The Making of a Marine

June 25-27, 2002
Contact: Washington FPC Defense Liaison Officer Col. Rick Machamer
Tel: (202) 504-6356; e-mail: MachamerRF@state.gov

The Washington Foreign Press Center conducted a foreign media reporting tour to the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina. 

Reporters on the tour observed the initial basic training of the Marine Corps.  The schedule began with the arrival and in-processing of new recruits on the night/early morning of June 25.  On June 26, the tour consisted of observing various basic training to include drill, martial arts, confidence course, and pugel stick drills.  On the morning of June 27, the reporters observed the final portion of the 54-hour "Crucible," basic training's culminating "gut-checking and tough" field exercise.

Reporters were able to interact with and interview recruits and cadre members.