Plt. 3016 Mike Co., 3rd RTBn
Parris Island SC.

Click here for information on 3rd RTBn

Andrew spent 13 weeks on Parris Island. He arrived on December 6th 2004 and graduated on March 4th 2005. He was assigned to 3016 Mike Co., 3rd RTBn.
There are two locations which turn men into Marines: the Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, and the Recruit Training Depot at San Diego, California.
Where you go depends largely upon where you enlist. Those who enlist west of the Mississippi will likely go through boot camp in San Diego, while those in the East will attend at Parris Island. There is only one boot camp to turn women into Marines -- Parris Island.
Other than geographical differences, such as the lack of sand fleas and better outdoor exercise weather for "Hollywood Marines," the training is virtually identical at both locations
Parris Island graduates more than 17,000 Marines per year. The average daily male recruit population is 3,786. The average daily female recruit population is 600.
Without doubt, Marine boot camp is more challenging -- both physically and mentally -- than the basic training programs of any of the other military services. Not only are the physical requirements much higher, but recruits are required to learn and memorize a startling amount of information.
There are more than 70 "training days" in a period a little longer than 12 weeks (but don't let that fool you. There is lots of "training" going on on the "non-training days," such as the time in Reception, the time spent in "forming," and on Sundays and Holidays.
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.
Part of the 13 weeks was completing the rite of passage called "The Crucible".
The Crucible emphasizes trainee teamwork under stress. Recruits get eight hours of sleep during the entire 54 hour exercise.
They get two-and-a-half MREs and they are responsible for rationing out the food to themselves.
Then they are put through tough physical activities like road marches and night infiltration courses. They march about 40 miles in those 54 hours.
When completed the color guard raises the flag, and then their drill instructor begins passing out the eagle, globe and anchor. He shakes their hands and says "Good work, Marine."
Then its time for the "Warriors Breakfast".
This was Andrew's favorite part. He said he ate three plates of food.

Here are some photos taken at Parris Island for you to enjoy.
Just click on the links below.

Main Gate

PFC. Boone with Senior DI

PFC. Boone with DI's

Iwo Jima Statue

Barracks

PFC. Boone with Brother Marines

Rifle Range

Mess Hall

One happy PFC

Boot Camp Training Matrix

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