PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - We ask recruits currently in training why they decided to endure 13 weeks of boot camp to earn the title of United States Marine. Here’s what one said:
Rct. John Fetchko, a 19-year-old native of Delran, N.J., is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Fetchko is training with Platoon 3053, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Aug. 2, 2013.
“I was frustrated with civilian life, and I wanted to be productive and give back to the country that has given me so much. I joined because I wanted to do something with my life, and it’s a tradition for my family to be in the Marine Corps,” said Fetchko.
Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent for females in the Marine Corps.