Rct. Joseph Tirado, 18, Platoon 2082, Echo Company,

Rct. Joseph Tirado, 18, Platoon 2082, Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, highlights important information during a Marine Corps history class Aug. 7, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. Everything recruits learn is contained in books called "green monsters." There are two academics tests recruits must pass, one during training week five and one during week 11. Tirado is from Tampa, Fla., and is scheduled to graduate Oct. 18, 2013. Approximately 20,000 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 50 percent of males and 100 percent for females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Lance Cpl. David Bessey)