USMC Recruit Training (Boot Camp)

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It has been said time and time again by former Marines that Marine Corps Recruit Training was the most difficult thing they ever had to do in their entire lives. In order to train the world's most elite fighting force, it has to be that way.

Upon arrival at Parris Island, a new recruit begins a virtually non-stop journey, the end of which results in the transformation of that recruit into a new Marine.

Recruit Receiving

The first stop is at Recruit Receiving, where new recruits spend the first few days of their recruit training experience. Here they will receive their first haircut and their initial gear issue, which includes items like uniforms, toiletries and letter writing supplies. During this time recruits will also be given a full medical and dental screening, meet their senior drill instructor, and take the Initial Strength Test. This test consists of a one and a half mile run, sit-ups and pull-ups and tests recruits to see if they're in shape to begin training.

Forming

Forming is the period when recruits are taken to their training companies and they "meet" their drill instructors for the first time. During Forming's 3-5 days, recruits learn the basics, like how to march, how to wear their uniform, how to secure their weapon, etc. This period of time allows recruits to somewhat adjust to the recruit training way of life before the first actual training day.

Drill

Drill is the basic way in which platoons march and move from place to place. At first, recruits will practice just staying in step with the rest of the platoon and the drill instructor. However, as training continues, the platoon becomes a well-oiled machine performing synchronous, complex drill movements. During recruit training, platoons will also compete in two drill competitions. Drill is mainly used to instill discipline, team pride and unit cohesion.

Physical Training

Physical Training or just "PT" as it is often called, comes in many forms on Parris Island. Recruit Training uses a progressive physical training program, which builds up recruits to Marine Corps standards. Recruits will experience Table PT, a period of training in which a drill instructor leads several platoons through a series of demanding exercises while he stands on a padded table. Recruits will also run, either individually or as a platoon or squad. Other PT consists of obstacle courses, circuit courses or 3-, 5- or 10-mile conditioning marches.

Academic Training

Recruits will also exercise their minds through academics training. Ranging in subjects from Marine Corps history, Marine customs and courtesies and basic lifesaving procedures. Recruits will also take an academic test while in recruit training.

Core Values

The Corps' Core Values are Honor, Courage and Commitment, and these values make up the bedrock of a Marine's character. During recruit training, recruits are taught these Core Values and the numerous others attached to them, such as integrity, discipline, teamwork, duty and esprit de Corps. Drill instructors, recruit training officers and Navy chaplains teach specific Core Values classes, but drill instructors also talk one-on-one with recruits after other training events to see what values were learned and how they affect the recruits. For example, a drill instructor might talk about overcoming fears after rappelling or not giving up after a long march.

Close Combat

The Close Combat Training Program consists of fighting techniques recruits may need to use to survive in combat. These include pugil sticks, the practical application of bayonet fighting, and an offensive and defensive skills training program. All close combat instructors are drill instructors and have been certified to teach close combat.

Confidence Course

The Confidence Course is an 11-station obstacle course that helps recruits build confidence as well as upper-body strength. Recruits will tackle this course twice while on Parris Island.

Combat Water Survival

Training in Combat Water Survival develops a recruit's confidence in the water. All recruits must pass the minimum requirement level of Combat Water Survival-4, which requires recruits to perform a variety of water survival and swimming techniques. If a recruit meets the CWS-4 requirements, he or she may upgrade to a higher level. All recruits train in the camouflage utility uniform, but those upgrading may be required to train in full combat gear, which includes a rifle, helmet, flak jacket and pack.

Basic Warrior Training

Basic Warrior Training introduces recruits to field living and conditions. The majority of a Marine's field training is conducted after recruit training. During the 3-day Basic Warrior Training, recruits will learn basic field skills from just setting up a tent to field sanitation and camouflage. It is also during this training that recruits will descend the rappel tower and go through the gas chamber.

Marksmanship Training

Marksmanship training teaches recruits the fundamentals of marksmanship with their M-16A2 service rifle. This training takes place over two weeks, the first of which is called Snap-In Week. During this week, recruits are introduced to the four shooting positions (standing, kneeling, sitting and prone) and a Primary Marksmanship Instructor shows recruits how to fire, how to adjust their sights, how to take into account the effects of the weather, etc. Recruits also have the opportunity to fire on the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Training machine. During the second week of marksmanship training, recruits actually fire a known-distance course. With ranges of 200, 300 and 500 yards, recruits prepare for rifle qualification on Friday of that week.

Field Meet

The field meet is a chance for recruits to have some fun and compete against other platoons in their company in a variety of physical events, such as the tug-of-war and relay races. This event also helps build teamwork and unit cohesion.

A-line

A-line is a portion of training devoted to firing weapons in a field condition. During marksmanship training, recruits learn how to fire at a single target while in a stationary position. During A-line recruits learn how to fire at moving and multiple targets, while under low-light conditions and wearing their field protective mask (gas mask).

Transformation Week

Transformation Week is the last week the recruits will be addressed as recruits. By the end of the week they will have claimed the title "Marine." The week builds up to the early Thursday morning start of The Crucible, the final test of recruits.

The Crucible

The Crucible is Recruit Training's defining moment.

Transition Week

Transition Week is the last week the brand new Marines spend on Parris Island. During this week, more responsibility is given to the privates and privates first class and the supervision from the drill instructors is decreased. In fact, drill instructors don't wear their duty belts during this time and the new Marines call them by their rank, not as "sir" or "ma'am." This week helps these new Marines adjust from being a recruit to being a Marine.

Family Day & Graduation

Family Day and Graduation take place on the last two days while on Parris Island. Family Day gives new Marines a chance to see their family and friends for the first time during on-base liberty. Graduation follows the next morning with a formal ceremony and parade on the Peatross Parade Deck.

Events Week 1-12

Instructional Time

Weekly Routine

Marine Boot Camp

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

Week Six and Seven

Week Eight

Week Nine and Ten

Week Eleven

Week Twelve

Information Courtesy of Parris Island Web Site

and From U.S. Military Web Site