- 2 days ago
This is what it looks like inside of Parris island's intense Marine Corp training.
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00:00Get off, get off, get off, get off!
00:02You are now aboard the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Paris Island.
00:07New recruits stepping off the bus at Paris Island immediately enter the receiving phase,
00:12a short, high-intensity period that kicks off their transformation into Marines.
00:18You should be standing at the position of attention.
00:21Your head and eyes are to the front, and your mouth is shut!
00:25Come on, sir!
00:26I, sir!
00:27The moment they set foot on the yellow footprints, drill instructors swarmed them with relentless commands,
00:34establishing discipline from the very first second.
00:40Both male and female drill instructors serve at boot camp,
00:43each enforcing the same uncompromising standards to shape recruits into Marines.
00:49Within hours of arrival, recruits are given one brief phone call home.
00:57I, sir!
00:58I, sir!
00:59I, sir!
01:00I, sir!
01:02This is recruit crime! This recruit has arrived safely!
01:04Not to chat, but simply to confirm they've arrived safely.
01:08I will contact you in 79 days! My brother has to do a dress!
01:11Thank you!
01:12Soon after, recruits undergo a standardized haircut where heads are shaved to eliminate individuality,
01:18and foster an immediate sense of equality.
01:21Hey! Me or my, we'll never want to be part of our vocabulary!
01:25Within 24 hours, civilian clothing is gone, replaced entirely with Marine-issued gear.
01:31Incentive training, often called IT, is a corrective tool used by drill instructors to address minor disciplinary infractions during recruit training.
01:51It consists of short, high-intensity physical exercises like push-ups, mountain climbers, or burpees,
01:59conducted under strict supervision.
02:05The goal isn't punishment, but immediate correction, reinforcing accountability and attention to detail.
02:15Typically going through their mind is, why am I here? And how do I get out of here? To be honest.
02:21The important thing to take away here is that when they're getting IT'd, they realize that they violated an order of regulation, and they don't want to do it again.
02:35That's the main thing that is going through their head. Obviously, I know to not do that ever again.
02:40And if we're accomplishing that, then we're accomplishing the mission.
02:49Discipline, one of the Corps' defining traits, is introduced from day one and reinforced daily through both drill and corrective training.
02:58Once receiving concludes, recruits formally meet their drill instructors and begin the demanding 12-week journey of Marine Corps training at Paris Island.
03:11Before training progresses, however, every recruit must first pass the initial strength test, which establishes the minimum level of physical readiness required for boot camp.
03:28The test for male recruits includes a minimum of three pull-ups, a plank held for at least one minute and three seconds, and a mile-and-a-half run completed in 13 minutes and 30 seconds or less.
03:46Only after clearing this entry-level test, do recruits begin building toward the more advanced combat fitness test.
04:16which measures the body's ability to handle combat-driven physical stress.
04:35Scoring is capped at 300 points, with each event worth up to 100, while performance standards are adjusted based on the recruit's age and gender.
04:46The purpose of the CFT is to ensure every Marine can perform effectively under combat stress with speed, coordination, strength, and agility, all tested simultaneously.
05:02Recruits who fail either the initial strength test or the combat fitness test are reassigned to the physical conditioning platoon for remedial training before being allowed to continue.
05:17The maneuver under fire event is designed as a battlefield simulation, requiring Marines to navigate obstacles while performing combat-relevant tasks like buddy drags and fireman's carries.
05:35The course is 300 yards in length and incorporates sprints, crawling movements, grenade throws, agility exercises, and casualty evacuation drills, all completed in sequence.
05:55The maneuver under fire also incorporates 75-meter ammunition can carries, which test grip strength and a Marine's ability to move gear efficiently during combat.
06:11During this test, recruits must execute both high crawls and low crawls, mimicking the movements used to stay concealed while advancing under enemy fire.
06:27One of the most demanding portions is the fireman's carry, where a Marine must carry another for 75 meters to demonstrate strength and stamina under pressure.
06:48Introduced in 2008, the combat fitness test modernized the Corps' approach by shifting focus away from pure endurance and toward combat-realistic conditioning.
07:06Alongside physical tests, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, or MCMA,
07:17is a required part of training that fuses close combat techniques with character and mental development.
07:32To graduate, every recruit must earn the TAN belt, which is the first of five belt levels in the program's progression.
07:39Training includes strikes, counter-attacks, throws,
07:46joint manipulations, and chokeholds, each designed for practical application in close-quarters combat.
07:55The TAN belt curriculum introduces over 25 essential techniques covering basic strikes such as lead hand punches, rear hand punches, and fundamental kicks.
08:11Drawing from disciplines like boxing, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and karate, MCMAP combines elements of multiple martial arts into a single versatile system.
08:26Recruits also take part in sparring drills, called sustainment training, which sharpen reflexes and condition Marines to react effectively in high-pressure combat scenarios.
08:45All instruction is overseen by certified martial arts instructor trainers who closely monitor each recruit's technique, control, and intensity during the program.
09:04Recruits must demonstrate proficiency in all required skills during supervised evaluations in order to earn the TAN belt quality.
09:14Recruits complete around 27.5 hours of MCMAP instruction during boot camp.
09:23Equally vital to Marine training is swim qualification, which ensures every Marine can survive and operate in aquatic environments.
09:37The requirement is embedded into recruit training and is later revalidated throughout a Marine's career with stricter standards for certain roles and units.
09:49The program is governed by the Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program, or MCWSTP.
10:02All training is conducted by Marine Corps Water Survival Instructors, who are certified to lead and
10:18evaluate water-based combat survival.
10:27The curriculum is built around real-world scenarios such as escaping a helicopter after a water crash,
10:33abandoning a sinking ship, or conducting amphibious landings.
10:42There are three levels of water survival qualification, WS Basic, WS Intermediate, and WS Advanced.
10:55At the basic level, Marines must swim 25 meters in full utility uniform and boots, tread water for four minutes, perform a gear drop, and demonstrate controlled water entry.
11:11The intermediate level includes extended swimming, underwater gear recovery, platform jumps, and underwater navigation, all designed to build confidence in the water.
11:26The advanced level requires a 500 meter swim, 30 minutes of water treading, underwater swimming buddy rescues, and swimming with full packs and weapons.
11:40Swim qualification is evaluated strictly as pass or fail, with the level achieved depending on a Marine's demonstrated endurance and water proficiency.
11:55Marines must re-qualify periodically, with WSB valid for two years and both WSI and WSA valid for three years, unless serving in a specialty unit where standards are higher.
12:12Failure to meet swim standards can delay graduation or result in reassignment to non-combat specialties until the qualification is achieved.
12:24Although pass rates are not publicly reported, most recruits ultimately succeed at earning basic qualification, with some requiring remedial training.
12:35Those who achieve high-level swim scores are often selected for amphibious or reconnaissance units, where aquatic expertise is essential.
12:47Swim tests are conducted in uniform, and some events require boots, which significantly increase drag and resistance in the water.
13:00There's a lot of recruits that show up that have either never swam before or are afraid of water, have had traumatic experiences in the water.
13:18And this is a great opportunity for them to either get over their fear or push themselves beyond their limit.
13:25Training is typically conducted in an indoor pool on base, such as the one at MCRD Paris Island or Camp Pendleton.
13:38Recruits are required to learn four types of water entry, the step-in, high-platform jump, surface dive, and pack-drop entry.
13:57Gear drop drills teach Marines how to stay calm while shedding heavy equipment under water, a survival skill in sinking vehicles or ships.
14:10Exercises like the buddy swim and rescue tow prepare Marines to extract wounded comrades while maintaining buoyancy and forward movement.
14:25The program also incorporates panic management drills to reduce the risk of drowning during real combat water scenarios.
14:40For advanced instruction, Marines can attend the three-week Instructor of Water Survival School,
14:53which specializes in teaching combat water survival techniques.
15:05The gas chamber is part of CBRN
15:11defense training during Marine Corps boot camp.
15:18Recruits are exposed to CS gas, 2-chlorobenzal milano nitrile, a type of tear gas, to build confidence in their protective gear and mindset.
15:31Training occurs in a sealed chamber where recruits wear the M50 Joint Service general purpose mask, the standard issue gas mask.
15:46Before entering, recruits are thoroughly trained in how to don, seal, and clear their gas masks properly.
15:59Inside, they perform exercises like jumping jacks and deep breathing to expose mask leaks and simulate real-world movement.
16:13In the final step, recruits must remove their masks, state their name, rank, and platoon, and exit, exposing them to the full effects of the gas.
16:29CS gas causes intense irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, triggering coughing, tears, and difficulty breathing.
16:47The goal is not punishment, but to instill trust in the gear and demonstrate it works under pressure.
16:54It also tests the recruits' ability to remain calm and follow instructions in a high-stress situation.
17:09The exposure only lasts a few minutes, but the memory is lasting and often builds a sense of pride.
17:25Instructors supervise every step to ensure safety and adherence to CBRN protocols.
17:40The gas chamber is one of boot camp's most feared, yet respected events due to its psychological intensity.
17:55Recruits are taught the stop-seal, clear-check method to quickly respond to gas exposure.
18:10Exposure to CS gas is non-lethal and medically safe.
18:23Designed to cause discomfort without lasting harm.
18:33Recruits are instructed not to panic, as panic worsens symptoms and delays proper mask use.
18:49Gas chamber training usually occurs in phase one of boot camp, around week three or four.
19:04Afterward, recruits are encouraged to walk around and air out to speed recovery.
19:10Quit catching people!
19:16Completing the gas chamber is considered a rite of passage, reinforcing trust in equipment and resilience.
19:22Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out!
19:29Table 1 marksmanship qualification is the foundational rifle training course where Marines learn to fire the M16 or M4 rifle with precision.
19:41Conducted at distances of 200, 300 and 500 yards, it uses B-27 silhouette targets, known as E-type, that simulate human adversaries.
19:54The curriculum requires proficiency in eight firing positions, such as standing, kneeling, sitting, prone, and several supported variations.
20:12Marines fire 40 rounds across structured shooting drills, measuring accuracy, control, and target engagement.
20:27Table 1 instruction emphasizes core fundamentals of shooting, sight alignment, breath control, and smooth trigger pull.
20:41A minimum qualifying score is mandatory to progress into more advanced combat marksmanship training.
20:56Table 2 rifle qualification shifts the focus to practical combat marksmanship under timed and high-pressure conditions.
21:04The course is conducted at shorter ranges, 25 to 100 yards, mimicking urban or close-quarters battlefield scenarios.
21:19Marines engage moving and pop-up targets at variable speeds to train for unpredictability in real combat.
21:34They shoot from several dynamic positions like kneeling, standing, and prone with support, often while being timed.
21:49Weapon reload drills are incorporated to build reflexes and ensure rapid recovery in the middle of a firefight.
22:03Depending on the iteration, Marines expend between 60 and 80 rounds, testing speed, accuracy, and adaptability.
22:15The crucible is the culminating test of Marine Corps boot camp, a 54-hour continuous ordeal that integrates every skill recruits have been taught.
22:30First introduced in 1996, it was designed to prioritize core marine values, teamwork, honor, and resilience over sheer physical strength.
22:45It takes place during phase 3 of training, generally around the 11th week of the 13-week program.
22:55Three, four, go!
23:02Upon successful completion, recruits are formally awarded the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, signifying their transition into full-fledged Marines.
23:17Throughout the 54-hour event, recruits are allowed only four to six hours of fragmented sleep and are issued just three MREs for sustenance.
23:32The crucible consists of more than 30 physically and mentally demanding stations, each testing a different aspect of marine readiness.
23:46Recruits rotate between challenges almost nonstop with minimal rest and escalating physical fatigue.
23:53They traverse over 45 miles on foot, most of it while carrying full combat gear and their assigned rifle.
24:09At Paris Island, the crucible takes place in the Pagefield Training Area, a rugged environment designed to simulate real combat.
24:24The area features varied terrain, mud pits, dense woods, open sand fields, and swampy sections to mimic battlefield unpredictability.
24:41Exercises proceed through rain, cold, or heat, halting only if conditions pose an imminent risk to life.
24:54Recruits operate under extreme stress, performing missions while tired, hungry, and mentally drained.
25:09Let's go!
25:10Let's go!
25:11Let's go!
25:12Let's go!
25:13Let's fly!
25:14Get down!
25:15Get down!
25:16Get down!
25:17Low profile!
25:18Low profile!
25:19Combat lanes challenge them to breach enemy defenses, conduct assaults, and perform casualty extractions
25:24under pressure.
25:25I am in!
25:26What?
25:27I am in!
25:28I am in!
25:29What?
25:30I am in!
25:31Let's go!
25:32Let's go!
25:33Even the confidence course is reintroduced, this time modified to reflect battlefield urgency
25:39and physical exhaustion.
25:40Every skill taught in boot camp, first aid, marksmanship, navigation, teamwork, is evaluated in dynamic, chaotic conditions.
25:59All crucible activities are done in fire teams or squads, eliminating any solo attempts and reinforcing Marine Corps unity.
26:18Events are structured to require team-based solutions, ensuring that no one succeeds through individual effort alone.
26:33Leadership roles rotate across tasks, allowing each recruit the chance to guide peers
26:43and make command decisions.
26:53During the crucible, recruits engage in controlled body sparring sessions, using Marine Corps martial arts program techniques
27:01to demonstrate endurance, aggression, and mental toughness under pressure.
27:13Failures are handled collectively, teaching recruits that mission outcomes affect everyone, not just individuals.
27:20The other team comes up the middle and uses these covers to provide support.
27:28Let's go!
27:29Let's go!
27:30Yes, sir.
27:32Exhaustion, confusion, and discomfort are deliberately imposed to simulate battlefield decision-making conditions.
27:39Scattered throughout the crucible are warrior stations, events dedicated to honoring legendary Marines of the past.
27:59Stations are named after icons like Sergeant John Bassalone and Lieutenant General Lewis Chesty Puller, instilling historical pride.
28:14These moments remind recruits of the Corps' storied legacy and what it means to uphold its traditions.
28:27That's because I'm pushing you to your absolute limit.
28:29That's because I'm pushing you to your absolute limit.
28:30Let's look at the crucible.
28:31Let's go!
28:32Let's go!
28:33Let's go!
28:34Get you side by side!
28:35Face in for it!
28:37Chaplains are present throughout the crucible to offer spiritual support, brief moments of
28:43prayer, and moral encouragement.
28:45Get out with it!
28:46Get out with it!
28:47Get out with it!
28:48Get out with it!
28:49Get out with it!
28:50Get out with it!
28:51Some segments are conducted at night, requiring movement under darkness, using
28:56red light flashlights and silent coordination.
28:59Take your head!
29:00Take your head!
29:01Take your head!
29:02Take your head!
29:03Take your head!
29:04Take your head like that!
29:09Night drills include stealthy ambushes and rescue missions, carried out under strict noise
29:15and light discipline.
29:17The crucible culminates with the infamous Reaper hike, a grueling nine-mile trek, carrying
29:28full packs, rifles, and gear.
29:32Let's go!
29:33Stick deep right now!
29:38Stick deep right now!
29:39Stick deep right now!
29:42Despite overwhelming fatigue, recruits must maintain discipline, communication, and tactical
29:48awareness until the end.
29:50Stop it!
29:51Stop it!
29:52Stop it!
29:53Stop it!
29:54Stop it!
29:55Stop it!
29:56Stop it!
29:57Stop it!
29:58Stop it!
29:59Stop it!
30:00Stop it!
30:01Stop it!
30:02Stop it!
30:03Stop it!
30:04Stop it!
30:05Stop it!
30:06Stop it!
30:07Stop it!
30:08Stop it!
30:09Stop it!
30:10Stop it!
30:11Stop it!
30:12One foot in front of the other!
30:13Let's go!
30:14Stop it!
30:15Stop it!
30:16Stop it!
30:17Stop it!
30:18Stop it!
30:20Stop it!
30:21Drill instructors present the emblem to each recruit, marking the emotional moment when they
30:28earn the title Marine.
30:29Marine.
30:50Tears, cheers, and raw emotion accompany the playing of the Marine Corps hymn and a short
30:56address honoring their perseverance.
31:07Many recruits describe this moment as the most impactful and transformative experience
31:12of their lives.
31:22The Crucible is a comprehensive test of everything taught at boot camp, from combat readiness
31:28to leadership and loyalty.
31:40It cements the Marine ethos of Semper Fidelis, always faithful to the Corps, the mission,
31:47and fellow Marines.
32:00One of the final milestones in boot camp is the final drill, which assesses the platoon's
32:06mastery of close order drill, discipline, and cohesion after nearly three months of training.
32:17The event is judged by senior drill instructors and drill masters who evaluate timing, precision,
32:24and execution of commands.
32:32Each platoon performs a detailed sequence of movements, including column shifts, flanks,
32:39manual of arms, and formation marching with outspoken cues.
32:47Every movement must be performed instantly, with the entire platoon functioning as a synchronized
32:54unit to demonstrate discipline and readiness.
33:03The competition carries up to 100 points, which contribute to the overall Series Honor Platoon award, recognizing
33:10excellence across training.
33:20The competition at Paris Island is the defining moment when recruits finally earn the title
33:24of United States Marine after 13 weeks of relentless training.
33:37If you're enjoying the content, make sure to hit that subscribe button so you don't miss
33:41any future videos.
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