit — or soon to be recruit — took to the Internet to ask for some advice about whether drill instructors care if your birthday falls during boot camp.

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July 9, 2014

Marine recruits hone basic combat skills on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 07.01.2014
Date Posted: 07.09.2014 14:50

Held during the ninth week, Basic Warrior Training introduces recruits to basic field skills all Marines must know. Recruits of Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, work in teams of two or four to maneuver over and under various obstacles such as concertina wire, walls and small ponds while wearing combat equipment. The basic combat training recruits receive while on Parris Island will be broadened after boot camp at advanced training in Camp Lejeune, N.C. Oscar Company is scheduled to graduate July 25, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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July 8, 2014

Marine recruits attempt daunting obstacles on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 07.01.2014
Date Posted:07.08.2014 14:58

The Confidence Course is comprised of 15 obstacles designed to help Marine Corps recruits build confidence by overcoming physical challenges. Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, is scheduled to graduate Sept. 5, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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July 7, 2014

Marine recruits train in close quarters combat on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.30.2014
Date Posted:07.07.2014 15:52

Bayonet training is part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into physically and morally sound warriors. Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, is scheduled to graduate Sept. 12, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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July 3, 2014

Marine recruits hone marksmanship skills on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.27.2014
Date Posted:07.03.2014 09:44

Recruits of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, were trained for five days on the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship, firing positions and rifle range commands in preparation for firing live rounds the following week. The Marine Corps holds the longest basic marksmanship training for recruits of any United States military service. Golf Company is scheduled to graduate Aug. 8, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Graduation Ceremony – Fox -November Company – July 3, 2014

Photos by Cpl. David Bessey
Date Taken:07.03.2014

Marines from Fox and November Companies, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, who graduated July 3, 2014, MCRD Parris Island.

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July 2, 2014

Marine martial arts instructors teach recruits basic skills on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.30.2014
Date Posted: 07.02.2014 15:40

Recruits of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practice bayonet techniques and how to break free from arm locks as part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which combines hand-to-hand combat with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into U.S. Marines. Recruits must earn their tan belts, the first level in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, to graduate training. Miller is a 33-year-old native of Lynchburg, Va. Hotel Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 5, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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July 1, 2014

Marine recruits judged on discipline, bearing during drill evaluation on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.16.2014
Date Posted:07.01.2014 12:34

Drillmasters, experts on the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual, grade recruits on their discipline, bearing and attention to detail. Close-order drill is a key element of Marine Corps recruit training because it helps instill self-discipline, obedience to orders and unit pride. Golf Company is scheduled to graduate Aug. 8, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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June 30, 2014

Marine recruits train in martial arts on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.11.2014
Date Posted:06.30.2014 08:20

The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program combines hand-to-hand combat with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into ethical warriors. Recruits must earn their tan belts, the first level in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, to graduate training. Oscar Company is scheduled to graduate Aug. 22, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Marine recruits battle during pugil stick matches on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.24.2014
Date Posted:06.30.2014 16:59

Pugil stick training is part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which fuses hand-to-hand combat skills with character development, yielding a strong, morally sound Marine warrior.Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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New Marines a cut above with high’n’tight

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.24.2014
Date Posted:06.30.2014 10:21

Recruits of Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, receive high-and-tight haircuts June 24, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The recruits were only days away from earning their places in the Corps, and these haircuts not only separated them from the other male recruits on base but also allowed them to look the part of a U.S. Marine. Fox Company is scheduled to graduate July 3, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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June 27, 2014

Marine recruits practice martial arts techniques on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.19.2014
Date Posted: 06.27.2014 10:02

The martial arts skills recruits learn in boot camp are some they may need if they become Marines. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program fuses hand-to-hand combat skills with character development, yielding a strong, morally sound Marine warrior. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Marine recruits make another attempt at obstacle course on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.18.2014
Date Posted:06.27.2014 09:29

The obstacle course is designed to help improve recruits’ upper-body strength and develop confidence in their physical capabilities. Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion is scheduled to graduate July 25, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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June 26, 2014

Recruits participate in first physical training session on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.18.2014
Date Posted: 06.26.2014 18:35

Drill instructors supervise recruits during PT and motivate them to improve their fitness. November Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 5, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Recruits meet Parris Island drill instructors who will train them throughout Marine boot camp

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.07.2014
Date Posted:06.26.2014 18:49

Pickup is the day when drill instructors meet their recruits and set the tone for the remainder of training. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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June 25, 2014

Marine recruits prepare for close-order drill evaluation on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 05.07.2014
Date Posted: 06.25.2014 10:37

Drill instructors use close-order drill to teach recruits discipline, teamwork and respect for authority. Fox Company is scheduled to graduate July 3, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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June 23, 2014

Recruits develop obedience, discipline during incentive training on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.12.2014
Date Posted: 06.23.2014 10:51

Incentive training is meant to correct minor disciplinary infractions and motivate recruits to improve. Delta Company is scheduled to graduate Aug. 29, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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June 20, 2014

New Marine spends two years on Parris Island

Story Cpl MaryAnn Hill
Date Posted:06.20.2014 15:19

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – A knee injury stopped her from leaving, and eight months of poor health followed by two major surgeries kept her on Parris Island for over two years.

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Marine recruits prove combat fitness in test on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.16.2014
Date Posted: 06.20.2014 08:25

The CFT is an annual training requirement for all Marines. The CFT consists of three scored events that help measure combat readiness. November Company is scheduled to graduate July 3, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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June 18, 2014

Parris Island recruits learn basis of Marine Corps martial arts

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.03.2014
Date Posted: 06.18.2014 12:59

Platoon 3060, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, scheduled to graduate Aug. 22, 2014, learn basis of Marine Corps Martial Arts Program on June 3, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Driven by the philosophy of "one mind, any weapon," the program combines some of the most effective unarmed techniques from various martial arts with armed techniques designed for combat. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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June 17, 2014

Marine recruits display discipline, cohesion during first close-order drill evaluation on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.02.2014
Date Posted: 06.17.2014 16:54

Recruits of Platoon 1052, Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion have their initial close-order drill evaluation on Parris Island, S.C. During the evaluation, recruits performed a series of precision drill movements and could only move when directed to do so. The platoons will be evaluated again a week before graduation. Charlie Company is scheduled to graduate July 25, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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June 11, 2014

Marine recruits get fit on Parris Island obstacle course

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 05.14.2014
Date Posted: 06.11.2014 10:35

The obstacle course is designed to help improve recruits’ upper-body strength and develop confidence in their physical capabilities. Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion is scheduled to graduate June 20, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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June 6, 2014

Family, military sacrifice inspires one recruit to give 100%

By Sgt. Walter D. Marino II | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | June 06, 2014

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- He never knew his mother, but for Recruit Trajon L. Griffis, guide, Platoon 2161, Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, his father was more than enough.

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May 30, 2014

Marine recruits face obstacles on Parris Island’s Confidence Course

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.29.2014
Date Posted: 05.30.2014 10:38

The Confidence Course is comprised of 15 obstacles designed to help Marine Corps recruits build self-confidence by overcoming physical and mental challenges. Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, is scheduled to graduate July 3, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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May 20, 2014

Marine recruits learn to rappel on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. David Bessey | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 05.13.2014
Date Posted: 05.20.2014 09:12

Marines learn to rappel to prepare for deploying from helicopters in flight or navigating difficult terrain, and the training also helps instill courage in recruits to overcome any fear of heights. Fox Company is scheduled to graduate July 3, 2014. Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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May 19, 2014

Fox Company - Gas Chamber

Date Taken: 05.13.2014
Date Posted: 05.19.2014 4:07PM
Location:PARRIS ISLAND, SC, US

Recruits of Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, endure the effects of tear gas after exiting a gas chamber May 13, on Parris Island, S.C.

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May 14, 2014

Parris Island recruits dive into Marine Corps’ amphibious nature

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 05.12.2014
Date Posted: 05.14.2014 09:27

Each exercise simulates a water survival technique recruits may need if they become Marines. Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, is scheduled to graduate July 11, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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May 13, 2014

Marine recruits learn fundamentals of rifle marksmanship on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. David Bessey | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 05.08.2014
Date Posted: 05.13.2014 16:59

All recruits who graduate training have received more than two weeks of marksmanship training, making them qualified Marine riflemen. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate June 20, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Marine recruits develop vital marksmanship skills on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 05.01.2014
Date Posted: 05.13.2014 15:45

Recruits spend two weeks honing their shooting skills before qualifying. Rifle qualification is one of eight graduation requirements recruits must fulfill to become Marines. Oscar Company is scheduled to graduate June 6, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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May 9, 2014

Parris Island recruits learn basic Marine swim survival techniques

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 05.05.2014
Date Posted: 05.09.2014 11:00

Recruits must swim 25 meters before moving on to jumping off a 10-foot tower, swimming with a gear pack and shedding combat gear underwater. The recruits must successfully complete each exercise to pass the overall qualification, a graduation requirement. If the recruits become Marines, they will be expected to requalify in water survival regularly. Fox and November Companies are scheduled to graduate July 3, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Marine recruits descend Parris Island tower to develop rappelling skills

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.29.2014
Date Posted: 05.09.2014 09:32

Recruits of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, rappel from a 47-foot tower April 29, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits slide down ropes belayed by anchors at the tower’s peak and drill instructors on the ground. Rappel training mimics descending from a helicopter skid or the side of a building using a rope and harness. These skills are some the recruits may need if they become Marines. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate June 20, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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May 8, 2014

Mountain Rest, S.C., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.29.2014
Date Posted: 05.08.2014 11:52

Rct. Brittney Lindmeier, a 19-year-old Mountain Rest, S.C., native, is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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May 6, 2014

Parris Island welcomes its newest hopeful recruits ready for Marine boot camp

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.28.2014
Date Posted: 05.06.2014 13:59

The recruits' 13-week mission to become Marines had only just begun, but drill instructors ensure recruits are quickly immersed in the controlled chaos of boot camp. Regardless of their lifestyles before to boot camp, recruits must be loud, fast and intense at virtually all times during training. Oscar and Charlie Companies are scheduled to graduate July 25, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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April 30, 2014

Parris Island recruits train to meet Marine Corps' high fitness standards

Photos by Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.29.2014
Date Posted: 04.30.2014 09:08

Recruits endure more than 30 different training sessions, which are meant to strengthen and harden their bodies and minds to meet the Marine Corps’ high fitness standards. Kilo Company is scheduled to graduate July 11, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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April 28, 2014

Marine drill instructors instill discipline in recruits during close-order drill on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.24.2014
Date Posted: 04.28.2014 16:53

Drill instructors are responsible for ensuring their recruits uphold the highest standards of discipline and attention to detail, both on and off the parade deck. Close-order drill helps recruits develop teamwork, discipline and esprit de corps. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate June 20, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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April 24, 2014

Marine recruits strike way through martial arts training on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.21.2014
Date Posted: 04.24.2014 08:38

The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program combines hand-to-hand combat with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into ethical warriors. Fox Company is scheduled to graduate July 3, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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April 21, 2014

Parris Island recruits get first fitting for Marine Corps uniforms they hope to earn

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.16.2014
Date Posted: 04.21.2014 12:42

Recruits with Platoon 4018, Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, have their service uniform fitted April 16, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits had four sets of uniforms fitted for tailoring. The U.S. Marine Corps’ dress uniforms are some of the world’s most iconic military uniforms today. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Parris Island recruits tested on Marine Corps martial arts skills

Photo by Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.18.2014
Date Posted: 04.21.2014 11:06

Recruits with Platoon 3041, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, demonstrated 50 different techniques throughout their martial arts qualification April 18, 2014 to earn tan belts, the first belt level in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. The program combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into honorable warriors. They are scheduled to graduate June 13, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Parris Island recruits clean barracks, prep gear for move to rifle range

Photos by Cpl. David Bessey | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.18.2014
Date Posted: 04.21.2014 10:39

Recruits of Platoon 2044, Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, take inventory and prepare their equipment April 18, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C., for the company’s move to the rifle range the following day. Recruits pack and carry everything they will need for the next two weeks of marksmanship training. Echo Company is scheduled to graduate June 6, 2014.

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April 13, 2014

Marine recruits rise before sun on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.09.2014
Date Posted: 04.13.2014 12:32

Recruits typically wake up at 4 a.m. and complete a series of daily morning tasks, including getting dressed, shaving and tidying up the barracks, before continuing with their training day. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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April 8, 2014

Recruits transition to Marine boot camp life on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 03.25.2014
Date Posted: 04.08.2014 09:17

The young men spent their first week on the island receiving training gear, completing in-processing and learning what it means to be a recruit so they can be successful when they begin the official training curriculum. Williams, a 24-year-old from Burlington, N.J., and Walker, a 22-year-old from Lexington, Mass., are scheduled to graduate June 20, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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April 7, 2014

Marine recruits endure martial arts course on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 03.13.2014
Date Posted: 04.07.2014 09:53

Recruits of Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, endure a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program endurance course March 13, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The course combines practicing martial arts techniques with combat conditioning. The training helps recruits retain newfound martial arts skills and continue to build strength and stamina to meet the Marine Corps’ high physical fitness standards. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate April 25, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Marine recruits improve physical fitness on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 03.26.2014
Date Posted:04.07.2014 09:27

Physical training sessions help recruits prepare for physical fitness and combat fitness tests, which they must pass to graduate, as well as annual training requirements for Marines. During boot camp, recruits participate in more than 30 physical training sessions meant to help them meet the Marine Corps’ high fitness standards. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Wide awake at 4 a.m., Marine recruits begin day with rushed routine on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 03.25.2014
Date Posted: 04.07.2014 10:21

Recruits of Platoon 3044, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, participate in their first incentive training session on the morning of their first official training day March 25, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Incentive training sessions consist of physical exercises administered in a controlled and deliberate manner and are used to correct minor disciplinary infractions. Drill instructors are responsible for instilling discipline in their recruits. India Company is scheduled to graduate June 13, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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April 3, 2014

Mike Company - Pugil Sticks - March 21, 2014

Video by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert
Date Taken:03.21.2014
Date Posted: 04.3.2014 10:05AM

Recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, with pugil sticks, which represent rifles with attached bayonets, to simulate a close encounter with an enemy. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate May 23, 2014.

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March 24, 2014

Recruits, drill instructors discuss commitment to becoming Marines on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 03.18.2014
Date Posted:03.24.2014 10:38

Recruits share their reasons for joining the Marine Corps during a guided discussion March 18, 2014, on Parris Island. Sgt. Steven Procter, senior drill instructor for Platoon 1034, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion advised his recruits to remember the reasons they joined the Marine Corps, especially when training becomes stressful. Alpha Company is scheduled to graduate May 30, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Parris Island recruits push themselves on way to becoming Marines

Photos by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 03.21.2014
Date Posted: 03.24.2014 09:38

Recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, participate in more than 30 physical training sessions, meant to help them meet the Marine Corps’ high fitness standards, starting their second week on the island. Echo Company is scheduled to graduate June 6, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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March 18, 2014

Hundreds of young men arrive on Parris Island to be transformed into Marines

Photos by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 03.03.2014
Date Posted: 03.18.2014 09:34

Regardless of their lifestyles prior to coming to boot camp, recruits must be loud, fast and intense at virtually all times during training. Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, is scheduled to graduate May 30, 2014. (Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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March 13, 2014

Recruits learn fundamentals of marksmanship

By Cpl. Pedro Cardenas | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | March 13, 2014

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. --
“Our Corps, our culture has as its very basis, marksmanship skills—the ability to perform with a rifle. If you can’t shoot, you are not going to become a Marine,” said Gen. James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

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Marine recruits hit the water on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 03.10.2014
Date Posted: 03.13.2014 12:58

All recruits must pass water survival qualification to advance in training. Water survival qualification was designed to increase recruits’ self-confidence, reduce fear and ensure they can survive in water. Hotel and Oscar Companies are scheduled to graduate May 9, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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March 12, 2014

Marine recruits take steps towards graduation on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 03.08.2014
Date Posted: 03.12.2014 15:06

Recruits of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, prepare not only for future deployments but also their last test before graduating – the Crucible. Golf Company is scheduled to graduate April 11, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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February 21, 2014

Rappelling recruits overcome fear of heights on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 02.18.2014
Date Posted:02.21.2014 09:26

Rappelling is a controlled descent on a rope and is used to help prepare recruits for deploying from helicopters, navigating difficult terrain and gaining access to buildings during raids – as well as overcome fear of heights. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple)

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February 20, 2014

Marine recruits battle in simulated bayonet fight on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 02.15.2014
Date Posted: 02.20.2014 14:02

Bayonet training is part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into physically and morally sound warriors. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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February 17, 2014

Parris Island Martial Art Training

Posted Feb 17, 2014
By Erica Miller @togianphotog

Parris Island Martial Art Training by United States Marines Corp. Photographer Erica Miller is on her third day of documenting the grueling training that recruits endure.

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Before, during and after Marine recruit chow

Posted Feb 17, 2014
By Erica Miller @togianphotog

Recruits at Parris Island only have a short time to eat their meals, here are the scenes from before, during and after a lunch meal on campus.

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February 14, 2014

Recruits learn meaning of Marine uniform

By Lance Cpl. Jericho W. Crutcher | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | February 14, 2014

MArine COrps Recruit Depot San Diego --

The Marine Corps uniforms are a representation of Marines. Therefore, it is critical that every Marine be taught all aspects of the uniforms to create the best image possible.

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Marine Corps Recruit Training Graduation

Courtesy Webcast | DVIDS Hub | Date: 02.14.2014 | Start Time: 8:55AM EST | End Time: 10:05AM EST

Nearly 600 newly minted United States Marines will graduate from recruit training from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. For 13 weeks, the male and female recruits of Companies I and O stayed committed during some of the world's most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment.

Scheduled from Feb 14 2014 8:55 AM EST to Feb 14 2014 10:05 AM EST

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February 13, 2014

Water survival training at Parris Island

Posted Feb 13, 2014
By Erica Miller

Recruits learn combat swim survival at Parris Island. Photographer Erica Miller is on her third day of documenting the grueling training that recruits endure.

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February 10, 2014

Golf Company - Confidence Course - Feb. 4, 2014

Date Taken:02.4.2014
Date Posted:02.10.2014 10:28AM

Recruits of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, navigate through 15 obstacles on Parris Island's Confidence Course on Feb. 4.

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January 24, 2014

Photo Gallery: Discipline essential for Parris Island recruits to become Marines

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:01.14.2014 | Date Posted:01.24.2014 18:18

Recruits of Platoon 3021, Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion receive close-order that teaches discipline by instilling habits of precision and immediate response to orders, multiple times a day enabling a unit to move from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner and creates a sense of unit cohesion. Intensive training is to instill discipline and motivation.
Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Photo Gallery: Marine recruits stay on target during Parris Island training

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date:01.15.2014
Date Posted:01.24.2014 17:55

Recruits of Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, aim at simulated targets Jan. 15, 2014, during marksmanship training on Parris Island, S.C. For five days, primary marksmanship instructors teach recruits the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship, firing positions, weapons safety and rifle range procedures in preparation for firing live rounds the following week. In order to become a Marine, every recruit must qualify with a rifle, firing at targets up to 500 yards away. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 28, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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January 7, 2014

West Palm Beach, Fla., native a Marine Corps drill instructor on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 01.06.2014
Date Posted:01.07.2014 15:59

Sgt. Brian Dear currently serves as a Marine Corps drill instructor with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Dear joined the Marine Corps in August 2005 and became a drill instructor in March 2013. "[I became a drill instructor because] just knowing the fact that we are training civilians into the next Marine Corps leaders is pretty humbling," said Dear, a native of West Palm Beach, Fla. About 600 Marine Corps drill instructors shape the approximately 20,000 recruits who come to Parris Island annually into basic United States Marines. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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December 20, 2013

Recruit on way to become family's fourth generation Marine on Parris Island

Story by LCpl MaryAnn Hill
Date Posted:12.20.2013 13:38

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – The Marine Corps prides itself on its long, rich history. One recruit stepped on the famous yellow footprints here with a lofty goal – to continue his family’s tradition and graduate as a fourth-generation Marine.

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Photo Gallery: Recruits mentored during Marine Corps core values discussion on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 12.18.2013
Date Posted:12.20.2013 05:07

Values discussions play an integral role in developing recruits into Marines. Discussions facilitate recruits' grasp of the Corps' ethical code and reinforces their growth into honorable warriors. By the time they graduate, recruits must embrace the Corps' core values of honor, courage and commitment. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 28, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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December 19, 2013

Photo Gallery: Young men, women arrive on Parris Island for chance to earn title Marine

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 12.16.2013
Date Posted:12.19.2013 18:03

Drill instructors are responsible for preparing new recruits for training. Recruits must learn quickly that the rules of recruit training are strictly enforced. Recruits are expected to uphold a military appearance while in training. November Company is scheduled to graduate March 14, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Photo Gallery: Parris Island recruits strive strength to meet Marine Corps' high standards

Photos by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 12.17.2013
Date Posted:12.19.2013 22:11

Recruits engage in different types of training such as running, circuit courses and cross training. The variety of training ensures recruits develop a solid physical fitness foundation. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 24, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Photo Gallery: Parris Island recruits strive strength to meet Marine Corps' high standards

Photos by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 12.17.2013
Date Posted:12.19.2013 22:11

Recruits engage in different types of physical training such as running, circuit courses and cross training. The variety of training ensures recruits develop a solid physical fitness foundation. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 24, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

Continue reading "Photo Gallery: Parris Island recruits strive strength to meet Marine Corps' high standards" »

December 2, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits begin journey to title on Parris Island footprints

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 11.18.2013
Date Posted:12.02.2013 18:12

Recruits from India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion and Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion learn from the moment they step on the yellow footprints that they are expected to move with speed and intensity and to respond to all commands loudly and confidently. They are scheduled to graduate Feb. 14, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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November 21, 2013

Loss of parents leads Parris Island graduate to new family in the Corps

Story by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 11.21.2013

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – After the death of both his parents in the last five years, one young man sought to make them proud by joining a different kind of family.

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November 18, 2013

Iraqi Translator Flees Baghdad, Becomes Marine

Nov 18, 2013
DVIDS | by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - A journey that began in Baghdad involving an Iraqi native, who used her unique, dual-language skills to help the United States’ military, took a new turn after she earned the title of U.S. Marine recently.

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Photo Gallery: Marine recruits improve stamina, strength early in training on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 11.14.2013
Date Posted:11.18.2013 17:49

Recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, train in Marine Corps martial arts endurance course Nov. 14, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. The course combined remediation of martial arts techniques with combat conditioning, simulating the stress they may later experience in combat. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate Jan. 17, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Photo Gallery: Marine recruits hone warrior ethos through close combat training on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 11.04.2013
Date Posted:11.18.2013 13:52

Recruits fight with pugil sticks, which represent rifles with fixed bayonets, to simulate a close encounter with an enemy. Bayonet training is part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into physically and morally sound warriors. Wagner, 18, from Cleveland, is scheduled to graduate Jan. 17, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

Continue reading "Photo Gallery: Marine recruits hone warrior ethos through close combat training on Parris Island" »

November 15, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits breathe easy after gas chamber training on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 10.29.2013
Date Posted:11.15.2013 16:04

Recruits of Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, learn about chemical and biological warfare defense Oct. 29, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. They learned and became confident and comfortable with how to properly use gas masks in a chemically or biologically contaminated environment. Delta Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 20, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Photo Gallery: Parris Island recruits train for Marine Corps' tough physical fitness standards

Photo by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 11.07.2013
Date Posted:11.15.2013 14:40

Recruits endure numerous physical training sessions during their journey to become United States Marines. Alpha Company is scheduled to graduate Jan. 24, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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November 13, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits breathe easy after gas chamber training on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 10.29.2013
Date Posted:11.13.2013 18:32

Recruits of Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, learn about chemical and biological warfare defense Oct. 29, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. They learned and became confident and comfortable with how to properly use gas masks in a chemically or biologically contaminated environment. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 20, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

Continue reading "Photo Gallery: Marine recruits breathe easy after gas chamber training on Parris Island" »

November 4, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits survive first encounter with Parris Island drill instructors

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 10.26.2013
Date Posted:11.04.2013 10:47

This is the recruits first encounter with the Marines responsible for their next 12 weeks of training. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate Jan. 17, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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Photo Gallery: Marine recruits build endurance with martial arts on Parris Island

Photo by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 10.17.2013
Date Posted:11.04.2013 10:33

The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into honorable warriors. Recruits must earn their tan belts, the first level in MCMAP, in order to graduate. Delta Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 20, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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October 28, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits begin journey to title on Parris Island foot prints

Photos by Cpl Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:10.22.2013 | Date Posted:10.28.2013 17:48

New recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, in-processing.

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October 11, 2013

Crucible - journey from civilian to Marine

New Marines receive Eagle, Globe and Anchor at Camp Pendleton ceremony

By Gretel C. Kovach
07:42p.m. Oct 11, 2013

The recruits are starving and exhausted by the time they crest The Reaper, the last hill at the end of a grim 72-hour stretch of basic training known as The Crucible.

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September 30, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits become riflemen on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 09.19.2013
Date Posted: 09.30.2013 20:40

Recruits spend four days honing their shooting skills before qualifying with the M16-A4. India Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 25, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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September 24, 2013

Moon Township, Pa., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 09.18.2013
Date Posted:09.24.2013 13:06

Rct. John Hall, an 18-year-old native of Moon Township, Pa., is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Hall is training with Platoon 3092, Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Nov. 22, 2013.

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Cartersville, Ga., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 09.18.2013
Date Posted:09.24.2013 13:04

Rct. Andrew Patterson, a 25-year-old native of Cartersville, Ga., is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Patterson is training with Platoon 3088, Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Nov. 22, 2013.

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Photo Gallery: Parris Island recruits train to use bayonets on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 09.17.2013
Date Posted:09.24.2013 19:24

Recruits of Platoons 3088, 3089 and 3090, Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, wait to participate in pugil stick training Sept. 17, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits fight with pugil sticks, which represent rifles with attached bayonets, to simulate a close encounter with an enemy. Bayonet training is part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into physically and morally sound warriors. Kilo Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 22, 2013.

Continue reading "Photo Gallery: Parris Island recruits train to use bayonets on Parris Island" »

September 21, 2013

Photo Gallery: Parris Island recruits begin journey to earn Marine title

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 09.16.2013
Date Posted: 09.21.2013 18:26

The first hour on Parris Island is one of many recruits will spend learning what it takes to earn the title of United States Marine. Lima Company is scheduled to graduate Dec. 13, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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September 20, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits use map, compass to navigatge on Parris Island

Photos by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 09.16.2013
Date Posted: 09.20.2013 14:58

Recruits of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, determine their walking pace Sept. 16, 2013, during land navigation training on Parris Island, S.C. Each recruit counted how many steps he took to walk 100 meters in order for each to track distance. Alpha Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 11, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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September 13, 2013

Photo Gallery: Parris Island recruits finish Crucible, earn Marine title

Story by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 09.13.2013

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -The new Marines of Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, received their Eagle, Globe and Anchor during a ceremony Sept. 7, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C.

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September 6, 2013

Marine recruits navigate Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink
Date Taken:08.19.2013
Date Posted:09.06.2013 08:15

Recruits of Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, learn how to properly read a compass and map before venturing into the woods with their teams. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 13, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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September 5, 2013

Marine recruits survive first night on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 09.05.2013

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Young men from across the eastern United States stepped on Parris Island’s legendary yellow footprints Aug. 26, 2013, to begin their journey to the title of United States Marine.

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August 30, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits qualify on Parris Island rifle range

Story by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.30.2013

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Following the tradition of every Marine a marksman, recruits of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, fired their weapons Aug. 28, 2013, at one of the ranges on Parris Island, S.C.

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August 29, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits learn combat skills on Parris Island training course

Story by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.29.2013

Recruits polish their newly acquired basic combat training skills on the training course and will continue to build on what they learned throughout their Marine Corps careers. Delta Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 13, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

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August 26, 2013

Photo Gallery: Parris Island obstacle course bested by Marine recruits

Photo by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.26.2013

Training sessions are intended to prepare recruits for the Marine Corps' high physical fitness standards. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Nov. 1, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent for females in the Marine Corps.

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August 21, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits improve physical fitness on Parris Island

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.21.2013

India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, overcame many exercises during a physical training session Aug. 21, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits endure at least 30 physical training sessions during recruit training to build them up to the Marine Corps' fitness standards. India Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 25, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent for females in the Marine Corps.

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August 20, 2013

New Castle, Del., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.20.2013

Photo of a Recruit training with Platoon 3085, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Oct. 25 2013.

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Miami native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.20.2013

Photo of a Recruit training with Platoon 3084, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Oct. 25 2013.

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Rising Sun, Md., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.20.2013

Photo of a Recruit training with Platoon 3085, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Oct. 25 2013.

Continue reading "Rising Sun, Md., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine" »

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits bolster confidence on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.20.2013

Recruits maneuver through obstacles Aug. 20, 2013, on the Confidence Course on Parris Island, S.C. The course helps recruits build self-confidence by completing mentally and physically challenging obstacles. India Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 25, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent for females in the Marine Corps. (Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink)


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August 19, 2013

Marine recruits hurdle through training on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.19.2013

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Recruits of India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, tackled one of Parris Island’s obstacle courses as part of their physical training Aug. 19, 2013.

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August 15, 2013

Marine recruits build confidence on über-obstacle course

Story by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.15.2013

Recruits of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, tested their limits and completed the Confidence Course Aug. 5, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C.

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August 14, 2013

Marine recruits test physical fitness on Parris Island

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.14.2013

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Recruits of Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, completed a physical fitness test Aug. 14, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C.

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August 6, 2013

Marine recruits practice bayonet techniques during pugil stick training

Story by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 08.06.2013

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Recruits of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, honed their bayonet techniques as they battled each other during pugil stick training July 29, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C.

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August 2, 2013

Recruit survives medical mystery, claims title of Marine on Parris Island

Story by LCpl David Bessey
08.02.2013

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – After overcoming a medical mystery that prevented him from accomplishing his dream, one Marine achieved his goal and finally graduated recruit training Aug. 2, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C.

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July 31, 2013

Grandfather honored through commitment

Story by LCpl Pedro Cardenas
07.31.2013

SAN DIEGO - The Marine Corps prides itself in instilling recruits with its core values; honor, courage and commitment. For Pvt. Justin B. Vannoord, Platoon 1033, Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, it was his grandfather, who taught him commitment to a task at hand and through the Marine Corps Vannoord can now display what he learned from him.

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July 30, 2013

Photo Gallery: Marine recruits learn martial arts techniques

Story by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 07.30.2013

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Marine recruits of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, learned martial arts techniques at a training session July 24, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C.

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July 18, 2013

Marine recruits evaluated on close-order drill on Parris Island

by LCpl Caitlin Brink
07.18.2013 09:07

Recruits of Platoon 3065, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, align themselves during their initial drill evaluation July 15, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. Close-order drill enables a unit to move from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner and creating a sense of unity. Lima Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 6, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent for females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink)

Continue reading "Marine recruits evaluated on close-order drill on Parris Island" »

July 15, 2013

Marine Corps recruits increase strength, overcome obstacle course on Parris Island

Story by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill
07.15.2013

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Recruits of Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, improved their physical fitness at the battalion’s obstacle course July 8, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C.

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July 12, 2013

MCMAP develops warrior ethos

By Lance Cpl. Pedro Cardenas | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | July 12, 2013

Recruits of Company L, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, were graded on their knowledge of Marine Corps Martial Arts Program aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego June 26.

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Marine recruits qualify in water survival on Parris Island

by LCpl Caitlin Brink
07.12.2013 11:11

Recruits of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, wait for instructions on the next portion of the basic water survival qualification July 8, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. Water survival training was designed to reduce fear, raise self-confidence and develop the ability to survive in water. The evaluation is a graduation requirement and provides recruits with basic water survival skills. Lima Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 6, 2013. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent for females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink)

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Recruits learn Marine Corps history

By Sgt. Liz Gleason | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | July 12, 2013

San Diego --
Some recruits arrive at the Depot with a good understanding of the Marine Corps’ history and some arrive with no prior knowledge, however throughout their journey to becoming Marines, they are immersed in the illustrious past of the Corps.

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July 11, 2013

Falling tree hurts 15 at San Diego Marine depot

By The Associated Press 11:27 A.M.JULY 11, 2013

SAN DIEGO — Authorities say a tree has fallen and hurt 15 people at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego but none of the injuries are life-threatening.

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June 26, 2013

'The Crucible' turns recruits into Marines

By Jed Boal
June 26th, 2013 @ 10:14pm

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The United States Marine Corps calls it The Crucible.

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June 6, 2013

Combat Conditioning Exercise trains recruits minds, bodies

By Lance Cpl. Benjamin E. Woodle | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | June 06, 2013

San Diego --

A drill instructor’s presence can be stressful for most recruits. That stress level can become greatly multiplied when in the face of an enemy during combat. The physical and mental toll taken during such a fight is tremendous, which is why recruits must train and prepare for it. The Combat Conditioning Exercise is one of the few training events that can simulate that physically and mentally exhausting and stressful environment.

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May 19, 2013

Meet the woman in charge of all Parris Island marines & recruits

by Romney Smith
Posted: 05.19.2013 at 12:00 PM

Brigadier General Lori Reynolds is in charge of the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island South Carolina. She says her job in a nutshell is to produce marines, and to do it right. “I think there's a lot of misperceptions out there about what happens at recruit training. Everything that we do has a purpose and at the end of the day we turn regular American citizens into basically trained marines through a transformative process that is going to carry them through their whole enlistment” says Reynolds.

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April 20, 2013

Parris Island newspaper The Boot folds after 70-year run

By ERIN MOODY — [email protected]
Published: April 20, 2013

You can sense Jack Paxton's grin even across the phone as he describes how "Iron Mike" once delivered news to the Marines of Parris Island.

Continue reading "Parris Island newspaper The Boot folds after 70-year run" »

March 15, 2013

Future Marines learn basics of Corp's ethics

By Cpl. Walter D. Marino II | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | March 15, 2013

San Diego --

No matter where you are in the world, ethics are intertwined to some degree in day-to-day life. While ethical codes may differ slightly from country to country, it is undeniable that ethics are an important part of society. In the Marine Corps, recruits are taught early in recruit training how and why Marines should live to a high ethical standard

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March 7, 2013

Co. I recruits experience first Marine Corps inspection

By Lance Cpl. Pedro Cardenas | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | March 07, 2013

San Diego -- Recruits stood tall in formation at the position of attention. Their backs straight and their hands by their trouser seams while holding their rifle next to them. Their eyes were fixed as they patiently straight and patient as they wait to be inspected by their drill instructor. Their uniforms are pressed and clean and while they stand stiff, ready for inspection.

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February 25, 2013

Women at Marine boot camp

February 25, 2013
Getty Images

PARRIS ISLAND, SC:
Photos during boot camp February 25, 2013 at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. All female enlisted Marines and male Marines who were living east of the Mississippi River when they were recruited attend boot camp at Parris Island. About six percent of enlisted Marines are female.

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February 4, 2013

Area teachers are boot-camp serious about delving into Marine experience

February 04, 2013 6:00 am • By TONY REID

MOWEAQUA — The few. The proud. The teachers?

Continue reading "Area teachers are boot-camp serious about delving into Marine experience" »

January 17, 2013

Recruits get dose of confidence


By Cpl. Walter D. Marino
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
January 17, 2013

San Diego -- Some obstacles were tall, and some were short. Some required finesse and agility, while others required brute strength. However, one thing all the obstacles in the Confidence Course had in common was that they were all challenging.

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Marine recruit arrested after running across airport tarmac

01/17/13
by Matt Johnson
Reporter

SAN DIEGO — A recruit from the Marine Corp Recruit Depot was arrested at San Diego Lindbergh Field early Thursday after he ran across the runway, authorities said.

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January 11, 2013

Fraternization class prepares recruits for future fleet duties

By Cpl. Liz Gleason
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
January 11, 2013

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Fraternization policies have existed in the military to maintain good order and discipline. However, not all recruits arrive at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego with an understanding of what that entails. Recruits of Company A, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, attended a class on fraternization taught by their series commander, during recruit training Jan. 4.

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January 5, 2013

‘Cigar Marine’ offers advice to recruits

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jan 5, 2013 11:03:09 EST

SAN DIEGO — The image is known around the world — a Marine Corps tank commander, borrowed cigar in hand, reveling in the taking of Baghdad during the invasion of Iraq. Retired Gunnery Sgt. Nick Popaditch, immortalized in the April 2003 photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Laurent Rebours, became forever known as “The Cigar Marine.” In fact, he launched his own special line of premium cigars in November to help raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

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December 23, 2012

Christmas for recruits at Parris Island? Sir, no, sir!

By PATRICK DONOHUE
[email protected]
843-706-8152
Published Sunday, December 23, 2012

Wreaths hang in the windows of a brick guard house that sits in the shadow of a large pine tree decorated with brightly colored lights.

Continue reading "Christmas for recruits at Parris Island? Sir, no, sir!" »

December 21, 2012

Log drills build unit cohesion, leadership

By Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | December 21, 2012

San Diego -- Working together to complete a common goal is a lesson learned throughout recruit training and the recruits of Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, learned exactly that through log drills aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Dec. 18.

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December 11, 2012

Warrior ethos drives recruit to Corps

By Cpl Matheus Hernandez
DIVIDS | Dec 11 2012

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (November 29, 2012) – What lies within a man can be different from what lies within a warrior. A warrior contains a code of conduct within himself—a code that embodies a life where integrity, loyalty, honor, selflessness and courage are one's guide. Many people believe they can follow this code, but others know the warrior ethos is the only way of life for them.

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December 6, 2012

Recruits tackle new challenges, build self confidence

By Cpl. Walter D. Marino II
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
December 06, 2012

San Diego -- While much of what’s found on television is loosely based on fact, some ads display absolute truth. Marine Corps ads, for example, try to give a real picture of the Corps and the obstacles that must be overcome during recruit training.

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November 16, 2012

Orders lift the spirits of recruits

By Cpl. Walter D. Marino II | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | November 16, 2012

MCRD San Diego --
Recruits of Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, gathered in an auditorium to receive their orders following graduation from recruit training. The orders came just one week prior to their Crucible and brought a pleasant surprise aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Nov. 6.

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November 8, 2012

O-course challenges Company H

By Cpl. Matheus J. Hernandez | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | November 08, 2012

MCRD San Diego --

On training day nine, recruits of Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, found themselves facing the obstacle course once again during recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit San Diego Nov. 1. However, this time was different. Recruits were challenged with facing the course back-to-back.

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November 7, 2012

One simple gesture embodies Marine Corps history, tradition, brotherhood

Story by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.07.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – It is the defining moment during boot camp, and I remember it well. Tired, dirty and sweaty after the Crucible, the final test before recruits earn the title United States Marine, I marched back realizing weeks of training were leading me to this moment.

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November 6, 2012

Team week allows recruits to build teamwork, camaraderie

By Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | November 06, 2012

MCRD San Diego --

A big lesson learned in recruit training is teamwork, which requires recruits to put aside their differences to complete a common goal.

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Recruits learn hand to hand combat skills

By Cpl. Walter D. Marino II | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | November 06, 2012

MCRD San Diego --

After a quick demonstration of rifle butt strokes, recruits of Company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, donned protective gear and faced one another in pugil stick match ups, aboard Marine Corps Recruiting Depot San Diego Oct. 25.

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Log drills require teamwork from recruits

By Cpl. Walter D. Marino II | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | November 06, 2012

MCRD San Diego --

Prior to starting a log drill exercise drill instructors stressed to recruits in order to carry an approximately 250 pound log, between eight recruits, it would behoove them to work as a team.

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October 30, 2012

Company G earns Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on top of Reaper

By Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | October 30, 2012

San Diego -- The stars were still out when the mentally and physically exhausted recruits of Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, finished a grueling 12-mile hike Oct. 25 in the hills of Edson Range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Continue reading " Company G earns Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on top of Reaper" »

October 25, 2012

Water survival starts in recruit training

By Cpl. Walter D. Marino II | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | October 25, 2012

MCRD San Diego --
After a quick 25 meter swim assessment, recruits of Co. I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, were classified as either strong or weak swimmers. Strong swimmers proceeded to advanced swim training and the others received assistance on becoming a better swimmer before proceeding.

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October 23, 2012

Confidence gained through ability to perform

By Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane | Marine Corps
Recruit Depot San Diego | October 23, 2012

San Diego -- There are some recruits that glanced back at the 60-foot drop behind them as they placed their heels on the edge of the tower. Others take a deep breath and fearlessly began their descent without any hesitations.

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October 15, 2012

Co. A learns communication and teamwork through Crucible

By Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | October 15, 2012

San Diego -- The sun shined brightly Oct. 10 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, as recruits of Company A, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, marched toward a large sign with white lettering on it.

Continue reading "Co. A learns communication and teamwork through Crucible" »

Co. E improves through ability groups

By Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | October 15, 2012

San Diego -- Physical development is important throughout recruit training. Recruits are tested during each phase to see where they stand through training events, which are designed to measure one’s physical strength, agility, endurance and improvement.

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September 19, 2012

Ability to relax allows recruits success in water survival basic

By Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | September 19, 2012

SAN DIEGO -- The fourth week of every training cycle aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is dedicated to swim qualification. Water survival basic is a graduation requirement that teaches recruits how to survive in an aquatic environment using different strokes and techniques while wearing a full utility uniform and pair of combat boots.

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Zero-gravity treadmill helping injured recruits heal faster

Military turns to Alter-G treadmil
Michael Chen
Posted 6:37 PM, Sep 19, 2012

SAN DIEGO - New numbers obtained by 10News reveal a change in philosophy about injuries is paying dividends at military boot camp.

Continue reading "Zero-gravity treadmill helping injured recruits heal faster" »

September 17, 2012

Recruits carry on Marine Corps customs

By Cpl. Eric C. Quintanilla | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | September 19, 2012

MCRD San Diego --

“Good morning sir! Good morning ma’am!” can be heard throughout Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego as recruits greet all they encounter.

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September 16, 2012

Love, pride shine bright at Marine's graduation

IslandPacket
[email protected]
Published Sunday, September 16, 2012

Thanks to David Reuis of Barnwell for sharing the story of a special day in his family: the day he watched his brother Jeremy become a Marine.

Continue reading "Love, pride shine bright at Marine's graduation" »

September 10, 2012

Most pay for GI Bill they could get for free

Sep. 10, 2012 - 07:01AM | Last Updated: Sep. 10, 2012 - 07:01AM
By George Altman and Bethany Crudele | Staff writers

Did Uncle Sam charge you $1,200 for a benefit you can get for free? Probably.

Continue reading "Most pay for GI Bill they could get for free" »

August 21, 2012

My Turn: It's a long road to `semper fi'

By Joe Franklin
Posted: 08/21/2012 10:33:00 AM PDT
Updated: 08/21/2012 10:33:45 AM PDT

It's the impish smile I see every morning in the faded photo imprinted on the two-decade-old coffee mug.

Continue reading "My Turn: It's a long road to `semper fi'" »

July 29, 2012

Marines aim to counter teachers' opposition to recruiting students

By Tony Perry and Howard Blume
Los Angeles Times
Published: July 29, 2012

The bellowing from the drill instructors began as soon as the newcomers arrived.

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July 24, 2012

Guard duty fundamentals begin in recruit training

By Cpl. Walter D. Marino II | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | July 24, 2012

MCRD San Diego --
At every Marine Corps base there is a Marine somewhere posting watch and whether keeping on the alert at an armory or at a checkpoint the same fundamentals apply.

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July 18, 2012

Building platoon builds camaraderie, brotherhood

By Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane | Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego | July 18, 2012

MCRD San Diego --

The natural progression of a platoon aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego usually starts out the same way. “Too many chiefs, not enough indians,” is a frequent phrase heard throughout training.

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July 1, 2012

Dying veteran's wish to see his son graduate comes true

By Sarah Hoye, CNN
updated 5:55 PM EDT, Sun July 1, 2012

Parris Island, South Carolina (CNN) -- Charles Burns steadies himself, using the arms of his wheelchair, before pushing up into a standing position.

Continue reading "Dying veteran's wish to see his son graduate comes true" »

June 16, 2012

Corps tests energy bars as recovery aid

By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jun 16, 2012 15:00:54 EDT

A pilot program is underway to test how nutritional supplements can help recruits and officer candidates recover more quickly from the grueling training sessions that mold them into Marines.

Continue reading "Corps tests energy bars as recovery aid" »

June 13, 2012

Marine Boot Camp: A recruit's first steps

More than 450 new recruits begin journey toward becoming a Marine

CHELSEA DAVIS Courier Staff Writer

June 13, 2012

SAN DIEGO — “Aye aye, sir!”

Continue reading "Marine Boot Camp: A recruit's first steps" »

June 7, 2012

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

Confidence through inspections

By Lance Cpl. Crystal J. Druery | MCRD San Diego | June 07, 2012

San Diego, Calif. --

Company K drill instructors ran with intensity into squad bays to inspect their recruits standing in formation June 1 aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Continue reading "Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego" »

June 4, 2012

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

Co. K earns tan belt

By Lance Cpl. Crystal J. Druery | MCRD San Diego | June 04, 2012

San Diego, Calif. --

Recruits must pass a variety of important tests while aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in order to earn the title Marine.

Continue reading "Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego" »

May 3, 2012

Yellow footprints: The initial step into recruit training

5/3/2012 By Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego — Every step recruits take during recruit training brings them closer to earning the title of United States Marine, but one of the first steps they take is upon the infamous yellow footprints at Receiving Company aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Continue reading "Yellow footprints: The initial step into recruit training " »

Senior drill instructors' mentorship critical in transformation process

5/3/2012 By Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego — The vigorous training cycle that recruits endure while aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego can be repetitive and tiring. This can make it easy for recruits to lose sight of their goals and the reason they enlisted in the Marine Corps.

Continue reading "Senior drill instructors' mentorship critical in transformation process " »

April 20, 2012

MCRD Parris Island close order drill first phase

Courtesy Photos | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.13.2012
Date Posted:04.20.2012 07:52

U.S. Marine recruits with Platoon 3045, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, practice close order drill during the first phase of recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., April 13, 2012. Close order drill is used during recruit training to teach recruits to obey orders and to instill discipline.

Continue reading "MCRD Parris Island close order drill first phase" »

April 5, 2012

Echo gains their confidence

Story by Lance Cpl. Javarre Glanton | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.05.2012

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - The recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, faced the Confidence Course at Leatherneck Square for the second time March 23.

Continue reading "Echo gains their confidence" »

March 16, 2012

Recruits find motivation in letters from home

3/16/2012 By Lance Cpl. Crystal J. Druery , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego — During the 12 weeks aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego recruits look for motivation to push through each training day. Most recruits find strength and support through letters they receive during mail call.

Continue reading "Recruits find motivation in letters from home " »

March 15, 2012

A Marine Wife’s Boot Camp Story

Features, Marines Uncovered // March 15th, 2012 // By Hannah Wetzel

Young men and women fell silent in their private conversations and eyed me as I walked by. I imagine I looked quite out of place. At almost thirty weeks pregnant with my 15-month-old son on my hip, I was the last person one would expect to see at the Military Entrance Processing Station. But I was there. And, I was there for a good reason.

Continue reading "A Marine Wife’s Boot Camp Story" »

Marines, corpsmen build bonds at Parris Island

Story by Lance Cpl. Francisco Abundes | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 03.15.2012

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - For 12 weeks, recruits push themselves toward one goal – earning the title Marine. They are constantly challenging their bodies to become physically stronger, but at times, the stressful environment of recruit training can cause their bodies to fail.

Continue reading "Marines, corpsmen build bonds at Parris Island" »

February 26, 2012

Boot camp to better cater to families

By Tony Lombardo - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Feb 26, 2012 9:53:05 EST

Parris Island is laying out the welcome mat a day earlier for family and friends in town for their recruits’ graduation. But before you think boot camp is getting soft — the ’rents are banned from getting an early visit with their leatherneck-in-training.

Continue reading "Boot camp to better cater to families" »

February 9, 2012

Family Day now extended to Wednesday

Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Rogers | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 02.09.2012

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island’s expansion of Family Day kicked off Feb. 1.

Continue reading "Family Day now extended to Wednesday" »

Lima Company recruits walk their post

Story by Lance Cpl. Francisco Abundes | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 02.09.2012

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Marines watch over their base by continuously patrolling the perimeter and protecting it from possible threats, a skill they first learn during recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

Continue reading "Lima Company recruits walk their post" »

February 8, 2012

Recruit Swim Qualification

Video by Sgt. William Faffler | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego - Combat Camera | Date: 02.08.2012

U.S. Marine Corps swim instructors, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD) conduct the swim qualification portion of recruit training at the MCRD pool aboard MCRD San Diego, Calif, November 21, 2011.

Continue reading "Recruit Swim Qualification" »

January 26, 2012

Making Marines: Training

Date: 1/26/2012 Album ID: 1402827
Photos by Chris Dillmann

This is the second installment of the series, "Making Marines." These photos try and give a glimpse of what some of the training exercises the recruits do.

Continue reading "Making Marines: Training" »

January 25, 2012

Making Marines: The Arrival

BY Daniel Callahan - SUN NEWSPAPERS
Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 2:12 PM CST

Looking around the USO at the San Diego International Airport, you might think the numerous Marine Corps recruits were getting ready for camp. They lounge on easy chairs, grab snacks and drinks from the kitchen, watch television and relax.

Continue reading "Making Marines: The Arrival" »

January 22, 2012

Confidence Course 2

Defense Imagery Management Operations Center

Date Taken:01.10.2012
Date Posted:01.22.2012
Location:MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, SAN DIEGO, CA, US
Produced by Sergeant William J. Faffler.

U.S. Marine Recruits, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD) conduct a confidence course aboard MCRD San Diego, Calif. on January 10, 2012. This event is training day 19 in Marine Corps Recruit Training.

Continue reading "Confidence Course 2" »

January 20, 2012

Receiving Company: Transforming civilians into recruits

Story by Sgt. Whitney N. Frasier | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego | Date: 01.20.2012

SAN DIEGO - Leaving for recruit training can be an exciting time for many, but arriving at the depot may not be what they expected.

Continue reading "Receiving Company: Transforming civilians into recruits" »

January 18, 2012

Making Marines: The Arrival Date

Date: 1/18/2012 Album ID: 1397806
Photos by Chris Dillmann

This is the first in a series of photos that tries to capture a glimpse of what Marine Corps boot camp is like. These photos take place over a five-day period A group of educators from the Midwest were invited down to see what boot camp was like.

Continue reading "Making Marines: The Arrival Date" »

December 1, 2011

Army green to Marine mean

Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Rogers | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 12.01.2011

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Andrea M. Robb used to be a private first class in the Army National Guard. Now, she is a private first class in the Marine Corps.

Continue reading "Army green to Marine mean" »

Echo Company battles in the Octagon

Story by Lance Cpl. Francisco Abundes | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 12.01.2011

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Recruits from Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, battled within the confines of the Octagon during the Crucible, Nov. 21.

Continue reading "Echo Company battles in the Octagon" »

November 21, 2011

Two brothers, one goal

Story by Lance Cpl. Francisco Abundes | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 11.21.2011

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Most recruits in training probably wish they had a familiar face beside them to make it easier, but for twin brothers graduating today, it was different.

Continue reading "Two brothers, one goal" »

November 17, 2011

Marine office in Quincy shows call to duty still strong

By Lane Lambert
The Patriot Ledger
Posted Nov 17, 2011 @ 02:17 AM
Last update Nov 17, 2011 @ 05:14 AM

Late on a weekday afternoon, the Marine Corps recruiting office in Quincy was full and busy. The Marine office has shared a floor with Army, Navy and Air Force recruiters for years, but in October it became a full-fledged station, after being a satellite of the Brockton office. That change is evidence that the Marines and other military services continue to draw more recruits than they can sign.

Continue reading "Marine office in Quincy shows call to duty still strong" »

November 4, 2011

Marines now treat boot camp injuries instead of dismissing them

To reduce injuries, the Corps has hired certified athletic trainers — most with experience tending professional and college athletes — to oversee training. It's a big change from the old ways.

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times

November 4, 2011
Reporting from San Diego—
When the recruit staggered out of the Thunderdome pugil-stick arena, he had the early signs of concussion: glassy eyes, confusion, unsteadiness on his feet.

Continue reading "Marines now treat boot camp injuries instead of dismissing them" »

September 8, 2011

DI recounts Sept. 11 attacks

Story by Sgt. Whitney N. Frasier | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego | Date: 09.08.2011

SAN DIEGO - “I was sitting in math class. We were about to switch to our next period when we heard it. The sound of the engine was so loud it made the windows rattle, not more than a few seconds later I heard a huge explosion. I knew right away we were under attack.”

Continue reading "DI recounts Sept. 11 attacks" »

Memories of Parris Island mascot will dog Marines

By PATRICK DONOHUE
[email protected]
Published Thursday, September 8, 2011

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island mourned the death Thursday of the depot's most popular -- and cuddliest -- Marine sergeant.

Continue reading "Memories of Parris Island mascot will dog Marines" »

Family guy: fourth brother earns title

Story by Lance Cpl. Javarre Glanton | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 09.08.2011

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Pfc. Seth Morgan, with Platoon 1066, Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, is the fourth person in his family to follow the tradition of joining the Corps’ ranks.

Continue reading "Family guy: fourth brother earns title" »

Bravo honor grad motivated by 9/11

Story by Lance Cpl. Javarre Glanton | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 09.08.2011

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- A 21-year-old from Orange County, N.Y., who was influenced by the events of 9/11, graduates today as the honor graduate of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion.

Continue reading "Bravo honor grad motivated by 9/11" »

August 24, 2011

Receiving: Training starts here

August 24, 2011

Many recruit parents are familiar with the recruit training matrix that outlines what their son is doing on a daily basis. For the next three months, this object whether a hard copy, a desktop screen saver or a simple PDF file will most likely become a lonely, but proud, parents’ best friend. It will be the first thing they will look at when they wake up (reveille) and the last thing they will look at before bed (hitting the rack, maybe lights out, whatever you wish).

Continue reading "Receiving: Training starts here" »

July 6, 2011

New Recruits Arrive At Boot Camp: "From Civilian To Marine" Part 2

Jared Broyles 5NEWS Reporter
12:00 a.m. CDT, July 6, 2011

We continue with the second story in our three part series "From Civilian to Marine."

Previously, we introduced you to Billy Gragg, an 18-year-old Greenwood graduate who has shipped off to Marine boot camp.

5NEWS reporter Jared Broyles flew from Fort Smith to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California to take us behind the fence. We're taking you onto the base for the first phase of the longest boot camp of any military branch.

Painted yellow feet on concrete await new recruits.

Continue reading "New Recruits Arrive At Boot Camp: "From Civilian To Marine" Part 2" »

July 5, 2011

Greenwood Recruit Goes To Boot Camp: "From Civilian To Marine"

Jared Broyles 5NEWS Reporter

10:40 p.m. CDT, July 5, 2011

While many of his fellow students are spending the summer prepping for college, Greenwood graduate Billy Gragg is currently training to become a United States Marine.

Continue reading "Greenwood Recruit Goes To Boot Camp: "From Civilian To Marine"" »

June 30, 2011

Molly Marine: embodying Corps values

Story by Cpl. J Nava | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 06.30.2011

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is the only place in the world where females are trained to be enlisted U.S. Marines. As such, it is a fitting place to erect a monument in honor of women Marines.

Continue reading "Molly Marine: embodying Corps values" »

June 17, 2011

Historic Marine base gets 1st-ever female general

By SUSANNE M. SCHAFER, Associated Press – June 17, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — For the first time in its 96-year history, a female general is taking charge at the famed Marine Corps training depot at South Carolina's Parris Island.

Continue reading "Historic Marine base gets 1st-ever female general" »

June 3, 2011

The ties that bind (and survive boot camp)

Posted by Gidget Fuentes
June 3rd, 2011

It’s a memory just about any Marine would rather soon forget, the moment when niceties from the first moments at recruit training are quietly shoved aside when testosterone-driven drill instructors pick up their fresh prey and aim right for the jugular.

Continue reading "The ties that bind (and survive boot camp)" »

May 27, 2011

Behind the hat: A look at how Support Battalion trains recruits and sharpens Marines

Story by Cpl. J Nava | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 05.27.2011

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Although recruits may mostly remember the drill instructors of their respective platoons, Marines from another unit on Parris Island also play an integral role in training.

Continue reading "Behind the hat: A look at how Support Battalion trains recruits and sharpens Marines" »

May 19, 2011

Bravo Company shoots down Khe Sanh event

Story by Cpl. J Nava | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 05.19.2011

MCRD PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The men of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, completed the Battle of Khe Sanh, also known as Event 6, as part of the 54-hour trial known as the Crucible.

Continue reading "Bravo Company shoots down Khe Sanh event" »

May 14, 2011

Gates Farewell Includes Visits With Recruits, Trainers

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C., May 14, 2011 – With his retirement nearly at hand, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is taking time to visit entry-level training facilities for military services all over the country.

Continue reading "Gates Farewell Includes Visits With Recruits, Trainers" »

May 13, 2011

Iron Mike: Who is he?

Story by Cpl. J Nava | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 05.13.2011

MCRD PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Several signs line the streets of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island bearing the image of his silhouette, which also provides the cover art for informational pamphlets about the depot. But who is this iconic figure returning victorious from enemy lines, pointing a pistol at the sky with a machine gun slung over his right shoulder?

Continue reading "Iron Mike: Who is he?" »

May 8, 2011

Scranton area teens get taste of Marine Corps life

BY DENIS J. O'MALLEY (STAFF WRITER)
Published: May 8, 2011

Not 24 hours before she would blow out the candles on her 22nd birthday cake, Danielle Howell panted into the tall grass at the Pennsylvania National Guard Training Center at Fort Indiantown Gap on Saturday, exhausted.

Continue reading "Scranton area teens get taste of Marine Corps life" »

April 29, 2011

Temperatures rise, bring higher risks

Story by Cpl. J Nava | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.29.2011

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- With summer right around the corner, Marines have their minds on several things – liberty, the beach, more liberty – but the one thing that nobody can afford to overlook during this time is the danger inherent to hot weather.

Continue reading "Temperatures rise, bring higher risks" »

New guidance for second-tour 'hats'

Story by Lance Cpl. Javarre Glanton | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.29.2011

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The rules for drill instructor duty second tours changed April 24, and new incentives are in place to attract experienced hats back to the drill field.

Continue reading "New guidance for second-tour 'hats'" »

April 22, 2011

New Parent Support Program: Helping build military families since 1993

Story by Lance Cpl. Eric Quintanilla | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego | Date: 04.22.2011

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The New Parent Support Program was developed to help military families with children under five years old adapt to parenthood and thrive as healthy families.

Continue reading "New Parent Support Program: Helping build military families since 1993" »

April 21, 2011

Police chief plans visit to Parris Island

Story by Lance Cpl. Javarre Glanton | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.21.2011

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, S.C. -- Parris Island will host a distinguished guest Wednesday when the chief of police for Columbia, S.C., the state’s capital, attends the job fair as a vendor, April 27.

Continue reading "Police chief plans visit to Parris Island" »

April 8, 2011

Taking the Final Step

Story by Cpl. J Nava | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 04.08.2011

MCRD PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The recruits of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion are Marines today, but before they earned that title, they had to face and conquer several challenges put in their way — one of which was the nerve-racking Final Drill.

Continue reading "Taking the Final Step" »

April 4, 2011

MCRD promotes healthy lifestyle

Story by Lance Cpl. Eric Quintanilla | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego | Date: 04.04.2011

SAN DIEGO - Marine Corps Community Services is slated to kick off its second annual 101 Days of Summer Campaign at the Wellness Expo aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 11.

Continue reading "MCRD promotes healthy lifestyle" »

March 20, 2011

New York high school teachers take crash course in Marine boot camp

BY Richard Sisk
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
Sunday, March 20th 2011, 4:00 AM

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Dozens of New York high school teachers have taken a crash course in Marine boot camp to learn what to tell kids thinking about joining up.

Continue reading "New York high school teachers take crash course in Marine boot camp" »

February 22, 2011

Western Pennsylvania educators to visit Marine Boot Camp

Story by Sgt. Lynn Kinney | 1st Marine Corps District | Date: 02.22.2011

A group of 40 educators from western Pennsylvania will get an "insider's look" at the making of a Marine during the Educators Workshop to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 29 - April 1.

Continue reading "Western Pennsylvania educators to visit Marine Boot Camp" »

February 16, 2011

M16 transition a boot camp milestone

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Feb 16, 2011 13:54:35 EST

After more than 25 years of service as the primary training weapon at Marine Corps boot camp, the M16A2 rifle is heading for retirement.

Continue reading "M16 transition a boot camp milestone" »

February 14, 2011

Parris Island Drill instructor shares combat experience

02.14.11

BEAUFORT, SC (WTOC) - Parris Island, it's where Marines are made. As a drill instructor, Staff Sgt. Octaya McGee is doing her part to help female recruits learn what it takes to become one of the few and the proud.

Continue reading "Parris Island Drill instructor shares combat experience" »

February 13, 2011

Corps offers incentives for some recruits

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Feb 13, 2011 8:47:37 EST

Re-enlistment bonuses have been shrinking for the last few years, but the Marine Corps is still offering cash incentives to recruits who take on some jobs.

Continue reading "Corps offers incentives for some recruits" »

February 11, 2011

Recruits use teamwork to ascend new heights

2/11/2011 By LANCE CPL. ERIC QUINTANILLA , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego — Two recruits carefully crossed a rope bridge, each holding one end of a rope attached to an ammunition can. If they fell or dropped their gear, they had to start over.

Continue reading "Recruits use teamwork to ascend new heights" »

Recruit motivates platoon

2/11/2011 By Lance Cpl. Eric Quintanilla , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego — A motivated recruit runs while yelling at the sound of his name coming from one of his drill instructors. Although the recruits are told from day one to be loud and motivated at all times, one stands out above the rest.

Continue reading "Recruit motivates platoon" »

February 7, 2011

Local Marine dies, meningitis feared

Monday, February 7, 2011

The death this weekend of a recruit at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island may be linked to a suspected case of meningitis.

Continue reading "Local Marine dies, meningitis feared" »

February 6, 2011

Meningitis blamed for recruit's death

By CASSIE FOSS
[email protected]
843-706-8125
Published Sunday, February 6, 2011

A 19-year-old recruit at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island died Saturday at a Charleston hospital from complications believed to be brought on by a suspected case of meningitis. As many as 200 personnel at the depot have been given an antibiotic as a precaution, according to a Marine Corps Public Affairs Office news release.

Continue reading "Meningitis blamed for recruit's death" »

January 27, 2011

Company E donates blood to military blood bank

Story by Pfc. Katalynn M. Thomas | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego | Date: 01.27.2011

SAN DIEGO - Even though they have not earned the title of United States Marine yet, the men of Company E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion have the chance to help out their future brothers and sisters. They can donate blood during the third phase of recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Continue reading "Company E donates blood to military blood bank" »

January 17, 2011

Trip to Parris Island not a day at the beach for educators, Marine recruits (with video)

Published: Monday, January 17, 2011

By Laura Kessel
[email protected]

A severe winter storm early last week gave the U.S. Marines a chance to show how well they can adjust to crisis.

Continue reading "Trip to Parris Island not a day at the beach for educators, Marine recruits (with video)" »

January 6, 2011

Co. F runs altered o-course

Story by Pfc. Katalynn M. Thomas | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego | Date: 12.11.2010
Date Posted: 01.06.2011 17:38

Recruits from Company F took on the obstacle course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego as part of their third phase training, Dec. 11.

Continue reading "Co. F runs altered o-course" »

December 5, 2010

Marines on Parris Island talk freely with the media

BY BEN WOLFGANG (STAFF WRITER [email protected])
Published: December 5, 2010

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Most Marines aren't shy about talking to the press.

Continue reading "Marines on Parris Island talk freely with the media" »

Drill instructors get little sleep but push Marine recruits to the limit

BY BEN WOLFGANG (STAFF WRITER [email protected])
Published: December 5, 2010

Editor's note: This is the final story in a series covering boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., and a Marine Corps educators workshop.

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - After Marine Corps recruits finally go to sleep at the end of a long day, their drill instructors stay awake.

Continue reading "Drill instructors get little sleep but push Marine recruits to the limit" »

December 4, 2010

Educators watch as 571 recruits become Marines

BY BEN WOLFGANG (STAFF WRITER bwolfgang@ republicanherald.com)
Published: December 4, 2010

Editor's note: This is the fourth in a series of stories covering boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., and a Marine Corps educators workshop.

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - A group of 40 educators who spent the week observing Marine recruits witnessed the "icing on the cake" Friday.

Continue reading "Educators watch as 571 recruits become Marines" »

December 3, 2010

Less running, more fighting in Marine boot camp

BY BEN WOLFGANG (STAFF WRITER [email protected])
Published: December 3, 2010

Editor's note: This is the third in a series of stories covering boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., and a Marine Corps educators workshop.

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - For Marine hopefuls, proper training is crucial.

Continue reading "Less running, more fighting in Marine boot camp" »

December 2, 2010

Educators briefed on requirements for Marine recruits, get target practice

BY BEN WOLFGANG (STAFF WRITER bwolfgang@ republicanherald.com)
Published: December 2, 2010

Editor's note: This is the second in a series of stories covering boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., and a Marine Corps educators workshop.

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - The sun wasn't yet up, but two teams of educators spending the week with the Marine Corps were.

Continue reading "Educators briefed on requirements for Marine recruits, get target practice" »

December 1, 2010

Educators get taste of Marines boot camp

BY BEN WOLFGANG (STAFF WRITER [email protected])
Published: December 1, 2010

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of stories covering boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., and a Marine Corps educators workshop.

BEAUFORT, S.C. - Former New Philadelphia and Tamaqua police officer Matt Bartal almost signed up for the Marine Corps 13 years ago.

Continue reading "Educators get taste of Marines boot camp" »

November 30, 2010

Breathless: Marine medically discharged after lung collapses in boot camp returns to earn the title

11/30/2010 By Lance Cpl. Jad Sleiman , Marine Forces Reserve

NEW ORLEANS — Lance Cpl. Matt McGuiness’ lowest point wasn’t the day his left lung sprung a leak and deflated inside his chest as he waited outside a chow hall during recruit training. It wasn’t the day he watched his platoon graduate without him as he waited on an evaluation board that would eventually medically discharge him. It wasn’t the day he woke up screaming in agony and alone in a Virginia intensive care unit after his pain killers failed post-surgery.

Continue reading "Breathless: Marine medically discharged after lung collapses in boot camp returns to earn the title" »

November 19, 2010

Company M recruits gain confidence before Crucible

11/19/2010 By Lance Cpl. Eric Quintinilla , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. — A platoon of recruits line the metal walls of a small room. With their eyes squeezed shut, they hold their gas masks just above their faces to get a taste of the gas in the air. Some try to hold their breath while others start coughing, waiting for the command to put on and clear their masks.

Continue reading "Company M recruits gain confidence before Crucible" »

Company M recruit turns his life around

11/19/2010 By Lance Cpl. Eric Quintinilla , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Looking to turn his life around, Pfc. Rushi K. Bhatt, Platoon 3261, Company M, 3rd Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, found himself in a Marine recruiting office. He knew that the Marine Corps would help put him back on the path he strayed from so long ago.

Continue reading "Company M recruit turns his life around" »

November 6, 2010

Policy of no scopes for new recruits continued

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Nov 6, 2010 11:15:53 EDT

Recruits and newly minted lieutenants have never been allowed to use scopes during their initial training, but a new Marine Administrative Message, released Oct. 19, makes it clear that the policy won’t change.

Continue reading "Policy of no scopes for new recruits continued" »

October 29, 2010

Combat fit, combat ready

October 29, 2010
By: Sgt. Kuande Hall

It’s that time of year.

Continue reading "Combat fit, combat ready" »

October 28, 2010

Teamwork, simple pleasures transforms recruits to Marines

10/28/2010 By Sgt. Wayne Edmiston , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Just one more day," was a common phrase muttered among recruits of Company D on day two of the Crucible. The Crucible is a 54-hour training event conducted during Marine Corps Recruit Training at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. The Crucible requires Marine recruits to overcome mentally and physically-demanding obstacles as a team.

Continue reading "Teamwork, simple pleasures transforms recruits to Marines" »

October 23, 2010

A long wait for an intense experience

Most people wouldn't look forward to boot camp. But an increasing number of Marine recruits are spending six to nine months on a wait list, anticipating the day they'll become 'something bigger than themselves.'

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
October 23, 2010|6:13 p.m.

Reporting from San Diego —
They arrived from places throughout the western United States, and now several hundred of them are waiting nervously in the USO lounge attached to the Lindbergh Field international airport.

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October 22, 2010

Fiscal year 2010 recruiting numbers achieved

10/22/2010 By MCRC Public Affairs , Marine Corps Recruiting Command

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —
Marine Corps Recruiting Command surpassed its recruiting goals for fiscal year 2010 by enlisting 33,887 Marines and accessing 1,703 officers. This is the 15th year in a row that the Marine Corps has reached its total force accessions goals.

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Walk for Wellness Rallies Depot Families

10/22/2010 By Pfc. Mike Ito , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego hosted their sixth annual Wellness Walk and Expo, Oct. 16, as part of their Make a Difference campaign to treat and prevent breast cancer and domestic violence.

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Recruit washes away old life

10/22/2010 By Lance Cpl. Eric Quintinilla , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — In 1993, Recruit Bryan A. Kilman, Platoon 3203, Company I, 3 rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, went with his grandparents to a Marine drill instructors’ reunion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. His grandfather was a drill instructor for many years. Every Marine had stories to tell about the Corps. It was here, that Kilman was allowed to shoot a rifle on the range for the first time at age 17. Becoming a U.S. Marine has been in the back of his mind ever since.

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October 8, 2010

Kenyan finds opportunity in Marine Corps

10/8/2010 By Cpl. Rebecca Lamont , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — In a small jungle in Africa, a 10-year-old boy was on an adventure with a few of his friends. As they were crossing the river, he stepped on what he thought was a rock, but the rock was a crocodile. It swung its tail, causing him to lose balance and find himself in a life-threatening situation. The crocodile had the boy’s legs in its mouth and was twisting and dragging him in the water.

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12 stall helps recruits become well oiled pieces of war machine

10/8/2010 By Cpl. Matthew Brown , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — There are many reasons well-rounded Marines make the Corps what it is today. However, all the traits that make effective warriors are useless unless they can be tied together to transform a bunch of well trained “guys with guns” into a nearly unstoppable force.

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October 2, 2010

Corps to roll out new leadership training

By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Oct 2, 2010 9:26:55 EDT

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — A training initiative that has quietly grown throughout the Corps in recent years will soon be formalized in an All Marine message mapping out how troops will transition to values-based leadership throughout their careers.

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September 23, 2010

Commandant, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps, visit depot

9/23/2010 By Cpl. Frances Candelaria , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — The Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent visited Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Sept. 16.

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Assault course teaches Lima Recruits what is takes to win

9/23/2010 By Cpl. Matthew Brown , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — From learning discipline through practicing drill to learning to focus in chaos at the rifle range, Marine recruits are constantly saturated with information and skills to help them become well-rounded warriors who can maintain the standards set by Marines from the past and present.

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September 16, 2010

9/11 spurs baseball player to join Marine Corps

9/16/2010 By Lance Cpl. Katalynn Thomas , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — Many say that everything is bigger in Texas, to include dreams. One Texan baseball player’s biggest dream, to become a U.S. Marine, has become a reality.

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Co. F recruits test endurance, agility, strength in CFT

9/16/2010 By Lance Cpl. Katalynn Thomas

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — Recruits from Company F, dressed in their woodland camouflage utilities, waited anxiously on the morning of Aug. 26 to be tested once more before they earned the title Marine. This time, it is their combat fitness that is being tested.

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September 10, 2010

Depot construction to improve Corps’ readiness, adaptability

9/10/2010 By Cpl. Matthew Brown, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — Construction of two new “H-style” barracks, a recruit rehabilitation facility, several independent restrooms and upgrades to numerous depot facilities began full swing early this summer and are slated for completion within the next 18 months.

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Charlie Company flies through final PFT

9/10/2010 By Cpl. Frances Candelaria

MARINE CORPS RERUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — It’s 7:30 a.m. and if someone is standing in one spot for even half a moment too long he’ll feel the warmth of southern California’s August sun. Good thing the recruits of Company B won’t be standing still for their final Physical Fitness Test

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September 3, 2010

Assault course prepares recruits for combat chaos

9/3/2010 By Cpl. Matthew Brown

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — From the minute the recruits of Company K stood on the yellow footprints to when they eventually end their service to their country, they will constantly be transitioning from easy to harder missions to become more effective as they adopt the warrior lifestyle.

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August 6, 2010

Recruit returns favor to Corps for saving father's life

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — Those who enlist in the Marine Corps have many reasons for joining. These reasons can range from family tradition to a strong desire to serve one’s country, however very few have likely joined the Corps because a group of Marines saved their fathers’ lives.

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July 23, 2010

Making Marines Part V: USMC Drill Instructors

(SAN DIEGO, CA) The top 10% of Marines leave their assigned military occupational speciality and go through nearly 12 weeks of intense training to become a drill instructor for three years. Erika Thomas introduces us to the men making Marines in this KMEG 14 exclusive series.

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July 22, 2010

Making Marines Part IV: Becoming Marines

(SAN DIEGO, CA) Every week, day, minute of training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego is spent perfecting recruits physically and mentally to handle the stresses of combat. In this KMEG 14 exclusive series Making Marines, Erika Thomas takes us inside the most exhausting and emotional week.

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July 21, 2010

Making Marines Part III: Meet Iowa Recruits

(SAN DIEGO, CA) It's something most recruits never get to do - talk about training during their time at MCRD San Diego. In this KMEG 14 exclusive series Making Marines, Erika Thomas shares the personal stories of two Iowa recruits a long way from home.

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July 20, 2010

Making Marines Part II: Training Teachers

(SAN DIEGO, CA) Imagine getting a crash course in Marine Corps recruit training - 13 weeks crammed into one. 35 educators from Iowa and Nebraska got to do just that at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. Erika Thomas introduces us to them in this KMEG 14 exclusive series: Making Marines.

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July 19, 2010

Making Marines Part I: Yellow Footprints

(SAN DIEGO, CA) It's something most people never get to experience - how young recruits become Marines. Erika Thomas takes us inside the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, for this KMEG 14 exclusive series: Making Marines.

I followed a group of Iowa and Nebraska educators to MCRD San Diego for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. All this week I'll show you what it takes to make it through 13 weeks of intensive recruit training. We begin with something rarely seen on camera - a recruit's first night on the yellow footprints.

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July 8, 2010

Corps legend’s name is carried on

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — He is tired and feeling the slight pang of hunger set in, covered in camouflage face paint and sweat, yet, Rct. Terry Hathcock, Platoon 1074, Company D, sits extremely disciplined. His back straight as a board, his eyes straight ahead.

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June 1, 2010

Boot camp recruits learn sweat saves blood

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - They will build you up, then break you down.

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May 19, 2010

YPF competition tests high school students

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. — More than 180 high school students from around the country competed for awards and scholarships during the 2010 Youth Physical Fitness Championship May 14 and 15 at the depot’s track and soccer field.

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May 15, 2010

Command Museum Opens Recruit Training Gallery, Teaches History of Depot

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO - Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego consistently upgrades its facilities and after years of planning and more than six months of construction, the Visitors Reception Center is host to the new Boot Camp Gallery at the depot's James L. Day Command Museum. The facility's new addition was unveiled and had its first visitors during a reception, Feb 26.

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April 12, 2010

Graduation: Carolina in the morning

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- "Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning."

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April 11, 2010

Faces of the Marine Corps seen from many levels, stages of life

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- For Todd Bowers, a teacher at Waynedale High School, the educators' trip to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island was "a college visit."

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April 10, 2010

The Proud: Once a Marine, always a Marine

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- She said she has never seen anything quite like it.

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April 7, 2010

Parris Island, S.C., where an M-16 is just part of the daily routine

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Shooting an M-16 A2 service rifle was one of our first hands-on activities as a group of educators participating in a workshop at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island.

Continue reading "Parris Island, S.C., where an M-16 is just part of the daily routine" »

April 6, 2010

Day in the life of a recruit

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- We crept onto Parris Island, silent and somewhat eerie, by bus early Wednesday morning, Jan. 13, our first full day as "recruits."

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April 1, 2010

Crash Kills 3 Ohio Marine Recruits

BRACEVILLE, Ohio - The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a car crash that killed three Ohio Marine Corps recruits headed to Cleveland for their entrance exam on Wednesday night.

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Three Marine Recruits Die in Braceville Accident

Three Marine recruits were killed after an accident involving at least seven vehicles in Braceville Wednesday afternoon.

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March 4, 2010

Marines Prepared for Land, Sea, and Air

By land, sea, or air - wherever combat leads them, Marines are prepared.

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March 3, 2010

Phase 1 of Boot Camp

Marine boot camp lasts for 13 weeks, during that time, recruits go through three distinct phases of training.

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March 2, 2010

Boot Camp for Marine Recruits Begins

United States Marines no doubt have a tough job.

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March 1, 2010

Transforming into A United States Marine

Many may forget that our country is involved in two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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January 18, 2010

Combat experience guides battle-hardened DIs

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jan 18, 2010 5:55:47 EST

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — Even today, Staff Sgt. Alex Ayala lives with the burden of Operation Phantom Fury.

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August 6, 2009

Don’t Fear the Reaper

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. —
As if 10 weeks of 16 hour days in constant motion aren’t exhausting enough, Marine recruits from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego have to endure a 54-hour training evolution at Camp Pendleton, Calif., appropriately named “The Crucible,” before they can graduate basic training. The Crucible is jam-packed with obstacles in a combat-like atmosphere where sleep is reduced to four hours a night at most and food for two days is provided by only two Meals Ready to Eat, each of which only carry around 1,200 calories verses the 4,000 calories service members may burn each day, according to the Institute of Medicine.

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July 7, 2009

Friendship leads pair into Marines

Rutherford teens eager for change

Two La Vergne High School students who have been best friends and neighbors for more than 14 years are beginning new chapters in their lives together as both prepared to enter boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., on Monday.

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June 24, 2009

Recon-improvement plan pays off for Corps

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jun 24, 2009 13:41:57 EDT

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — They endured countless hours of swimming and finning in the combat pool and then in the open, cold ocean.

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April 10, 2009

Marine depot’s mascot gets promotion

By Patrick Donohue - The Beaufort Gazette via The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Apr 10, 2009 15:56:03 EDT

BEAUFORT, S.C. — There were smiles, a smattering of applause and more than a few laughs when Archibald Hummer was called before Col. Gregory Douquet to become the Marine Corps’ newest corporal during a recent ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

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March 2, 2009

Corps expands running suit rollout

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Mar 2, 2009 21:35:46 EST

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Corps’ new running suit has been made available to 125 units, the latest step in the plan to get one free outfit to every Marine, officials said.

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January 9, 2009

Recruits learn to duck, weave

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — During Event 2 of the Crucible, inside the arena dubbed “The Octagon” by drill instructors, recruits get one final chance to prove their mettle in hand-to- hand combat.

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Recruits learn to duck, weave

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — During Event 2 of the Crucible, inside the arena dubbed “The Octagon” by drill instructors, recruits get one final chance to prove their mettle in hand-to- hand combat.

Continue reading "Recruits learn to duck, weave" »

December 7, 2008

Once again, Corps plans to ax Recruit Wrap

By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Dec 7, 2008 11:06:41 EST

’Tis the season of giving, but after this Christmas, officials at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., are ending the decades-old tradition of allowing recruits to take a break from boot camp so they can buy gifts for family and friends back home.

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November 30, 2008

Training for war

S.C. is ground zero for combat veterans to get recruits ready to fight

They join up in Detroit and Brooklyn, Phoenix and Seattle, and in hundreds of smaller communities across America.

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November 29, 2008

Determined to join

Recruit sheds the pounds to become a Marine

Ulysses Milana wanted to serve in the military, as many of his family members have, but one recruiter after another told the 330-pound former culinary student that he needed to lose weight — and a lot of it.

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November 28, 2008

Marching drills, then feasting

Marine recruits take break from routine to eat holiday meal

SAN DIEGO – One by one, 3,000 future Marines stepped up to the glass door of the mess hall for yesterday's midday meal. Pivoting smartly, each recruit snapped off his brimmed camouflage cap and barked “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!” as he entered.

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November 17, 2008

Man Loses 140 Pounds to Join MarinesAP

LEWISTON, Maine (Nov. 17) - Army and Navy recruiters took one look at 330-pound Ulysses Milana and told him to forget about joining.

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Man Loses 140 Pounds to Join MarinesAP

LEWISTON, Maine (Nov. 17) - Army and Navy recruiters took one look at 330-pound Ulysses Milana and told him to forget about joining.

Continue reading "Man Loses 140 Pounds to Join MarinesAP" »

October 8, 2008

CAMP PENDLETON: Fire chars 1,000 acres; dry winds expected Sunday

No injuries or damaged structures reported

CAMP PENDLETON ---- A brush fire on Camp Pendleton had burned more than 1,000 acres as of Wednesday night and was still spreading, base officials said.

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September 3, 2008

SC Military Preparing for Hanna

Military installations across the Carolinas are making preparations for tropical weather approaching the Southeast.

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August 14, 2008

Witnessing the making of Marines

They scramble off the buses wearing typical teenager haircuts, Nike T-shirts and looks of bewilderment, trepidation and uncertainty. Driven by sharp commands from a cadre of men in crisp uniforms and impatient countenances, they attempt to comply with orders to both “Hurry up!” and “Stop running!” and form up on precisely aligned yellow footprints stenciled on the sidewalk.

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August 8, 2008

Marines make teen's wish come true by putting him through the paces

Sitting cross-legged on the red turf of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island's Inchon Firing Range, a Marine rifle instructor by his side, 13-year-old Kyle Drott lowered his M-16 service rifle, wiped the sweat from his eyes and fired. His first shot -- right on target.

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July 11, 2008

Depot takes action in water conservation

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — Last year was a historically dry year throughout the western United States. Because San Diego imports more than 85 percent of its water it is very important to conserve every precious drop.

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Iraqi recruit joins fight against terrorism

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — As a child, Amed Kanan dreamed of serving in the Marine Corps. He wished to join the ranks of the uniformed men he saw doing good things in his community. When he told his friends about his dream of becoming a Marine, he was ridiculed, called a traitor, and told to do so would betray his country. How could serving in the Marines betray his country? The reason is because Amed Kanan grew up in Iraq.

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July 3, 2008

Marine moms, dads, often drop out of boot camp

WASHINGTON - Franklin Smith had a wife and an infant son when he convinced a recruiter in Biloxi, Miss., that he wanted to be a Marine.

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May 25, 2008

A final test for recruits who would be Marines

(05-25) 04:00 PDT Camp Pendleton, -- San Diego County - In a dusty field off a back road, a group of young Marine recruits gather around a sign to learn the story of Cpl. Jason Dunham.

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May 23, 2008

Condition of DI in motorcycle crash upgraded

Staff report
Posted : Sunday Mar 23, 2008 10:01:52 EDT

A drill instructor hospitalized since March 14 after a motorcycle crash in South Carolina has been upgraded to fair condition and is conscious, a hospital spokesman said Thursday afternoon.

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May 10, 2008

Experience increases recruit confidence in basic water skills

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — Marines are known as amphibious warriors based on their ability to assault fortified islands by sea.

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April 10, 2008

The Reaper

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO — As the recruits of Company E scaled the mountainous terrain of Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., they anxiously anticipated one hill that would grant them the title Marine, the Reaper.

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March 19, 2008

DI critical after motorcycle crash

Staff report
Posted : Wednesday Mar 19, 2008 14:02:36 EDT

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — A drill instructor found in a wooded area hours after his motorcycle crashed Friday remains in critical condition in a Georgia hospital.

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March 2, 2008

COUNTDOWN TO BOOT CAMP

In their final days as civilians, longtime friends enlisting in Marine Corps prepare for change of a lifetime

It's late evening at Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego. A bus rumbles to the curb and the doors open with a loud "whoosh."

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February 26, 2008

Parris Island Marine Band keeps up recruiting efforts

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (Feb. 26, 2008) -- The Parris Island Marine Band is well known aboard the Depot and in the Lowcountry, but there is more to this band than playing at recruit graduations and parades. Since the Corps is expanding, the band is traveling around the Eastern Recruiting Region to aid recruiters and showcase what the Corps has to offer.

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January 11, 2008

CCX Combat conditioning exercises prepare Company D for battle

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO —
Equipped with a load-bearing vest and two canteens, Company D recruits battled fatigue through rain, mud and sweat to conquer the Combat Conditioning Exercise course Dec. 19.

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January 9, 2008

Marine ex-recruiters say higher-ups share blame

5 men say use of stand-ins to take tests was an established tactic

Five former Marine recruiters punished for fraudulently enlisting recruits from the Houston area said they were part of a web operating with tacit approval of some superiors.

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December 14, 2007

Female Marines pass wisdom to the future of Corps

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2007) -- Since Opha Mae Johnson first enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1918, many women have earned the title of U.S. Marines and bound themselves to the Corps’ traditions and history.

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December 3, 2007

Marine Mom Goes To Parris Island

A Marine mom and NewsChannel5 employee attended boot camp to experience what her son went through and to find other local Marines from northeast Ohio. Follow her adventures here.

Dec. 3

Your child tells you they want to enlist in the Marine Corps. As a parent, you may feel helpless and clueless as they board the bus to head to Boot Camp.

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November 30, 2007

Parade deck etiquette is a matter of tradition

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Nov. 30, 2007) -- Millions of young Americans have earned the title of United States Marine and have marched countless miles across Shepherd Memorial Drill Field here at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

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October 4, 2007

Combat 101: Recruits gain tactical knowledge, leadership during Crucible Endurance Course

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (Oct. 4, 2007) -- It's two miles, several obstacles and an hour plus of nerve-wracking silence, sweat and mind-numbing concentration. It's the Crucible's Endurance Course and it's an exercise that pits a recruit's entire three months of training into one event.

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September 16, 2007

Marines order dress blues for all in service

By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, September 16, 2007

ARLINGTON, Va. — For the first time since the 1990s, all enlisted Marines will be required to have dress blue uniforms by Oct. 1, 2011.

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September 5, 2007

About to learn the drill at Marine boot camp

Three best friends headed off as Daniel, Daryl and Steven. Now they'll all answer to 'Recruit!'

It was nearly 3 a.m. on a Monday when three weary teenagers arrived at the Marine Corps recruiting station in the Santa Clarita Valley. There to meet them was the station's chief recruiter, Staff Sgt. Juan Diazdumeng, an energetic and enthusiastic presence, even in the middle of the night.

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July 20, 2007

Company A recruit graduates as company honorman after nine-month tour on depot

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO(July 20, 2007) -- After nine months on the depot, one Company A Marine proved nothing could hold him back as he graduates today as a lance corporal and the company honorman.

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June 16, 2007

8th MCD educators visit depot for taste of Marine boot camp

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (June 15, 2007) -- High school administrators, teachers and counselors from Recruiting Stations Dallas, Houston and Fort Worth, Texas, experienced a week-long synopsis of Marine Corps recruit training during a 2007 Educators Workshop June 11 to 15.

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May 24, 2007

Rice to visit Camp Pendleton today

"She wants to visit Camp Pendleton and thank the Marines because they are at the forefront of the global war on terror," said base spokesman 1st Lt. Lawton King.Australia's minister of foreign affairs, Alexander Downer, will join Rice for the afternoon event during which they also will greet Australian troops training at the base.

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May 14, 2007

Teen sheds 106 pounds to join Marine Corps

CLEVELAND A high school student who wanted to join the Marines hired a personal trainer, got rid of the junk food in his diet and dropped 106 pounds in 10 months.

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College honors Marine Corps general

SPRINGFIELD - Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Paul E. Lefebvre's military career has placed him in a position to help those who need it most

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Marine recruits get taste of boot camp at Grissom

GRISSOM ARB - They are few in number.
They are proud because of the discipline and fortitude that they possess in achieving what it takes to become a United States Marine.

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March 7, 2007

Cheerleading Academy raises money to sponsor care packages for deployed Marines

OSWEGO, IL. ~ The eXtreme Allstarzz Cheerleading Academy of Oswego, IL. recently raised $1,870 in a Change War Competition. The money has been donated to MarineParents.com and their Care Package Project(TM). The $1,870 will sponsor 85 care packages. MarineParents.com mails approximately 1,100 care packages to deployed Marines every 10 weeks.

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March 1, 2007

Train like you fight

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Only the crunching of dry grass and the snapping of rifles disturb the air over this Marine training field.

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February 21, 2007

Future Marines meet at Post 83

Marine Corps drill instructors answered questions in a normal speaking voice, instead of barking orders Tuesday night.

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February 18, 2007

'This isn't a video game, this is the real thing'; Before recruits can call themselves Marines, they must pass a grueling 54-hour endurance test

Two soldiers appear out of the dense pine-brush undergrowth, their faces covered in war paint, their uniforms caked with mud.

Continue reading "'This isn't a video game, this is the real thing'; Before recruits can call themselves Marines, they must pass a grueling 54-hour endurance test" »

'It's a big attitude check'; Even with a war in Iraq, a steady stream of young people from our area continues go to South Carolina to learn how to be Marines

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — The bus stops at yellow foot prints painted on the asphalt.

Continue reading "'It's a big attitude check'; Even with a war in Iraq, a steady stream of young people from our area continues go to South Carolina to learn how to be Marines" »

February 15, 2007

Sessions teach Marine recruits about making ethical choices

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – A Marine Corps boot camp may be hell on Earth run by drill instructors who are "almost Satans in camies," or camouflage, as Gunnery Sgt. Arthur Foster put it.

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February 11, 2007

Marine Killed In Calif. Air Base Accident, 19 Others Injured As Truck Overturns During Training Exercise

AP) A 7-ton truck overturned during a training exercise at Miramar air base early Saturday, killing one Marine and injuring 19 others, authorities said.

Continue reading "Marine Killed In Calif. Air Base Accident, 19 Others Injured As Truck Overturns During Training Exercise" »

December 1, 2006

Close combat drills prepare recruits for close calls in battle

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Dec. 1, 2006) -- Recruits from Company K completed the Combat Conditioning Exercise Course during their first phase of training here in September.

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November 29, 2006

'HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS', 2 Ohio towns say farewell to fallen Marine

TIFFIN - To the altar of St. Mary's Catholic Church, family and friends of Lance Cpl. Jeremy S. Shock carried symbols of what was important to the young Marine killed 10 days ago in Iraq.

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October 13, 2006

*Civilians run as recruits at Boot Camp Challenge

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Oct. 13, 2006) -- Thousands of motivated civilians and service members participated in Marine Corps recruit training for a day, at the depot’s fifth annual Boot Camp Challenge, Oct. 7.

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October 1, 2006

Drive-Thru Danger; How a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor saved a man's life at McDonald's.


Somebody's Trapped in There!

As a U.S. marine corps drill instructor, Jamie Nicholson had a tough-as-leather scowl and a cannon-like voice that could drain the color right out of the faces of his new recruits. Whether driving his platoon on a 12-mile hike with 45-pound packs or ordering them to plunge fully dressed from a tower into water ten feet below, he pushed the young soldiers ceaselessly. As Marines he taught them to act decisively and effectively, even in the midst of chaos.

Continue reading "Drive-Thru Danger; How a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor saved a man's life at McDonald's." »

September 27, 2006

*On the home front, fighting the uncertainty; Families of Marines help one another with events, Web site

Karen and David Marks once anguished for months not knowing whether their sons away at military boot camp were safe and well.

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September 24, 2006

*Brothers in Arms part IV: Two good men

After graduating from boot camp, twin brothers Robert and Matt Shipp, from Hauser Lake, know they have what it takes to be Marines

A closed sign hung in the window of the little Coeur d'Alene barber shop when Matt and Robert Shipp arrived Tuesday afternoon, a day after returning home from boot camp.

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*Brothers in Arms part IV: Two good men

After graduating from boot camp, twin brothers Robert and Matt Shipp, from Hauser Lake, know they have what it takes to be Marines

A closed sign hung in the window of the little Coeur d'Alene barber shop when Matt and Robert Shipp arrived Tuesday afternoon, a day after returning home from boot camp.

Continue reading "*Brothers in Arms part IV: Two good men" »

September 19, 2006

*The Marine meets the Marines

It was a muggy, rainy, buggy day on a rural island of South Carolina’s Lowcountry coast when WWE Superstar John Cena was put to the ultimate test by some of the United States’ greatest heroes – the Marines.

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September 2, 2006

Recruits learn to lead at 12-Stall Crucible course

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Sept. 1, 2006) -- Throughout boot camp, recruits learn what it takes to become leaders.

Many hours are spent studying Marine Corps knowledge such as leadership traits and principles, but recruits also get the opportunity to act as leaders in the field.

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Recruits learn to lead at 12-Stall Crucible course

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Sept. 1, 2006) -- Throughout boot camp, recruits learn what it takes to become leaders.

Many hours are spent studying Marine Corps knowledge such as leadership traits and principles, but recruits also get the opportunity to act as leaders in the field.

Continue reading "Recruits learn to lead at 12-Stall Crucible course" »

August 31, 2006

Marine recruits head to basic training, military life

Devin Chambers (from left), Ben McCorkle and Pacheco Perez, new Marine recruits departing for basic training, pose for a photo.


SAN DIEGO - An opportunity to get an education, to see parts of the world they’d only heard about or serve their country attracted 16 passengers here last evening aboard American Airlines Flight 1961, and ultimately, to 13 weeks of boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

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August 22, 2006

Locked and Loaded: MCCIC gives Marines ammo for training warriors

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C.(Aug. 22, 2006) -- Fingers wrap around the pistol grip of the M-16A2s carried by the night sentries. The nothingness of sand dunes has been replaced by the emptiness of darkness. Suddenly, something is moving – location, size, direction all unknown. Rockets disturb the peace of the night as the base camp takes enemy fire. Time moves slow, but still too fast to think. Marines fall back on reflexes, knowledge ingrained in their minds from their earliest days in the Corps.

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U.S. Marine Corps: Educators' Workshop, Part II

Have you ever wondered what our young men and women go through to become a United States Marine?

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2nd MLG Engineers aid recruit depot, build training structures

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (July 2006) - Combat Engineers with Company B, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, work on the roof of a South East Asia hut used for recruit training at the depot. The Marines refurbished 14 South East Asia huts and built four new huts on training areas crucial to recruit training at the depot. Photo by: Courtesy of Co. B, 8th ESB, 2nd MLG

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Aug. 22, 2006) -- Company B, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, sent 105 Marines to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., July 24 through Aug. 5, to assist in renovating and rebuilding training area structures

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August 19, 2006

Meeting cute girls, seeing future Marines

SAN JOSE, Calif. - On a warm spring Tuesday, a 19-year-old girl walks into the Marine Recruiting Office and flings herself into the fake leather chair, adjusting a spaghetti strap on her skimpy tank top.

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August 18, 2006

Drill instructors teach advanced methods of self-defense, martial arts


Company C drill instructors Staff Sgt. Jose M. Mariscal, left, and Sgt. Timothy Brown demonstrate counters and chokes. Both drill instructors have taken the Martial Arts Instructors Course. Photo by: Lance Cpl. James Green


MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Aug. 18, 2006) -- Since August 2005, almost every drill instructor who has graduated from Drill Instructor School here has attended the Instructors’ Course at the depot’s Marine Corps Martial Arts Program facility.

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Rowdy kid now a Marine, thanks to St. Joseph's Villa, Fresh from boot camp, he stops by the facility to thank his caregivers

Michael Saunders was 11 when he first showed up at St. Joseph's Villa for Children. Over the years, the rough-edged kid would throw chairs and punches at the people trying to help him.

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August 17, 2006

Recruits test Corps knowledge, practical application skills

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Aug. 18, 2006) -- Before the recruits of Company M were dismissed by their drill instructors from recruit training, they were challenged both in mind and body while making the three-month transformation into Marines.

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August 11, 2006

Church helps recruits combat stress

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Aug. 11, 2006) -- Throughout recruit training, recruits endure a tremendous amount of mental, moral and physical stress.

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Rappel tower tests recruits’ will, guts

A drill instructor with Company H holds the rope for a recruit to ensure his safety as he slides down the depot’s rappel tower.

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Co. H Marine graduates after injury hinders training

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Aug. 11, 2006) -- Despite an injury one-third of the way through boot camp the first time, a Company H recruit, who was set back in training, reunited with the same company after an entire cycle of recruits graduated.

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WHY THEY SERVE


Young men eagerly join the Marines

Casey Jones graduated from Dundalk High School in June in the top 5 percent of his class. He posted a 3.8 GPA on a transcript dotted with advanced placement classes and scored 1800 on the SAT exam.

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August 10, 2006

Corps exceeds recruit shipping goals in July

By John Hoellwarth
Staff writer
August 10, 2006

The Marine Corps surpassed its shipping goal for both active-duty and Reserve recruits during July, sending a total of 358 more recruits to boot camp than it was aiming for, according to an Aug. 10 Defense Department release.

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Recruits processing into military defy misconceptions, myths

Fort Meade, Md. - A step through the doors of the Military Entrance Processing Station here blows away the myths that the military is struggling to get enough recruits, dropping its standards to get those it does, or glossing over the fact that it's recruiting into a wartime force.

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August 5, 2006

Highest-ranking Latino woman assumes command of Marine Corp Recruiting Depot

SAN DIEGO ---- With a ceremonial passing of the organizational colors, Brig. Gen. Angela Salinas, the highest-ranking Latino woman in the Marines, accepted command of the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego on Friday.

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August 4, 2006

General changes: Maj. Gen. Paxton bids farewell to depot, Western Recruiting Region

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO(Aug. 4, 2006) -- While addressing a gathered crowd during a recent Morning Colors ceremony at Pendleton Hall, the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region paused, which has become a routine over his three years at the depot, to allow the roaring noise of an outgoing airplane from nearby Lindbergh Field to fade away.

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August 1, 2006

Uncle, nephew leave home island, graduate together

Pvt. Estrada O. Edeyaoch, 22, and his nephew Pvt. Adrian N. Edeyaoch, 18, grew up together, and today they graduate from the same platoon.

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June 22, 2006

Corps Experience

Late-night arrivals: Matt, left, and Robert Shipp place their feet on yellow footprints at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. The Hauser Lake, Idaho, recruits were first off the bus at nearly midnight Monday for their processing into boot camp.


Closer to their dream but thousands of miles from home, twins Matt and Robert Shipp step into the world of Marine boot camp

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June 20, 2006

Brothers in arms

With high school behind them, identical twins Matt and Robert Shipp plan to fulfill a dream: become Marines and go to war for their country

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June 18, 2006

Rite of passage for a recruit: graduation

SAN DIEGO -- Partly, it was the recruits' pitiable buzzed heads, like those of Russian convicts, that set my wife crying.

Partly, it was the men's ferocity as they jogged to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot parking lot, faced their families for the first time after three months of boot camp and roared military chants, platoon by platoon.

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June 17, 2006

Welcome to Parris Island, where the Marine Corps turns recruits into war machines

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Last month, 17-year-old Jonathan Stephenson took the oath of honor.

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June 15, 2006

Military Salute--Cpl. Rob Hill

Thousands of recruits graduate from Parris Island each year, and Cpl. Rob Hill is helping shape those recruits into one of the few and the proud.

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May 19, 2006

Recruits pummel away in pugil sticks training

Pvt. Joshua Dover, Platoon 1099, Company B, prepares for an upcoming bout, in which recruits wear football helmets and other protection.

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April 30, 2006

Marine recruit's test of endurance

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- At an obstacle course set amid sage and prickly pears, Marine recruits lined up to don gas masks and swing on a rope across a gravel patch representing a blown-out bridge.

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April 7, 2006

New Marine gave up home, lived in truck for choosing to serve

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (April 7, 2006) -- Sometimes he went to the recreation center nearby to take showers, but if he didn’t get off work in time, it was bath time in a local river.

Private Bryan A. Smith, Platoon 3075, knew the military would play a role in his life, but he never expected it would leave him in the back of a pick-up with his cousin. Arguments at home about his decision eventually led to his mother telling him to leave the nest.

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The real McKoy: Recruiting’s leading lady wasn’t always so successful

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (April 7, 2006) -- Female Marines have progressed extensively throughout their military history. For 63 years they have continually served their Corps and helped “free a man to fight” during both world wars.

Continue reading "The real McKoy: Recruiting’s leading lady wasn’t always so successful" »

MCMAP demo helps instructors advance

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (April 7, 2006) -- A Marine Corps Martial Art Instructor from the Mobile Training Team in Quantico, Va. visited the depot this week to teach depot martial art instructors advanced techniques and training.

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April 6, 2006

Shooters display marksmanship aboard Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (April 6, 2006) -- The best of the West displayed their marksmanship skills during the Western Division Competition-in-Arms Program at Wilcox Range here March 13-31.

More than 100 of the best pistol shooters and riflemen west of the Mississippi River strived to outshoot each other in the competition. Most of the participants were Marines, but reservists, retirees and civilians also competed, said Staff Sgt. Scott K. Jones, utilities chief at Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 here.

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March 19, 2006

BECOMING A MARINE Challenge, hardship and pride

This couldn't be our son Sergei.

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March 16, 2006

The face behind 'The Boot'

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.(March 16, 2006) -- While retired Master Sgt. Eulas "Jody" Talley Jr.'s name may not be immediately familiar, his face is more famous than many Marines aboard the Depot would guess.

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March 11, 2006

Ex-NFL player graduates from Marines boot camp in San Diego

A former college teammate of Pat Tillman is following his footsteps by leaving professional football to join the military.

Pfc. Jeremy Staat, a former NFL defensive lineman who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the St. Louis Rams, graduated from the San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Friday.

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Ex-NFL player graduates from Marines boot camp in San Diego

A former college teammate of Pat Tillman is following his footsteps by leaving professional football to join the military.

Pfc. Jeremy Staat, a former NFL defensive lineman who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the St. Louis Rams, graduated from the San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Friday.

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March 10, 2006

Battle Color Detachment parades at depot ceremony

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO(March 10, 2006) -- The Silent Drill Platoon, “The Commandant’s Own” Drum and Bugle Corps and the Color Guard of the Marine Corps visited the depot Saturday during this year’s Battle Color Ceremony.

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March 6, 2006

What not to bring to bootcamp

9TH MARINE CORPS DISTRICT (March 1, 2006) -- During processing, the deck of the receiving barracks at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is littered with a variety of personal items recruits should not bring to recruit training.

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February 26, 2006

Surprise, I just joined the Marines

My BlackBerry buzzed as I was sipping merlot at a reception in downtown Chicago. I had missed two calls from home. I found a quiet spot and called, and my 19-year-old stepson, Sergei, answered.

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January 25, 2006

Marine Staff Sergeant enters not guilty plea in connection with recruit's death at Parris Island

(Parris Island) Jan. 25, 2006 - Marine Staff Sergeant Nadya Lopez has been on trial for the drowning death of Jason Tharp. News 10 has learned she entered a not guilty plea Wednesday morning at Parris Island.

She also requested and received a judge only trial.

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Marine Death


BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) - Five Marines have been given immunity for their testimony for a swim instructor charged with negligent homicide in the drowning death of a recruit at Parris Island last year.

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January 20, 2006

Recruits get physical for graduation

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Jan. 20, 2006) -- The physical fitness test is one of the many events demanded from each recruit on the depot.

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January 8, 2006

More than a few good women here

25 Marine recruits spend a day in training

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December 4, 2005

NASCAR drivers see life on Parris Island

A day at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island proved more hazardous to NASCAR Busch Series driver Ashton Lewis Jr. than his high-speed day job.

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December 2, 2005

Stepping out of the Nest

Famillies share stories of first child leaving home for new opportunity

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D.I. Janes: Regiment takes wives through boot camp

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2005) -- Marine wives and loved ones of the depot's Recruit Training Regiment participated in Jane Wayne Day 2005, a day-long, toned-down run-through of recruit training Nov. 20.

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MCRD San Diego's newest Marines graduate Dec. 2

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2005) -- These are America's newest Marines and their leaders at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Company I graduates 550 men today:

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December 1, 2005

Remember Those Who Defend Our Freedoms

On Nov. 17, I wrote a letter to the editor about what I saw as the "worst generation." Perhaps I was wrong in blaming a whole generation that I thought knew no sacrifice.

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November 30, 2005

Brothers sell Corps, recruit at home

RECRUITING STATION PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (Nov. 30, 2005) -- Being the smallest of the armed services, the Marine Corps has always considered itself a family, each Marine relying and depending on each other to accomplish the mission. But for two Marine Corps recruiters, that sense of family goes even a little deeper.

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November 28, 2005

Recruits hear Marines' call to duty, honor

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- In the face of a bloody war with no end in sight, the U.S. Marine Corps continues to find men and women willing, if not eager, to lay their lives on the line.

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Rural areas drive recruiting

DETROIT -- Michigan's military recruits come disproportionately from its rural areas as compared to urban areas, according to Pentagon records.

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With war raging in Iraq, young local men and women still enlist

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- A bus carrying 22 new recruits pulls into Parris Island Recruit Depot, lit only by the dim neon glow of street lights. “Get off the bus,” Staff Sgt. Tony Kimmanee barks, his voice hoarse from daily screaming.

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Depot drill instructor takes top honors in Corpswide board

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(Nov. 18, 2005) -- Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. John L. Estrada, presented the annual drill instructor of the year award to Gunnery Sgt. Antonio Ceritelli at Marine Corps Air Facility, Quantico, Va., Nov. 1.

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Parris Island visit reveals the Corps fundamentals

I normally cringe whenever combat war metaphors are used in reference to sports or business. Let me be more precise: Whenever I hear a coach, sportscaster or writer, or top-level business executive, equate sports or business or politics with war, I yearn to arrest them (metaphorically, of course) on a felony charge of context abuse.

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November 27, 2005

Becoming warriors at Marine Corps' basic training

Under clear blue fall skies, 545 Marine recruits from the First Training Battalion graduated from basic training and became Marines before approximately 2,500 family members who were seeing their sons, husbands, brothers and friends for the first time in three months.

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Boot camp at Parris Island ain't no Club Med

It's just after midnight as the charter bus crosses the causeway that separates the mainland from the Parris Island recruit training depot, where for 90 years the Marine Corps has molded young men, and more recently women, into disciplined soldiers.

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November 22, 2005

Back from boot camp, Marine relishes comforts of home

RICHMOND — Within five minutes of being reunited with his family at the end of Marine Corps basic training, Mat Seigars told his mother, "You know, Mom, I'm going to Iraq."

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November 18, 2005

Depot drill instructor takes top honors in Corpswide board

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(Nov. 18, 2005) -- Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. John L. Estrada, presented the annual drill instructor of the year award to Gunnery Sgt. Antonio Ceritelli at Marine Corps Air Facility, Quantico, Va., Nov. 1.

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Depot drill instructor takes top honors in Corpswide board

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(Nov. 18, 2005) -- Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. John L. Estrada, presented the annual drill instructor of the year award to Gunnery Sgt. Antonio Ceritelli at Marine Corps Air Facility, Quantico, Va., Nov. 1.

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Ready to fight, rebuild: Son joins Corps after mother's experience with roadside bomb

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2005) -- After a worried college student found his mother was in harm's way during a roadside bombing in Baghdad, Iraq, he contemplates the situation he chose to ignore and focuses his thoughts on joining the Marine Corps.

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November 12, 2005

The good, bad and ugly of Parris Island's history

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.-The U.S. Marine boot camp tucked amid the swamps near Beaufort is renowned for its ability to transform civilians into fighting machines, but the process hasn't been without its ugly side despite assurances that today's Marine Corps offers a kinder, gentler training.

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Reporter's Notebook: Reflections on visit to Parris Island

It's the journalist's job to observe and reflect. Here are some notes from an October visit to the Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, S.C.

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November 3, 2005

Military Recruits Come From Poor Areas

WASHINGTON - Most military recruits in the United States come from areas in which household income is lower than the national median, a non-profit group says.

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October 31, 2005

Video teleconference brings father, son together

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (Oct. 28, 2005) -- A recent recruit training graduate received a special opportunity at the Peatross Parade Deck Oct. 21.

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Iraq war vet comes back home to recruit

Marine finds himself in middle of debate

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October 30, 2005

Best Corps face forward

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - There are more than 5,500 recruits at various stages of their basic training schedule at the Marine Corps Training Depot. They come in various sizes, with different aptitudes and attitudes and ethic backgrounds.

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October 28, 2005

Intuition propels twins through training

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2005) -- "Recruit Wombles times two!" yelled the drill instructor as two heads popped up simultaneously. Acknowledging the call, they both rose to their feet and ran to the front of the barracks.

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MCRD San Diego's newest Marines graduate Oct. 28

List of New Marines

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Fifth SMMC to celebrate Corps birthday here

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2005) -- The fifth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps will review the depot's ceremonies celebrating the Corps' 230th birthday at Shepherd Memorial Drill Field Nov. 9.

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San Diego Hats meet: Past and present DI's gather aboard depot for first West Coast drill instructor reunion

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2005) -- More than 200 former San Diego drill instructors and guests visited the depot Oct. 20-22 for the first West Coast drill instructor reunion.

Continue reading "San Diego Hats meet: Past and present DI's gather aboard depot for first West Coast drill instructor reunion" »

October 27, 2005

Pendleton Marines maneuver Corps' new field fire training

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Oct. 27, 2005) -- Fifty Marines from three Camp Pendleton units got a chance to send rounds down range during the two-day basic shooting skills portion of the re-vamped marksmanship training. The new course took effect Oct. 1. (SOI / pics at ext link)

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October 21, 2005

MCRD San Diego's newest Marines graduate Oct. 21

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2005) -- These are America's newest Marines and their leaders at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Company C graduates 482 men today:

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Father's yellow footsteps followed: DI's son strives to outdo dad; senior's PFT score better than junior's

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2005) -- He stands in line behind other members of his platoon with a solid face of worry. This is his defining moment of boot camp, his final physical fitness test. He has to pass it in order to graduate, but the worry on his face is there for another reason.

Continue reading "Father's yellow footsteps followed: DI's son strives to outdo dad; senior's PFT score better than junior's" »

Future devil dogs get down, dirty in Bakersfield mud run


12TH MARINE CORPS DISTRICT (Oct. 21, 2005) -- A group of would-be Marines - faces muddied and sweat beading - finished Volkslauf, the annual, obstacle-filled mud run dubbed the “Ultimate Challenge” in Bakersfield, Calif., Oct. 8.

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Vet shows Iraq story at Day Hall

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(Oct. 21, 2005) -- The winner of the Department of Defense 2004 Thomas Jefferson award for photojournalism was present at the command museum Oct. 14 and 15 for an exhibit of photographs he took in Fallujah, Iraq, last November. (1/8)

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Military Matters

Marine in Iraq watches son graduate Marine Boot Camp Friday.

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October 17, 2005

Supreme Court to Hear Case on Military Recruiters' Access to Colleges

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2005 – A case concerning colleges' right to receive federal funding but bar military recruiters from campuses because of disagreements over homosexual policy is scheduled to be argued before the Supreme Court this session.

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October 16, 2005

Sniper aims for recruiting duty

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (Oct. 14, 2005) -- Training brand new Marine scout snipers is a long, difficult process some instructors might find difficult. But Sgt. Andrew K. Jones does the job as if it were a hobby.

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October 15, 2005

Depot DIs ready for some football: Marines introduce first San Diego Monday Night Football game in nearly a decade

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 14, 2005) -- Three depot drill instructors auditioned Sunday at Qualcomm stadium for the chance to be the pre-game opener of the Monday Night Football Chargers vs. Steelers, game.

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October 14, 2005

Marines hefty load unshouldered

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 14, 2005) -- Throughout his whole life, he was always the slow, fat, out-of-shape kid in his class. Determined to be a Marine, and after a recruiter told the hefty applicant that only his chances were slim, Pfc. Braden Wiley would change.

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October 13, 2005

Recruiting's top dog becomes senior ranking African American Marine


MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND, QUANTICO, Va. (Oct. 7, 2005) -- The Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, Maj. Gen. Walter E. Gaskin, was frocked to his current rank Oct. 7 during a ceremony held here at Geiger Hall.

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October 7, 2005

New Marine finds refuge in Corps after years of mourning lost sister

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2005) -- Disturbed by the loss of his sister, her boyfriend and his family at the age of 15, a Company G recruit lived through the traumatizing experience of a grieving loss at a young age, which ultimately compelled him to join the Marine Corps.

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MCRD San Diego's newest Marines graduate Oct. 7


MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2005) -- These are America's newest Marines and their leaders at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Company G graduates 571 men today:

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Former depot commander passes away at 90

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2005) -- The 25th depot commanding general passed away Monday evening at the Silverado Senior Living Rest Home in San Diego.

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Fleet Week kicks off in San Diego

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2005) -- Fleet Week, an annual recognition of military members by various businesses and organizations, and a way to learn more about the military, began Sept. 24.

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October 5, 2005

Her Marine dream

Jennifer Dyer-Taft has wanted to be a Marine ever since she watched a Ricki Lake Show when she was six.

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October 1, 2005

Holiday recruiting problems provide no easy answers

9TH MARINE CORPS DISTRICT, KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Oct. 1, 2005) -- Recruiters face challenges every day they are on recruiting duty. These challenges do not get any easier when holidays begin approaching. And when applicants are thinking about spending time with family and friends and not leaving them for months at a time for military training, strategies often change during the holiday season to help open the eyes of the young students who could be the next enlistees for the month.

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Dietitian gives recruiters nutrition advice

9TH MARINE CORPS DISTRICT, KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Oct. 1, 2005) -- In the timeless battle of man versus waistline, Marines on recruiting duty find fast food, stress, and long workdays fighting against them as they strive to fit into their pre-recruiting trousers. But Marines never surrender. According to fitness and nutrition experts, staying in shape while on recruiting duty is not mission impossible and small changes can make big differences.

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September 30, 2005

MCMAP tests recruits' toughness, character

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2005) -- Before combat comes combat training. Aboard the depot, drill instructors give recruits a course integrated with the rest of recruit training that teaches recruits about close-hand combat.

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September 25, 2005

RS Portsmouth Poolees get a taste of Boot Camp

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING STATION PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (Sept. 25, 2005) -- Nearly 200 poolees and 70 Marines turned out for Marine Corps Recruiting Station Portsmouth’s Fourth Annual Mini Boot Camp Sept. 24-25. For the second year in a row the event was held at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, Mass. The two-day event included classes on close order drill, an introduction to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, field hygiene and gear silencing.

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September 23, 2005

Born ready: New Marine came prepped by family, military schooling

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2005) -- Pfc. Gavin M. Treese was just an infant when his father retired from the Army. His mother had just gotten out of the Army after 11 years. It was the stories they told that sparked his interest in the military. The California-native decided to continue the family military tradition, but instead of joining the Army, he decided to become one of the few and the proud.

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MCRD San Diego's newest Marines graduate Sept. 23

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2005) -- These are America's newest Marines and their leaders at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Company M graduates 473 men today:

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Depot recognizes Hispanic Marines and sailors

MARINES CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2005) -- This year's National Hispanic Heritage Month's theme is "Hispanic Americans: Strong and Colorful Threads in the American Fabric," and it pays tribute to the millions of United States residents from Hispanic dissent.

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September 16, 2005

Depot bustling with new recruits

Shepherd Memorial Drill Field's 12 acres have been more crowded lately because every recruit-training company is active.

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September 12, 2005

Marine Corps Meets Recruiting Goals

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Sept. 12, 2005) -- Since missing their recruiting goals for four straight months from January to April 2005, the Marine Corps is back on track and expected to meet overall shipping goals for the fiscal year.

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August 11, 2005

RS Des Moines centurions share sucess secrets

Defying the odds, two Recruiting Station Des Moines recruiters received rare honors here Aug. 11, for signing up 100 recruits each over the past four years.

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April 22, 2005

Recruits climb high obstacles for confidence before advancing to 2nd phase

By Cpl. Jess Levens | | April 22, 2005

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- One week before recruits go north to Camp Pendleton and begin rifle and field training, they execute a motivational exercise called Confidence Course II.

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February 23, 2004

The Crucible

Story By Jim Garamone, February 23, 2004

"We have two missions in the Marine Corps -- to win battles and make Marines," said Col. Bob Hayes, assistant deputy chief of staff for operations and training at the recruit depot here. "The Crucible is one piece of that effort."

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February 3, 2003

Marine fights for life after recruit training

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING SUBSTATION WORCESTER, MA — His expression was a perfect 50/50 split -- half shock and half excitement as his Parris Island drill instructor entered his home and presented him with a new set of Dress Blue's, February 3.

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January 12, 1999

The March to "Marine"

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C., Jan. 12, 1999 – It's 3 a.m. and Marine drill instructors interrupt your beauty sleep by slamming the door to your hut and yelling for you and your teammates to get out of the rack, get your gear on and get outside -- NOW!

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