Marine boot camps are training camps for would-be marines. Such boot camps are located at Parris Island, South Carolina and in San Diego, California. All courses are intended to train recruits in physical fitness, discipline, technical knowledge, management skills and general aptitude for marine life. After an infantry training the basic training program is followed, this lasts 13 weeks. This infantry training is conducted at Camp Geiger, North Carolina for Parris Island trainees and Camp Pendleton, California for San Diego trainees.
You have to realize that training at a marine boot camp is not just physical, it is mental as well. Recruits learn the basic moral values of marine life-Honor, Courage, Commitment. Recruits are not allowed to be in touch with their relatives and friends, and they are taught the basics of marine life in the confines of the boot camp. It is an arduous process, which ends with the transformation of a raw recruit into a hardened marine.
Recruit Receiving is the first step at a marine camp. During it they are instructed in their life at the camp. Recruits get their gear, toiletries and a haircut. Throughout medical tests, recruits do certain exercises like sit-ups, pull-ups, running, etc. in order to find out their physical capabilities. Forming follows this, when the recruits meet their instructors. At this stage recruits learn basic marching and discipline. After this come the Drills, where marines have to work together in moving from place to place. This is the time when recruits learn of the importance of synchronization in marine life.
After that a period of Physical Training comes. This is the period during which the instructor stands on a bench and observes the recruits as they do exercises. Even marine courtesies, discipline, decision-making, etc. are grilled into the recruits' minds at this stage.
The fundamental attraction of the marine boot camp is the Confidence Course, which is an 11-station obstacle course in water. Recruits have to score at least a Combat Water Survival score of four in order to progress beyond this stage. Basic Warrior Training comes, when the recruits have to pass the gas chamber test. Other survival skills are taught in this period.
In spite of all previous described periods, the most difficult one is the Crucible. During this period recruits are deprived of sleep and food and are made to march for as many as 40 miles, facing obstacles along the way. Throughout this period, recruits are expected to help each other along to survive. Lots of marines regard this period as the most memorable period of their lives.
After a final physical test and conclusive training, recruits are graduated to marines. Family and friends come to a ceremony at the Shepard Field Parade Deck as the fresh marines are awarded their posts in the US Marines.
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