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Parris Island

U.S. Marine Corps•122 members

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About this Unit

Parris Island

U.S. Marine Corps

Parris Island, located in South Carolina, is home to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, one of the primary training sites for the United States Marine Corps since 1915. The island was first used by the Navy as a coaling station in the late 19th century before becoming a Marine Corps training facility. Throughout both World Wars, Parris Island saw massive expansions to accommodate the surge of recruits needed for combat. Today, it continues its legacy as a vital institution, shaping thousands of new Marines each year through rigorous basic training.

About Parris Island

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Birthplace of Marines: Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island has been the primary training location for enlisted Marines east of the Mississippi River since 1915.
Historic Beginnings: The island has military roots dating back to the 16th century, when Spanish and French explorers established settlements in the area.
Legend of the Sand Fleas: Recruits at Parris Island often speak of the relentless sand fleas, which have become a rite of passage and a running joke among Marines.
The Iron Mike Statue: A famous statue, "Iron Mike," stands on the parade deck, symbolizing the spirit and tradition of the Marine Corps.
First Female Marines: In 1949, Parris Island became the first depot to train female Marine recruits, integrating women into boot camp operations.
The Crucible: The infamous 54-hour final test for recruits, known as "The Crucible," was introduced in 1996 to test physical, mental, and moral strength.
Hollywood in the Lowcountry: The 1980 film Full Metal Jacket was inspired by Marine boot camp at Parris Island, though it was filmed in England.
Historic Drill Instructors: Parris Island drill instructors are legendary for their discipline and intensity, shaping civilians into Marines through rigorous training methods.
Haunted Reputation: The island is rumored to be haunted, with stories of ghostly apparitions, particularly around the old barracks and cemeteries.
Motto: The depot's motto is "We Make Marines," reflecting its crucial role in forging new members of the United States Marine Corps.

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Parris Island

U.S. Marine Corps•122 members

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About this Unit

Parris Island

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

Darrel Keck

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1983 - 1983

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Gary Dunbar

U.S. Marine Corps Military Retiree · 1967 - 1967

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Ray LeBlanc

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1967 - 1969

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Robert Lane

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1965 - 1965

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About Parris Island

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Birthplace of Marines: Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island has been the primary training location for enlisted Marines east of the Mississippi River since 1915.
Historic Beginnings: The island has military roots dating back to the 16th century, when Spanish and French explorers established settlements in the area.
Legend of the Sand Fleas: Recruits at Parris Island often speak of the relentless sand fleas, which have become a rite of passage and a running joke among Marines.
The Iron Mike Statue: A famous statue, "Iron Mike," stands on the parade deck, symbolizing the spirit and tradition of the Marine Corps.
First Female Marines: In 1949, Parris Island became the first depot to train female Marine recruits, integrating women into boot camp operations.
The Crucible: The infamous 54-hour final test for recruits, known as "The Crucible," was introduced in 1996 to test physical, mental, and moral strength.
Hollywood in the Lowcountry: The 1980 film Full Metal Jacket was inspired by Marine boot camp at Parris Island, though it was filmed in England.
Historic Drill Instructors: Parris Island drill instructors are legendary for their discipline and intensity, shaping civilians into Marines through rigorous training methods.
Haunted Reputation: The island is rumored to be haunted, with stories of ghostly apparitions, particularly around the old barracks and cemeteries.
Motto: The depot's motto is "We Make Marines," reflecting its crucial role in forging new members of the United States Marine Corps.