Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an 8,500 acre military installation near Beaufort, South Carolina tasked with the training of enlisted Marines. Male recruits living east of the Mississippi River and female recruits from all over the USA report here to receive their initial training.

Initial training, also referred to as boot camp, is a thirteen week process during which the recruit is cut off from the civilian world and forced to adapt to a Marine Corps lifestyle. During training, recruits learn everything from personal hygiene and cleanliness, to Marine Corps history. Physical fitness is emphasized during training, and recruits must meet a minimum standard of fitness to graduate. Recruits must also learn to meet minimum swimming qualifications, qualify with the M16A2 service rifle, and pass a 54 hour simulated combat exercise known as "The Crucible."

Stress is constantly applied by drill instructors to teach recruits how to work under pressure. This may be pivotal later on in surviving combat situations. Recruits are yelled at constantly, and forced to do simple tasks over and over again, which is supposed to instill teamwork and leadership traits.

Initial training at Parris Island ranks among the hardest training in the world, and is emulated by many other service organizations. Only by passing the rigors of boot camp can one earn the title "United States Marine."

See also

• United States Marine Corps
• MCRD San Diego
• MCAS Beaufort
• Parris Island, South Carolina

External link

MCRD Parris Island website