U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Robert Kemp, a Drill Instructor with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, directs a recruit through the Battle of Fallujah event during the Crucible aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., June 4, 2026. The Crucible is a 54-hour event that signifies the transformation from recruit to Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Katherine Fohn)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct basic swim qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot Parris Island, S.C., June 1, 2026. Basic swim qualification consists of a 25 meter swim, 10 foot tower jump into water, four minute tread, 25 meter pack swim and an underwater gear shed.
