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