Dave Robles, dressed as Pvt. Franklin Norbert Elf, poses for a command board portrait on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 1, 2025. Robles dresses as Pvt. Elf to attend holiday events and parties throughout the Tri-Command area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Horsley)
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...
