Photo courtesy of Washington post 

The United States Marine Core is one of if not the most discipline Fighting force, To become a United States Marine you must survive 13 weeks of the toughest basic training in the world. I will be shipped off to basic training June 24th to MCRD(Marine Core Recruit Depot) San Diego to go through my transformation into a United States Marine.

Basic Training is split into 4 phases

Phase 1

Receiving Week: Recruits arrive on Parris Island or Camp Penalton  late at night and are immediately thrown into the stressful process that is in-processing, haircuts, uniform and gear issue and medical evaluations. Recruits also undergo an initial strength test to ensure they are prepared for training. At the end of the week, they meet the team of drill instructors who will be responsible for them for the rest of training.

Weeks 1-3: Recruits receive lessons on military history, customs and Traditions, basic first aid, uniforms, leadership and core values. They begin to learn discipline through drill marching and hand-to-hand combat skills through the Marine Corps Mixed Martial Arts Program(MCMMAP), which is made up of various martial arts.

Week 4: Swim Week. Originally being ship guards, Marines need to know how to survive in the water. Recruits learn to leap into deep water, tread water, use equipment to stay afloat and to shed heavy gear that could pull them under water.

Phase 2

Week 5: Team Week. The recruits take a short break from nonstop training to help out around the Base. Recruits do laundry, help in supply warehouses and clean buildings around the depot.

Week 6: Grass Week. Recruits hike to the rifle range and begin to learn the fundamentals of Marine Corps marksmanship. Recruits learn the proper firing positions and spend hours sitting in grass fields sighting in on targets.

Week 7: Firing Week. Recruits finally fire live rounds with their M4 rifles. Recruits practice firing from different distances in the sitting, standing, kneeling and prone positions.

Phase 3

Week 8: Basic Warrior Training. They are taught basic skills of survival in combat, such as combat marksmanship, navigation and how to maneuver under enemy fire.

Weeks 9-10: Testing Week. The recruits undergo various academic and physical exams. At the end of week ten recruits will face the Crucible, a final 54-hour field event that tests the recruits on the knowledge, skills and values they have been taught throughout training. Those who complete the final challenge are awarded their Eagle, Globe and Anchors, symbolizing their transformation from recruits to Marines.

Phase 4 

Weeks 11-12: The new Marines are inspected by their battalion commanding officer. They complete final administrative tasks on the depot before their graduation ceremony. The new Marines get 10 days of leave before reporting to the Camp Lejeune, N.C., for additional combat training, and then to various MOS(military occupational Specialty)  schools across the country to train in there respective MOS.