Parris Island is located in Beaufort County, South Carolina. A very small town with a population of about 5,000, it is best known for its US Marine Corps training facility. Each year, close to 16,000 marines pass through the rigorous boot camp in this small military town. Parris is quite small with a total area of 20 square miles of which nearly 1/3 is water.
Marines were first stationed on Parris Island in 1891 and over the years, this town has been officially designated as a Marine Corps recruitment depot.
The recruitment training at the facility includes a 13 weeks program whereby the individual is isolated from the civilian population and learns to adapt to the rigors of Marine Corps lifestyle. During the 13 week program, recruits are taught many subjects include weapons handling, drills, obedience, personal hygiene, physical fitness and discipline.
All recruits must fulfill the minimum customary suitability to graduate and this means a physical fitness test, minimum warfare oriented swimming qualifications, rifle marksmanship and pass a 54 hours virtual combat exercise which is also known as “the Crucible”.