Marine Recruits Train for War in Iraq - VOA Story

One of the training grounds for U.S. Marine Corps recruits is on Parris Island, in the southern U.S. state of South Carolina. About 17,000 recruits each year complete the challenging training known as "boot camp." Many of them say it is the hardest thing they have ever done.

Marine Corps boot camp is considered the toughest American military basic training. Men and women from the ages of 17 to 29 spend three months doing intense physical exercise, military drills, hand to hand combat, marksmanship and water survival. They must meet high physical fitness standards -- and learn how to survive in all kinds of elements. Parris Island tears down the recruits as individuals -- rebuilds them as a group.

The recruits must pass a grueling 54-hour combat exercise known as "The Crucible." They have to navigate obstacle courses and hike a total of 67 kilometers. They get little sleep or food.

During graduation ceremonies the recruits are called Marines for the first time. About 10 percent of the men do not complete the training mostly because of injuries. The new Marines know many of them will be going to Iraq or Afghanistan.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Marine
• War
• Iraq
• Afghanistan
• infantry
• recruit
• combat
• military
• Crucible

[caseyjones2222]

It's God's job to forgive Osama, it's the Marine Corps job to arrange the meeting!!!

[Gordonalways1]

I have it all planned out. Im enlisting in the USMC in Dec., 2009 with an Infantry contract. After my first tour, re-enlist and go for MARSOC (MSOB). I would love to be in the 24th MEU but anywhere the action is, is where I want to be.

The Marine Corps is a warrior cult, much like Roman Legions were back in their day. I want to be the best!

[mygreenday69]

"I DON'T THINK" "THIS RECRUIT DOESN'T THINK" is the proper response. Boot camp has become soft.

[docshuck]

@caseyjones2222 sorry bud, the navy got to him first.

[NgJackal1990]

And yet they lost in Vietnam War how weird!

[SuperKalibanX]

Best quote I've ever read in my life.

[23PorkNBeans]

If anyone is in the DEP or wishes to one day become a Marine, there is a link on my YOU TUBE page that goes to a FUTURE MARINE WEB SITE.

I recommend you all read it. It is filled with honest and real information about the USMC.

[Gordonalways1]

Thank you. I respect you for what you have said.

Good luck in your endeavors as well!! May you and yours be safe, happy, and free!!

[pilytkid]

I do understand and agree with all that you say, I think i was making a political point in my own mind they are a warrior cult that carries out orders from a mindless government, but that is not a marines fault, good luck to you I hope that you will have a wonderful time in service.

My father would say to me that dieing is never an option but living life is a choice, as you said in an earlier post where else could you do these things,

You are a very special man Gordon to be a marine. G Luck

[Gordonalways1]

For a large organization to work as a body, they must share similar values and ideals. Therefore the Marine Corps "cult", as I described, is merely the description of Marine indoctrination at Boot Camp. The willingness to run to the sound of gunfire is not shared by everyone, yet in the Marine Corps, everyone has been transformed by the warrior cult into men and women who run to the sound of gunfire and not be mindless. They can still think on their feet in order to problem solve.

[pilytkid]

I totally agree I think its a wonderful life for the intellectually sound person, just reading your reply i think you have answered honestly, you yourself said cult, i think you may of been offended when i said you are brain washed, what i meant was as a group, some individuals will be mind zapped others will know that the doctrine is a load of bullshit but like you they will want the life experience of killing and life survival. You are correct you wont get that working in a bank or supermarket

[Gordonalways1]

Where else can I jump out of planes, shoot guns, scuba dive, serve with likeminded individuals that are highly motivated and extremely dedicated professionals?

Answer me that.