Rct. James Detouchie, a recruit with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practices hand and arm signals during Basic Warrior Training (BWT) at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 6, 2025. During BWT recruits complete a practical application exam where they must demonstrate correct hand and arm signals, fireteam formations and other field skills they were taught over the week-long event. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jordy Morales)
U.S. Marine Corps GySgt. Justin Kelley, the Marine Corps’ first applicant for the Marine Corps Talent Acquisition Pilot (MCTAP), graduated recruit training on Dec. 20,2024 from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. The MCTAP program is designed to address the Corps' need for a rapid process to identify, train, and employ personnel who possess essential skills and relevant experience to meet warfighting requirements. MCTAP enables the service to access eligible candidates, including those with prior Marine Corps service, other military service, or no prior service, to enlist and serve in specific military occupational specialties at ranks equivalent to their experience and expertise. Kelly, who previously served in the U.S. Air...
