United States Marine Corps Recruit Training
United States Marine Corps Recruit Training is a 13-week program, including in & out-processing, of recruit training that each recruit must successfully complete in order to serve in the United States Marine Corps.
Recruits learn marksmanship fundamentals and must qualify with the M16 rifle to graduate
Recruits near the end of training at MCRD Parris Island, May 1942
New recruits prepare to step through the silver doors of the receiving building at MCRD Parris Island, an action which symbolizes the transition from civilians to recruits and the beginning of them becoming United States Marines.
A drill instructor directing Marine poolees
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an 8,095-acre (32.76 km2) military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina, approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south of Beaufort, the community that is typically associated with the installation. MCRD Parris Island is used for United States Marine Corps Recruit Training of enlisted United States Marines. Recruits living east of the Mississippi River report there to receive initial training. Recruits living west of the Mississippi River receive training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, but may train at MCRD Parris Island by special request.
Yellow footprints outside of the Receiving Building, where prospective Marines receive their first taste of military life
Marine recruits learning basic marksmanship on the Chosin Range
A senior drill instructor inspects his platoon shortly before lights out.
