MCRD Parris Island

Members of the Montford Point Marine Association get together following the graduation of India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at the Peatross Parade Deck on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Mar. 29, 2019. The first African Americans Marines were trained at Camp Montford Point in Jacksonville, N.C., from 1942-1949. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Shane Manson)

Marines with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, graduated from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, March 29. India Company is the first combined company of male and female recruits to graduate from recruit training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Vivien Alstad/Released)

Recruit Dillon Knighton, with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, poses for a photo after completing a Combat Fitness Test at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina March 20, 2019. Knighton is a native of Columbus, North Carolina.

Recruit Joseph Dickman with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, engages in body sparring and pugil sticks during the crucible at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Mar. 15, 2019. Body sparring and pugil sticks help recruits apply the fundamentals of Marine Corps martial arts. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Shane T. Manson)

Pfc. Nicholes Kelley is reunited with his family during Family Day at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Feb. 28. Family Day is the day before graduation and is the first time families have seen their Marine since they left home for recruit training. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Warrant Officer Bobby J. Yarbrough/Released)

Drill instructors with Kilo Company set the tone for their new recruits during forming day one at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Jan. 26, 2019. Kilo Company will spend forming day learning the rules and regulations of recruit training, regarding everything from how to act in the squad bay to how to speak to drill instructors. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dana Beesley)

Recruits with November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, complete obstacles during the Crucible at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Feb, 21. The Crucible is a 54-hour culminating event that requires recruits to work as a team and overcome challenges in order to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Bobby J. Yarbrough/Released)

Recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, complete the obstacle course during the Crucible on Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 21, 2019. The obstacle course challenges recruits to work together as a team and overcome obstacles. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Yamil Casarreal)

New recruits with Lima Company, Third Recruit Training Battalion, receive their first haircuts during receiving Feb. 20, 2019 on Parris Island, S.C. A small step in the transformation of becoming United States Marines, weekly haircuts are meant to strip recruits of their individuality and for hygienic purposes. During their first night on the island, recruits are issued gear and uniforms, receive haircuts, and process in their medical and dental records. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dana Beesley)

Recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, complete swim qualification training at the pool aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island , S.C., Feb 5. The swim qualificiation is a graduation requirement for recruit training and can be an annual training requirement for Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Bobby J. Yarbrough/Released)

Recruits with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, rappel down the rappel tower aboard Marine Corps Depot Parris Island, Feb. 4. The rappel tower is a training event designed to instill confidence within recruits and introduce them to environments they may encounter while serving in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl.Yamil Casarreal)

Recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, complete the day movement course during the unit's basic warrior training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Feb. 1. (Official Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Bobby J. Yarbrough/Released)

Pfc. Elizabeth Reetz, the honor graduate of platoon 4001, Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, gave us some insight on what it means to be the platoon guide and why she wanted to lead from the front. “When a recruit is appointed as the guide, that recruit is in charge of helping the other recruits and assisting the drill instructors by carrying out their instructions. Having this leadership position helps balance everything out and keep good order and discipline within the platoon even when the drill instructors are not around.” “I remember how my rack mate used to motivate me and lift up my spirit when I was feeling down. I wanted to act like her and make other recruits feel the same way she made me feel. Throughout recruit training, I always thought to myself, ‘No matter how down I am feeling, someone else is feeling worse. I need to push myself to always be the one that is positive and pushing others to be their best.’”

Brig. Gen. William H. Swan tours the recruit receiving building at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Jan. 3, 2019. Swan toured the base before acting as the Parade Reviewing Official for the graduation of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.

Drill instructors are meritoriously promoted at the All-Weather Training Facility on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. January 2, 2019. The drill instructors were meritoriously promoted to the next rank by Brig. Gen. James F. Glynn, commanding general, and Depot Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. William C. Carter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Shane T. Manson)

Seaman Joseph Frepan, a hospitalman assigned to Parris Island starts his day at midnight, hours before any recruits wake up, to prepare medical supplies for the next company’s Crucible. The training doesn’t start until he arrives on site. As one of many U.S. Navy Corpsmen assigned to Parris Island, Frepan’s top priority is the recruits’ physical and mental welfare “Most people don’t understand the amount of time that it takes for us to be fully prepared for [the crucible] The most rewarding part about being a Corpsman is when you get to help someone. Even though a lot of the time you aren’t recognized for it, it’s still helping people who need it, and it’s worth all the effort.”

Sgt. Lane Fontaine, an instructor with Field Company, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, demonstrates how to properly rappel down a wall to recruits of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, and Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion Dec. 26, 2018, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Rappel tower instructors like Fontaine, 23, from Carthage, N.Y., are responsible for demonstrations as well as sending the recruits down the rappel tower. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carlin Warren)

A recruit with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, fires his M16-A4 service rifle on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C, Dec. 26, 2018. Qualifying with the M16-A4 service rifle teaches recruits to understand the weapon system in order to keep with the concept "Every Marine a Rifleman." (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Shane T. Manson/Released)

Staff Sgt. John Sharpe, a drill instructor with Platoon 1005, Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, hands a new Marine his Eagle, Globe and Anchor after completing the Crucible hike on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 22, 2018. The Crucible is a 54-hour culminating event that requires recruits to work as a team and overcome challenges in order to earn the title United States Marine. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah Stegall)

Capt. Ziaire O'Brien, left, and 1st Lt. Luke Johnson started out as classmates at high school in Beaufort, South Carolina. Their relationship has forged into a brotherhood in the Marine Corps and has returned them to the place they grew up. (Photo courtesy of Capt. Ziaire O'Brien)

Members of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island shooting team pose for a photo on the newly-renovated Inchon Rifle Range on Parris Island, S.C. Dec. 18, 2018. After more than two years of renovation and reconstruction, the 50 lane firing range was rebuilt to include new impact and side safety berms, newly paved firing lines, roads, storm water collection and management systems, and irrigation systems. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dana Beesley/Released)

Sergeant Maj. Raphael Rodriguez relinquished duties as sergeant major of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island to Sergeant Maj. William Carter during a relief and appointment ceremony at the All Weather Training Facility aboard the depot, Dec. 14. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carlin Warren/Released)

Marines, sailors, and civilians conduct a timed-run during a field meet celebrating the 32nd anniversary of 4th Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Nov. 4, 2018. The field meet consists of the various physical fitness standards female Marines have had to pass throughout the 100 years females have been allowed to enlist into the Marine Corps.

Sgt. Eric Bergstrom, a drill instructor with Company E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, motivates a recruit as he completes ammo can presses during a combat fitness test Oct. 25, 2018.

Recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, put a recruit through a tire during the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Oct. 18, 2018. The Crucible is a 54-hour culminating event that requires recruits to work as a team and overcome challenges in order to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, examine and plot points on their maps during the land navigation course at Elliot’s Beach on Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., Oct. 04, 2018. The Land Navigation Course teaches recruits how to properly navigate unfamiliar terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Vivien Alstad)

Recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, and Oscar Company, 4th Battalion, receive remedial swim classes on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Oct. 3, 2018. To ensure they meet Marine Corps swim qualification standards, recruits are tested on their ability to swim 25 meters in shallow water, conduct self-rescue, employ flotation, tread water for four minutes, and shed gear underwater. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Cpl. Daniel A. Lobo)

Recruits with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, eat a "Meal-Ready-To-Eat" during the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Sept. 27, 2018. The Crucible is a 54-hour culminating event that requires recruits to work as a team and overcome challenges in order to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Shane T. Manson)

Recruit Ethan Gemzik with Platoon 3080, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion conducts a “fireman carry” during the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Endurance Course Sep. 08, 2018, on Marine Corps Depot Parris Island, S.C.

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, prepare and practice for their initial drill evaluation on Peatross Parade Deck Sept. 14, 2018 on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, snap in during grass week on Parris Island, S.C. Sept. 12, 2018. The purpose of grass week is to teach recruits shooting positions and weapon safety rules for Tables 1 and 2.

Recruits with Alpha Company practice swim qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Sept. 12, 2018.

The activity in the tropics is increasing as we reach the peak of hurricane season. Now is the time to make sure you and your family are prepared. Here are some hurricane preparedness tips to ensure you and your family are prepared should a hurricane impact Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island or the Eastern Recruiting Region.

A U.S. Marine Corps primary marksmanship coach, with Marksmanship Training Company, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, supervises a recruit during Table 1 at Chosin range on Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., Sept. 5, 2018. Marine recruits spend a week learning the fundamentals of marksmanship and apply it the following week in Table 1.

Rct. James McMullin, with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, takes a break between pull-ups during a fast-paced circuit course Aug. 30, 2018, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Dynamic courses such as these help prepare recruits for the high standards of the Marine Corps. Recruits endure numerous physical training sessions during their journey to become United States Marines. McMullin, a native of Philadelphia, Penn., is scheduled to graduate with Echo Company Nov. 16, 2018.

Rct. Davis Peters, with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, has his Service Alpha uniform tailored at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 29, 2018. Recruits receive a standard clothing issue during recruit training.

A drill instructor with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, motivates recruits during a 5K Hike Aug. 25, 2018 on Parris Island, S.C. The recruits, who are in their second week of recruit training, will conduct five hikes of increasing difficulty before the culminating 15K hike after the Crucible.

Recruits with Platoon 4040, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, try on their blue dress coats for the first time Aug. 21, 2018, on Parris Island S.C. The recruits are part of the first female company to be issued the new female blue dress coat, which features a mandarin collar.

Rct. Ethan Gemzik, a native of Perkasie, Pa., performs a hip stretch after running for physical training Aug. 15, 2018, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits must stretch after physical training in order to avoid any injuries.

Members of Pvt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club welcome Marines from Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion to their table for refreshments Aug. 2, 2018. The club provides refreshments and friendly faces to Marines without family or friends on Family Day.

Gunnery Sgt. Josh Heckman, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Shooting Team’s armorer, pulls pits with the team during the Infantry Trophy Team Match at Camp Perry, Ohio Aug. 2, 2018. Joy served as a spotter and coach for the team during the match, directing lines of fire and making wind calls.

Edward Cilli, a 96-year-old World War II Veteran, tells interviewers his story of serving in the Marine Corps in the South Pacific. Cilli was one of over twenty veterans interviewed by members of the Veterans History Project and student veterans from the Technical College of the Lowcountry located in Beaufort, S.C. as part of an oral history project. The interviews were conducted July 31, 2018 at the Marine Corps Museum at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.

Recruits with Platoon 4038, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, near the finish line of the run portion of their Initial Strength Test on Parris Island July 20, 2018. The minimum physical requirements for female recruits to begin training are 44 crunches in two minutes, 1 pull-up untimed or 15 push-ups in two minutes, and a 1.5-mile run in 15 minutes.

Recruits with Platoon 4038, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, execute pull-ups during their Initial Strength Test on Parris Island July 20, 2018. The minimum physical requirements for female recruits to begin training are 44 crunches in two minutes, 1 pull-up untimed or 15 push ups in two minutes, and a 1.5-mile run in 15 minutes.

Rct. Jonathan Florentine of Platoon 2060, Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, has his safety gear adjusted by fellow recruits before a pugil sticks bout July 20, 2018, during the Crucible on Parris Island, S.C.

New recruits of Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, and Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, make a phone call home to inform family or friends that they have arrived safely on Parris Island, S.C., for recruit training July 16, 2018. Each recruit will get in contact with either their next-of-kin, or their recruiter upon arrival on the depot.