Marine Boot Camps

Marine boot camps are training camps forfrom place to place. This is the time when recruits
would-be marines. They are conducted at Parrislearn of the significance of synchronization in
Island, South Carolina and in San Diego, California.marine life.
Courses are designed for training recruits inThen comes a period of Physical Training, during
physical fitness, discipline, management skills,which the instructor stands on a table and
technical knowledge and general aptitude forsupervises the recruits as they perform
marine life. The basic training program is aexercises. Even marine courtesies, discipline,
13-week course, which is followed by an infantrydecision-making, etc. are grilled into the recruits'
training. This infantry training is conducted atminds at this stage.
Camp Geiger, North Carolina for Parris IslandThe basic attraction of the marine boot camp is
trainees and Camp Pendleton, California for Santhe Confidence Course, which is a 11-station
Diego trainees.obstacle course in water. Recruits have to score
Training at a marine boot camp is not justat least a Combat Water Survival score of four in
physical, it is mental as well. Recruits are taughtorder to progress beyond this stage. Basic
the basic moral values of marine life-Honor,Warrior Training follows, when the recruits have
Courage, Commitment. Recruits are not allowedto pass the gas chamber test. Other survival skills
to communicate with their family and friends, andare taught in this period.
they are taught the basics of marine life in theBut the most difficult period is the Crucible. This is
confines of the boot camp. It is a strenuousa period when recruits are deprived of sleep and
process, which culminates in the transformation offood and are made to march for as many as 40
a raw recruit into a hardened marine.miles, encountering obstacles along the way.
The first step at a marine camp is RecruitDuring this period, recruits are expected to help
Receiving. Recruits are instructed in their life ateach other along to survive. Many marines
the camp, given their gear, toiletries and a haircut.consider this period as the most unforgettable
Medical tests are performed, and recruits areperiod of their lives.
made to do certain exercises like sit-ups, pull-ups,After a final physical test and conclusive training,
running, etc. to determine their physical capabilities.recruits are graduated to marines. Family and
Forming follows this, when the recruits meet theirfriends are invited to a ceremony at the Shepard
instructors. Basic marching and discipline is taughtField Parade Deck as the fresh marines are
at this stage. After this come the Drills, whereawarded their posts in the US Marines.
marines are made to work together in moving