Rct. Francesca J. Harris, Platoon 4014, Papa Company,

Rct. Francesca J. Harris, Platoon 4014, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, makes a quick pre-scripted call notifying her next-of-kin of her safe arrival to training Feb. 1 2016, on Parris Island, S.C. The first night comes as a shock for most recruits as they deal with stress, sleep deprivation, new rules and constant supervision of drill instructors. Harris, 19, from Pittsburgh, is scheduled to graduate April, 15, 2016. 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 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for approximately 50 percent of male recruits and 100 percent of female recruits in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert)