Brown completes Marine basics

Marine Corps Pvt. William R. Brown Jr, a 2010 graduate of Julian High School, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C., designed to challenge new Marine recruits physically and mentally.

Brown and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Brown spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments that included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. Recruits performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Brown and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values — honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. They ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem and addressed as “Marines” for the first time.