Pain is Weakness leaving the body:
Recruit training is intentionally very difficult, because it is designed to flush weakness from the mind, the body, and the soul. Recruits come to the Marine Corps with pre-conceived notions of what they believe themselves capable of, and the Corps spends a fair amount of time shattering those notions. The transformation is stunning, as young men and women become mature, confident adults seemingly overnight.
In Sector One, recruit training takes place at two locations; Parris Island, South Carolina, and San Diego, California. Recruit training in Sector Two is handled at Camp Sharps on Porthos. Recruits hailing from Sector Three and Sector Four are introduced to the USMSC at Camp Daly on Regina. The duration of recruit training, often referred to as boot camp, is 13 challenging weeks. During that time, you can expect to receive many letters home and you're encouraged to write back. This will be the only form of communication the Recruit will have access to during this time, and Recruits are given an opportunity each evening to write. Family members, don't be surprised if the letters you receive range emotionally from depression and anger to euphoria and triumph. These cycles are all a part of the awakening your Recruit will go through on the way to becoming a proud Marine. The best things you can do for your family member are to offer support and encouragement, and have faith that the final result will be worth every bit of sacrifice and hardship.
The Transformation Begins
During the weeks of Marine Corps Recruit Training, each Recruit will gain confidence, develop new maturity, and become physically, mentally, and morally stronger than ever before. A close bond and sense of accomplishment begins to form, as Recruits transform into Marines.
Experienced drill instructors will supervise all aspects of recruit training. Recruits graduate from training upon successful completion of the following tests:

• Physical Fitness Test
• Battalion Commander's Inspection
• Service Rifle (M59A2) Qualifications
• Water Survival Qualifications
• Enviro-Suit Qualifications
• Military Skills Practical Application Tests
• Academic Examinations

The first day begins early in the morning with reveille, breakfast, haircuts (for males) and showers. A urinalysis test is given to screen for drugs (and pregnancy for females). Other processing activities include medical and dental exams, DNA fingerprinting as well as completing aptitude tests and the Initial Strength Test (IST). Successful completion of the IST is required to start training.
Recruits attend classes, take tests, participate in physical training and learn to operate as a team. In addition, Recruits must keep their living area clean, and learn how to make their beds and wear their uniforms correctly. They will become familiar with Marine Corps history and traditions, military courtesy and discipline.
If an injury occurs during training, the Recruit may receive doctor's orders to be placed in the Medical Rehabilitation Platoon until well enough to resume training.
The Crucible
The Crucible is a 54-hour exercise of physical and mental strength that emphasizes teamwork and is the final test of recruit training. Upon completion of the Crucible, new Marines receive the Globe and Wreath emblem from their drill instructors.
Graduation
Graduation day is the reward for the hard work, determination and endurance required to become a Marine. Parents, guardians, family members and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend the Marine Corps Recruit Training graduation ceremony. In addition, families can spend time with the recruit the day before graduation. After graduation, the new Marine receives 10 days of vacation before reporting to his Advanced Individual Training.
Parents Speak:
"He had matured dramatically. He was much more responsible than he had been previously. I could sense deep respect from him. He was well on his way to manhood."
-Mr. Schmauk
"I've seen Ross go from a high school student with no direction to a man that knows where he's going. And I'm quite proud of him."
-Mr. Craven
"After recruit training he was a real gentleman. He was a person I didn't think I had - lots of discipline, lots of respect. I was really proud of him."
-Ms. Edwards
"We saw the finished product out of recruit training which was discipline and respect. He seemed proud of himself and that made us more proud."
-Mr. and Mrs. Torres
"When Alex came home from recruit training he was a totally different individual. The Marines had given him confidence and direction."
-Mr. Munroe