 These men are beginning one of the greatest challenges of their lives, Marine Corps Recruit Training. They have one major interest in common, a desire to be Marines. They will devote all their time to the business of becoming members of the most spirited fighting team on Earth, the United States Marine Corps. Ours is a big country and these recruits come from every part of it. Down from the Alleghenies and Blue Hills, up from the Delta country and the Flatlands, some have known only the smoke of a factory town. For others, the winters of Maine and Vermont, the first step, make him look like a Marine. The job of making a Marine is, in many respects, the making of a man, a strong, healthy man. The first few days on the drill field are hard. He makes mistakes, lots of them. But soon he gets the hang of it. His drill instructor sees to that. Of course he barks a lot, but he has a tough job and no man in the Marine Corps can do it better. Soon, these recruits are really growing as part of a team and as individuals. They were fine products when they arrived, but the Marine Corps is making them even better. They are building on the boy you started, building not just a strong body, but character and confidence. A sense of fair play, the will to win and the power of teamwork. His moral and spiritual responsibilities are made stronger. He learns the tradition of the Corps, the basics of Marine Corps mission and history, military courtesy and customs. And he meets a new friend, his rifle. He is taught how to use it and respect it. Progress as a Marine can be measured by his skill on the rifle range. Perfection in physical fitness results from perfection in training. So conditioning goes on. He does easily tasks he never thought were possible. He has faced many physical and mental challenges and he has met them all. He knows he is becoming a Marine. The transition is complete. For nearly 200 years, the word Marine has meant loyalty, courage and dedication. The key to this success has been leadership and training. Since 1775, the Marine Corps has extended the privilege of service to men who were able to accept responsibility, setting a pace for others to follow. These recruits now are Marines in body, in mind and in spirit. And no matter where the challenge, the Marines are ready to defend their country. Ready today, ready tomorrow, a part of the big team, the United States Marine Corps.