Photo Gallery: Marine recruits complete combat fitness test on Parris Island

Photo By Sgt. Caitlin Brink | Rct. Melina Merino, Platoon 4030, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, zigzags around cones during a portion of her combat fitness test Aug. 27, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. The test, which simulates a wide range of physical challenges one might face in combat, evaluates strength, stamina, agility and coordination. The test is a graduation requirement and an annual training event for all Marines. Merino, 18, from Woodbridge, Va., is scheduled to graduate Sept. 13, 2013. 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)  

PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

09.05.2013

Story by Cpl. Caitlin Brink 

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island           

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Recruits of Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, used speed, strength and endurance to complete their combat fitness test Aug. 27, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C.

The CFT, which simulates a wide range of physical challenges one might face in combat, evaluates strength, stamina, agility and coordination. The test is a graduation requirement and an annual training event for all Marines. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate Sept. 13, 2013.

• Date Taken: 09.05.2013
• Date Posted: 09.05.2013 17:09
• Story ID: 113140
• Location: PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, US
• Hometown: GERONIMO, OKLAHOMA, US
• Hometown: HOUSTON, TEXAS, US
• Hometown: MILLEDGEVILLE, GEORGIA, US
• Hometown: NEW CARROLLTON, MARYLAND, US
• Hometown: PASADENA, TEXAS, US
• Hometown: PINE APPLE, ALABAMA, US
• Hometown: RAMSEY, NEW JERSEY, US
• Hometown: SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, US
• Hometown: WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA, US
• Hometown: YONKERS, NEW YORK, US