For more than two centuries, the Marine Corps has trained America's finest young men and women to fill the ranks of the world's most elite fighting force. Over those many years changes have been made to recruit training to meet the changing missions of the Corps and address societal changes in recruits.

In 1996, one such change came as a result of the initiatives from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Charles C. Krulak -- to transform the Corps and prepare it for its role in the 21st century. His Transformation plan begins with recruiting, and then recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depots at Parris Island and San Diego.

The Marine Corps is not changing the tried and true methods of recruit training, but enhancing those methods in pursuit of a heightened sense of Core Values, making it even tougher to earn the title of "Marine." It is what America expects of its Marines. When Marines complete their service, they return to society as better citizens than when America entrusted them to the Corps.

Drill instructors will remain the key element in leading men and women in their quest of earning the title "Marine" through the same tough training such as close order drill, physical training, academics, combat water survival, close combat, marksmanship instruction, the confidence course, and now The Crucible.

The Crucible is a 54-hour test of the recruit not just physically, but mentally and morally as well. This event takes place during the 11th week of training, called Transformation Week -- aptly named because at the conclusion of The Crucible, the recruits will no longer be called recruits, but Marines.