Rct. Tristen Breiner, 18, Platoon 2054, Fox Company,

Rct. Tristen Breiner, 18, Platoon 2054, Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, looks over his shoulder in preparation to descend from the 47-foot rappel tower May 13, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Marines learn to rappel to prepare for deploying from helicopters in flight or navigating difficult terrain, and the training also helps instill courage in recruits to overcome any fear of heights. Breiner is from Berwick, Pa., and scheduled to graduate July 3, 2014. 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 of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Cpl. David Bessey)