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Staff Sgt. Roger L. Petersen currently serves as a Marine Corps drill instructor with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Petersen joined the Marine Corps in June 2001 and became a drill instructor in June 2014. “I became a drill instructor because I wanted to give back to the Marine Corps,” said Petersen, a 32-year-old native of Wichita Falls, Texas. “I have been in for 14 years, and being a drill instructor was one of the only things I haven’t done yet.” 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. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)

Staff Sgt. Roger L. Petersen currently serves as a Marine Corps drill instructor with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Petersen joined the Marine Corps in June 2001 and became a drill instructor in June 2014. “I became a drill instructor because I wanted to give back to the Marine Corps,” said Petersen, a 32-year-old native of Wichita Falls, Texas. “I have been in for 14 years, and being a drill instructor was one of the only things I haven’t done yet.” 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. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert

Recruits of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, maneuver under concertina wire on a combat training course March 24, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The course is part of Basic Warrior Training, held during the ninth week of boot camp, which focuses on basic field-related skills all Marines must know. These skills will be broadened during follow-on training at Camp Lejeune, N.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. (Photo by Pfc. Vanessa Austin)

Recruits of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, maneuver under concertina wire on a combat training course March 24, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The course is part of Basic Warrior Training, held during the ninth week of boot camp, which focuses on basic field-related skills all Marines must know. These skills will be broadened during follow-on training at Camp Lejeune, N.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. (Photo by Pfc. Vanessa Austin)

Photo by Pfc. Vanessa Austin

Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Maurice S. Jones, with Platoon 3038, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, encourages his recruits to push themselves through an incentive training session March 5, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. Discipline, defined as the instant and willing obedience to all orders, respect for authority and self-reliance, is a key trait drill instructors, such as Jones, 28, from Philadelphia, must instill in recruits. India Company is scheduled to graduate May 15, 2015. 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 Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)

Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Maurice S. Jones, with Platoon 3038, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, encourages his recruits to push themselves through an incentive training session March 5, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. Discipline, defined as the instant and willing obedience to all orders, respect for authority and self-reliance, is a key trait drill instructors, such as Jones, 28, from Philadelphia, must instill in recruits. India Company is scheduled to graduate May 15, 2015. 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 Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert

Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. Christianna M. Wolford informs future recruits of drill instructors’ expectations upon their arrival to the receiving building Dec. 15, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits 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. The first night comes as a shock for most recruits as they deal with stress, sleep deprivation, new rules and ferocious drill instructors. Wolford, 27, is from Ocala, Fla. 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 Sgt. Caitlin Brink)

Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. Christianna M. Wolford informs future recruits of drill instructors’ expectations upon their arrival to the receiving building Dec. 15, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits 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. The first night comes as a shock for most recruits as they deal with stress, sleep deprivation, new rules and ferocious drill instructors. Wolford, 27, is from Ocala, Fla. 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 Sgt. Caitlin Brink)

Photo by Sgt. Caitlin Brink

Sgt. Stephan G. Bacchus, senior drill instructor of Platoon 3004, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, listens to his recruits’ explanation of leadership during a core values guided discussion Oct. 28, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. Bacchus, 25, from East Stroudsburg, Pa., discussed with his recruits the importance of growing as a leader both in and out of the Marine Corps. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 19,000 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 approximately 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Bolser)

Sgt. Stephan G. Bacchus, senior drill instructor of Platoon 3004, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, listens to his recruits’ explanation of leadership during a core values guided discussion Oct. 28, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. Bacchus, 25, from East Stroudsburg, Pa., discussed with his recruits the importance of growing as a leader both in and out of the Marine Corps. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 19,000 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 approximately 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Bolser)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Bolser

Rct. Tyler C. Cunningham, Platoon 1068, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, crawls through a combat training course Aug. 4, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The course is part of Basic Warrior Training, held during the ninth week of boot camp, which focuses on basic field-related skills all Marines must know. The initial combat training recruits receive will be broadened after boot camp during follow-on training at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Cunningham, 23, is from Enfield, Conn. 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 approximately 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Vanessa Austin)

Rct. Tyler C. Cunningham, Platoon 1068, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, crawls through a combat training course Aug. 4, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The course is part of Basic Warrior Training, held during the ninth week of boot camp, which focuses on basic field-related skills all Marines must know. The initial combat training recruits receive will be broadened after boot camp during follow-on training at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Cunningham, 23, is from Enfield, Conn. 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 approximately 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Vanessa Austin)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vanessa Austin

Drill instructors for Platoon 1086, Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, recite the Drill Instructor Pledge on July 25, 2015, before taking charge of the young men they are expected to mold into Marines on Parris Island, S.C. In the pledge, drill instructors promise to train their recruits to the best of their abilities, meaning they will not give up on the recruits even when the recruits may give up on themselves. 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 approximately 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)

Drill instructors for Platoon 1086, Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, recite the Drill Instructor Pledge on July 25, 2015, before taking charge of the young men they are expected to mold into Marines on Parris Island, S.C. In the pledge, drill instructors promise to train their recruits to the best of their abilities, meaning they will not give up on the recruits even when the recruits may give up on themselves. 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 approximately 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert

Sgt. Yonique R. Cousins currently serves as a Marine Corps drill instructor with Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Cousins joined the Marine Corps in Aug. 2008 and became a drill instructor in Dec. 2014. “I strive hard for everything I do,” said Cousins, a 25-year-old native of McDonough, Ga. “No matter what obstacle may come my way, I will overcome it. That is why I’m here.” 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. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)

Sgt. Yonique R. Cousins currently serves as a Marine Corps drill instructor with Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Cousins joined the Marine Corps in Aug. 2008 and became a drill instructor in Dec. 2014. “I strive hard for everything I do,” said Cousins, a 25-year-old native of McDonough, Ga. “No matter what obstacle may come my way, I will overcome it. That is why I’m here.” 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. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert

A new Marine of Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, greets his family following his graduation ceremony June 5, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The Marines spent nearly 13 weeks away from home training to earn their places in the Corps. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)

A new Marine of Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, greets his family following his graduation ceremony June 5, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The Marines spent nearly 13 weeks away from home training to earn their places in the Corps. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert

Recruits of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, practice hurricane evacuation procedures June 24, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The practiced evacuation was part of a hurricane exercise that simulated the efforts needed to evacuate permanent personnel, recruits and equipment. After the week-long exercise, officials will review the outcome and apply any necessary changes to ensure Parris Island can continue making Marines regardless of what mother nature throws at the Lowcountry.

Recruits of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, practice hurricane evacuation procedures June 24, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The practiced evacuation was part of a hurricane exercise that simulated the efforts needed to evacuate permanent personnel, recruits and equipment. After the week-long exercise, officials will review the outcome and apply any necessary changes to ensure Parris Island can continue making Marines regardless of what mother nature throws at the Lowcountry.

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert

Senior Drill Instructor Gunnery Sgt. Christopher S. Miles ensures accountability of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, recruits during a hurricane evacuation exercise June 24, 2015. The exercise simulated the efforts needed to evacuate permanent personnel, recruits and equipment. After the week-long exercise, officials will review the outcome and apply any necessary changes to ensure Parris Island can continue making Marines regardless of what mother nature throws at the Lowcountry. Miles, 33, is from Lily, Ky.

Senior Drill Instructor Gunnery Sgt. Christopher S. Miles ensures accountability of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, recruits during a hurricane evacuation exercise June 24, 2015. The exercise simulated the efforts needed to evacuate permanent personnel, recruits and equipment. After the week-long exercise, officials will review the outcome and apply any necessary changes to ensure Parris Island can continue making Marines regardless of what mother nature throws at the Lowcountry. Miles, 33, is from Lily, Ky.

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert

Recruits of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, practice hurricane evacuation procedures June 24, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The practiced evacuation was part of a hurricane exercise that simulated the efforts needed to evacuate permanent personnel, recruits and equipment. After the week-long exercise, officials will review the outcome and apply any necessary changes to ensure Parris Island can continue making Marines regardless of what mother nature throws at the Lowcountry.

Recruits of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, practice hurricane evacuation procedures June 24, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The practiced evacuation was part of a hurricane exercise that simulated the efforts needed to evacuate permanent personnel, recruits and equipment. After the week-long exercise, officials will review the outcome and apply any necessary changes to ensure Parris Island can continue making Marines regardless of what mother nature throws at the Lowcountry.

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert

Mary B. Skarote, an exercise planner for the 2015 Parris Island hurricane exercise, discusses evacuation procedures with a Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, drill instructor June 24, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The practiced evacuation was part of a hurricane exercise that simulated the efforts needed to evacuate permanent personnel, recruits and equipment. After the week-long exercise, officials will review the outcome and apply any necessary changes to ensure MCRD Parris Island can continue making Marines regardless of what mother nature throws at the Lowcountry.

Mary B. Skarote, an exercise planner for the 2015 Parris Island hurricane exercise, discusses evacuation procedures with a Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, drill instructor June 24, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The practiced evacuation was part of a hurricane exercise that simulated the efforts needed to evacuate permanent personnel, recruits and equipment. After the week-long exercise, officials will review the outcome and apply any necessary changes to ensure MCRD Parris Island can continue making Marines regardless of what mother nature throws at the Lowcountry.

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert

Marines of Weapons and Field Training Battalion practice hurricane evacuation procedures June 24, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The practiced evacuation was part of a hurricane exercise that simulated the efforts needed to evacuate permanent personnel, recruits and equipment. After the week-long exercise, officials will review the outcome and apply any necessary changes to ensure MCRD Parris Island can continue making Marines regardless of what mother nature throws at the Lowcountry.

Marines of Weapons and Field Training Battalion practice hurricane evacuation procedures June 24, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. The practiced evacuation was part of a hurricane exercise that simulated the efforts needed to evacuate permanent personnel, recruits and equipment. After the week-long exercise, officials will review the outcome and apply any necessary changes to ensure MCRD Parris Island can continue making Marines regardless of what mother nature throws at the Lowcountry.

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert

Gunnery Sgt. Jason Hunt, the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort shooting team coach, looks through a spotting scope for Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Harrington, a MCAS Beaufort shooting team member, Nov. 24, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Spotting scopes provide a closer look at the target so coaches can better help their shooters. Parris Island’s annual rifle and pistol tournament is held to foster competitiveness and enhance combat readiness. Hunt, 36, is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Harrington, 32, is from Cobleskill, N.Y. (Photo by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert)

Gunnery Sgt. Jason Hunt, the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort shooting team coach, looks through a spotting scope for Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Harrington, a MCAS Beaufort shooting team member, Nov. 24, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Spotting scopes provide a closer look at the target so coaches can better help their shooters. Parris Island’s annual rifle and pistol tournament is held to foster competitiveness and enhance combat readiness. Hunt, 36, is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Harrington, 32, is from Cobleskill, N.Y. (Photo by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert)

Photo by Cpl. Jennifer Schubert

Sgt. Kingsley Nwosu, a drill instructor of Platoon 1005, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, shouts at recruits to do exercises faster during an incentive training session Nov. 14, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C

Sgt. Kingsley Nwosu, a drill instructor of Platoon 1005, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, shouts at recruits to do exercises faster during an incentive training session Nov. 14, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C

Photo by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill

Staff Sgt. Brian Sixto, a drill instructor for Platoon 3034, encourages Rct. Edgar Barua-Gomez, Platoon 3034, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, to respond to orders March 12, 2014, during an incentive training session on Parris Island, S.C. Discipline, defined as the instant and willing obedience to all orders, respect for authority and self-reliance, is a key trait drill instructors like Sixto, 28, from Hobson, Texas, must instill in recruits. Barua-Gomez, 23, from Kensington, Md., is scheduled to graduate May 23, 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. (Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink)

Staff Sgt. Brian Sixto, a drill instructor for Platoon 3034, encourages Rct. Edgar Barua-Gomez, Platoon 3034, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, to respond to orders March 12, 2014, during an incentive training session on Parris Island, S.C. Discipline, defined as the instant and willing obedience to all orders, respect for authority and self-reliance, is a key trait drill instructors like Sixto, 28, from Hobson, Texas, must instill in recruits. Barua-Gomez, 23, from Kensington, Md., is scheduled to graduate May 23, 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. (Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink)

Photo by Cpl.Caitlin Brink

Drill instructors with Platoon 3032, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, wait to unleash themselves on their recruits shortly after being introduced March 1, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. This was the first encounter the recruits had with the Marines responsible for the following 12 weeks of training. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate May 23, 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. (Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink)

Drill instructors with Platoon 3032, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, wait to unleash themselves on their recruits shortly after being introduced March 1, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. This was the first encounter the recruits had with the Marines responsible for the following 12 weeks of training. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate May 23, 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. (Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink)

Photo by Cpl.Caitlin Brink

The old Marine exchange building is scheduled for demolition in May 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The building was built in 1969 and was shut down after the completion of the current Marine Corps Exchange in 2008. In recent years, the building was used as temporary office space. Parris Island’s intent is to eventually transform the site, through a separately funded project, into a park that can be used by visitors and families who travel to here for graduations. (Photo by Cpl. David Bessey)

The old Marine exchange building is scheduled for demolition in May 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The building was built in 1969 and was shut down after the completion of the current Marine Corps Exchange in 2008. In recent years, the building was used as temporary office space. Parris Island’s intent is to eventually transform the site, through a separately funded project, into a park that can be used by visitors and families who travel to here for graduations. (Photo by Cpl. David Bessey)

Photo by Cpl. David Bessey

Rct. Julian Morris carries Rct. Jacob Ligon, both with Platoon 2028, Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, during a martial arts endurance course Feb. 6, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The course consists of different stations at which recruits practice martial arts techniques they learned earlier in training to increase their proficiency, strength and stamina. The course 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 honorable warriors. Morris, a 20-year-old native of Dover, N.J., and Ligon, a 19-year-old native of Monroe, La., are 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. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple)

Rct. Julian Morris carries Rct. Jacob Ligon, both with Platoon 2028, Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, during a martial arts endurance course Feb. 6, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. The course consists of different stations at which recruits practice martial arts techniques they learned earlier in training to increase their proficiency, strength and stamina. The course 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 honorable warriors. Morris, a 20-year-old native of Dover, N.J., and Ligon, a 19-year-old native of Monroe, La., are 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. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island