Platoon 349 Parris Island

• Historic Roots: Platoon 349, like all Parris Island platoons, is part of the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, founded in 1915 and responsible for training thousands of Marines. • World War II Era: During World War II, Parris Island saw a massive increase in recruits, with platoons like 349 sometimes comprised of over 70 men, rapidly trained for combat deployment. • Legendary Drill Instructors: Platoon 349 has been led by some of the Corps’ most respected drill instructors, renowned for their strict discipline and ability to transform civilians into Marines. • Integration and Diversity: Throughout its history, Platoon 349 has witnessed the integration of diverse recruits, reflecting the evolving demographics of the U.S. military. • The Crucible: Modern Platoon 349 recruits undergo “The Crucible,” a grueling 54-hour field event, as the final test of their training, symbolizing their transformation into Marines. • Vietnam War Preparation: Recruits in Platoon 349 during the 1960s often trained under the expectation of imminent deployment to Vietnam, resulting in intense, combat-focused training cycles. • Parris Island Legends: Stories circulate among Marines about Platoon 349 graduates who went on to receive high honors, such as the Silver Star or Bronze Star, for valor in combat. • Family Legacies: Some families have had multiple generations pass through Parris Island in platoons like 349, forging a unique family legacy within the Marine Corps. • Documented Triumphs: Platoon 349’s graduation photos and yearbooks, stored in the Parris Island Museum, capture the changing faces and stories of American Marines across decades. • Enduring Traditions: Platoon 349, like all Parris Island platoons, upholds long-standing Marine Corps traditions, such as the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor ceremony, marking the moment recruits officially become Marines.