Marine Corps Pvt. Kenneth W. Van Norman II, son of Vincenza and Kenneth Van Norman of the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., which is designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally. Van Norman and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Van Norman spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training. Van Norman and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values — honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. Van Norman and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in a ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as “Marines” for the first time in their careers.
Marine Corps Pvt. Christian S. Shackelford, son of Shannon Lain of Allentown, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally. Shackelford and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Shackelford spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. Shackelford and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team evolution culminating in a ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and addressed as “Marines” for the first time in their careers.