SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Recruiting Station Fort Lauderdale (RS Fort Lauderdale) conducted its annual poolee field meet Dec. 12 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, bringing together future Marines, recruiters, family members and senior Marine Corps leadership for a day of physical competition and camaraderie.
As the sun rose over the horizon and temperatures climbed above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, U.S. Marine recruiters and poolees gathered at an athletic field to prepare for the long-anticipated event. While excitement was evident among the Marines, the poolees shifted nervously as they awaited the physical and mental challenges ahead. Unbeknownst to them, this year’s field meet would be especially memorable.
While Marines finalized...
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Matthew C. Weber, commanding officer of Recruiting Station Jacksonville, administers the oath of enlistment to applicants at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Jacksonville, Florida, May 5, 2026. The Oath of Enlistment is a significant milestone for applicants, representing their formal commitment to serve and defend the Constitution of the United States as they begin their journey toward earning the title of Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cody Purcell)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with, Fox Company 2nd Recruit Training Battalion conduct an initial strength test at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina on February 5, 2026. The IST is a baseline fitness test for new recruits to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin the 13-week transformation. (U.S. Marine Corps production video by Cpl. Yovanik Calderon and narrated by Sgt. Connor B. Stepp)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dawson R. Bailey, the cyber operations chief with 6th Marine Corps District, had a hidden talent not many knew about… Shredding that guitar.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Erwin Zamoravega grew up in Manzanillo, Cuba, where water shortages and power outages were part of daily life. Despite the hardships, he was determined to build a better future.
JACKSONVILLE, FL – For brothers Kody, Keeno, and Konnor, the path to becoming United States Marines isn’t just a personal mission it’s a shared legacy in the making.
Sitting side by side at Marine Corps Recruiting Substation Jacksonville, the three spoke about what it means to take this step as a family. Each brother brings his own story, but what binds them is a lifelong bond and a unified goal: to serve together, side by side, as...
Sgt Joshua Griffin a native of Charlotte N.C. was originally the embarkation chief and training Non-Commissioned Officer for Combat Logistics Battalion - 451. Though, after meeting GySgt. Justin Baldwin, a seasoned Prior Service Recruiter stationed in Charlotte, he became inspired by his leadership and professionalism. Griffin made it his mission to one day reach that same level.
