A service member with USSOUTHCOM takes a professional knowledge test on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 31, 2026. USSOUTHCOM’s Service Member of the Year competition challenges Joint Force service members in leadership, warfighting skills, physical fitness, military bearing, professional knowledge and overall readiness, to identify, recognize and honor the most qualified competitor of USSOUTHCOM. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Dylan Smith)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Mykael Carson, a senior drill instructor with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, delivers the SDI Speech during Pickup Day on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 22, 2026. Pickup Day is when new recruits meet the drill instructors who will train them during their 13 weeks of recruit training. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Jacob Richardson)
