Before arriving at recruit training, all prospective recruits undergo a physical examination by a doctor at a Military Entrance Processing Station.
At any given time, there are more than 5,000 recruits on Parris Island, undergoing what the corps calls "the transformation" from undisciplined civilian to disciplined marine.
It was a firm edict of company policy that all new recruits with management potential should undergo the experience of working temporarily in as many company departments as possible.
The recruits undergo nearly one thousand hours of instruction during camp.
The facility became known as "Air Base City" when a bomber squadron moved in and more than 1,600 recruits underwent basic training in a three-month period.
Now many departments require recruits to undergo 110 hours of training.
The recruits were 21 years old on average and were undergoing basic training.
From August to December 1967, the young recruits underwent training in Simunul.
After their selection and induction these recruits underwent further training in bush warfare and conventional pathfinding methods as a part of 2 pathfinder selection courses.
Its recruits undergo scant training and its officers are chosen almost exclusively on the basis of family ties and political orientation.