Sgt. Justin L. Thompson, a drill instructor with Recruit

Sgt. Justin L. Thompson, a drill instructor with Recruit Processing Company, Support Battalion, shouts commands to the newest recruits of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Dec. 7, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits learn from the moment they step on the yellow footprints they are expected to move with speed and intensity and to respond to all commands loudly and confidently. Thompson, 30, is from Manchester, Tenn. Lima Company is scheduled to graduate March 4, 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 males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Bolser)