Sgt. Mason McWhirt, a combat marksmanship instructor,

Sgt. Mason McWhirt, a combat marksmanship instructor, explains to recruits of Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, how they fared during a tactical movement exercise March 7, 2014, during the Crucible on Parris Island, S.C. The recruits moved in teams across an open field to engage and suppress a simulated enemy. The Crucible is the 54-hour final assessment of recruits’ courage, physical and mental stamina and ability to operate in cohesive units. McWhirt, 24, is from Hartford City, Ind. Kilo Company is scheduled to graduate March 14, 2014. (Photo by Cpl. Octavia Davis)