| Marine boot camps are training camps for | | | | from place to place. This is the time when recruits |
| would-be marines. They are conducted at Parris | | | | learn of the significance of synchronization in |
| Island, South Carolina and in San Diego, California. | | | | marine life. |
| Courses are designed for training recruits in | | | | Then 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 for | | | | supervises the recruits as they perform |
| marine life. The basic training program is a | | | | exercises. Even marine courtesies, discipline, |
| 13-week course, which is followed by an infantry | | | | decision-making, etc. are grilled into the recruits' |
| training. This infantry training is conducted at | | | | minds at this stage. |
| Camp Geiger, North Carolina for Parris Island | | | | The basic attraction of the marine boot camp is |
| trainees and Camp Pendleton, California for San | | | | the 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 just | | | | at least a Combat Water Survival score of four in |
| physical, it is mental as well. Recruits are taught | | | | order 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 allowed | | | | to pass the gas chamber test. Other survival skills |
| to communicate with their family and friends, and | | | | are taught in this period. |
| they are taught the basics of marine life in the | | | | But the most difficult period is the Crucible. This is |
| confines of the boot camp. It is a strenuous | | | | a period when recruits are deprived of sleep and |
| process, which culminates in the transformation of | | | | food 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 Recruit | | | | During this period, recruits are expected to help |
| Receiving. Recruits are instructed in their life at | | | | each 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 are | | | | period 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 their | | | | friends are invited to a ceremony at the Shepard |
| instructors. Basic marching and discipline is taught | | | | Field Parade Deck as the fresh marines are |
| at this stage. After this come the Drills, where | | | | awarded their posts in the US Marines. |
| marines are made to work together in moving | | | | |