THIS IS NOT A SIMULATION.
It is an authentic 12 week journey to becoming a Marine through the eyes of real recruits and their instructors.
Week 1 Receiving
2 a.m. : New recruits arrive at Parris Island, S.C.
Recruit View
Recruit:It was a blur: I remember the drill instructor telling us not to say "I" or "me." It was "this recruit" and "these recruits." After that, we ran from one room to another, did what they told us to and yelled "yes, sir" a lot.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:We need them to start listening. Discipline is the foundation that they will build on, and it starts now. Everything we tell them to do has a reason: to turn them into Marines.
Week 2 In the Barracks
Bringing discipline into the recruits’ routine
Recruit View
Recruit:An alarm clock is nothing compared to the Drill Instructor's wakeup call. Get up, get dressed, get shaved, get out. And the whole time, they’re counting down the seconds.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:We have 12 weeks to teach them how to move fast, be thorough and move as a unit. Even when they’re brushing their teeth.
Week 3 Bayonet Assault Course
Turning instruction into intensity
Recruit View
Recruit:I ran with all my strength. I heard the Drill Instructor's voice telling me to move like a warrior and my own voice yelling like one.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:Today is about waking them up. I want to see the fire. I want to bring the warrior out in each of them.
Week 4 Pugil Sticks
Facing opponents for the first time
Recruit View
Recruit:I know what I have to do to win this: don’t hesitate, stay focused and hit hard.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:Today they're going to fight. They have to combine power and technique to face their opponents. They will learn to be aggressive and confident.
Week 5 MCMAP
Learning Marine Corps martial arts
Recruit View
Recruit:We've fought before, but this is more focused. There are a lot of moves and you have to get every one right. We're learning to fight like Marines.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:A Marine can't choose his enemy. We are conditioning them to respond instinctively, building muscle memory. They will be as lethal with their bodies as with any weapon, no matter who they are up against.
Week 6 Rappelling
Overcoming fear
Recruit View
Recruit:I've always been afraid of heights, and it's a long way to the ground. I've made it this far. I can get through this.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:Quitting isn't an option in combat or in life. They have to move despite their fear. Not just this time — every time.
Week 7 Grass Week
Learning weapon safety and technique
Recruit View
Recruit:When I first got my M16, I couldn't wait to fire it. Now I understand that it's not just a rifle, it is a weapon and I have a responsibility to use it properly.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:They have to master the basics. Once they show us they can control their rifle and their body, then they are ready to fire. That’s the difference between pulling a trigger and being a rifleman.
Week 8 Firing Week
Firing live rounds
Recruit View
Recruit:Eye on the forward sight. Breathe in. Breathe out. Slow, steady squeeze. Release.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:These are live rounds. They have to listen, concentrate. If they can take five well-aimed shots, I know I’ve gotten through to them.
Week 9 The Confidence Course
Overcoming obstacles as a team
Recruit View
Recruit:We're getting through this together. We have to push each other, no matter what.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:We're here to keep them moving, but they have to step up and decide how they're going to get through each obstacle. That's where the confidence comes in.
Week 10 Day Movement
Simulating tactical scenarios
Recruit View
Recruit:It's not real, but it feels like it is. We have to watch each other's backs and stay together. Marines don't leave anyone behind.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:You have to know how to move together, how to respond to a changing situation, and how to watch out for each other. That's how you get through a mission.
Week 11 The Crucible
54 continuous hours of physical and mental challenges
Crucible - Wall
Crucible - Planks
Crucible - Patrol
Crucible - Octagon
Week 12 Emblem Ceremony
Receiving the Eagle, Globe and Anchor and the title Marine
Recruit View
Recruit:I'm honored to stand beside these men and women as family. Every struggle, every challenge was for this.
Drill Instructor View
Drill Instructor:I'm honored to have these men and women stand beside me as fellow Marines. All of the hard work and dedication was for this.
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