Young men from across the eastern United States stand

Young men from across the eastern United States stand on the threshold of the receiving building Oct. 21, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. Stepping through the silver doors symbolizes the transition from civilians to Marine recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and the beginning of their transformation into United States Marines. Mike Company is scheduled to graduate Jan. 17, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, 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. Caitlin Brink)