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