Drill instructors present each recruit with an Eagle,

Drill instructors present each recruit with an Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem at the conclusion of the Crucible, signifying the transformation of recruit into Marine. The emblem is earned only by those who are imbued with the Corps’ core values and have proven themselves worthy of the title Marine. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 19,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 12 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 49 percent of male recruits and 100 percent of female recruits in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Cpl. Vanessa Austin)