SWIM WEEK
“Water Survival”

After laying a solid foundation in the first few weeks, Week 4 is filled with new challenges and opportunities for growth. Your Recruit is ready to tackle this week’s training and on their path to becoming a Marine, building on the discipline and strength they’ve developed so far. This week marks an exciting chapter as they continue their journey with renewed determination and focus.

Building Discipline and Unity

This week begins with Initial Drill, where your Recruit is evaluated on their platoon’s precision in drill movements. Initial Drill at MCRD Parris Island is foundational, marking a key phase in the transformation from civilian to Marine. Through marching, saluting, and coordinated maneuvers, Recruits develop teamwork, precision, and obedience. Under the guidance of Drill Instructors, they learn to execute each movement with discipline, building mental and physical resilience crucial for combat readiness.

This rigorous training lays the groundwork for boot camp, instilling confidence, bearing, and a strong sense of Marine Corps identity. The skills they acquire in Initial Drill foster not only individual discipline but also a collective sense of unity, preparing them for the combat effectiveness and pride that define the title of United States Marine.

Sink or Swim

Next, your Recruit faces the challenge of swim week, one of the most demanding parts of training. As the world’s premier amphibious force, the Marine Corps prioritizes water survival skills for all its members. 

Marines often serve at sea or on smaller vessels, making these skills essential. During swim week, Recruits will learn to jump into deep water, tread, use survival gear, and quickly shed heavy equipment that could endanger them in emergencies.

Getting Their Steps In

With determined strides and unwavering spirits, the recruits will take off on a 6-kilometer hike. The weight of their packs tested their endurance, and the terrain will continue to push them to their limits. 

The blisters and sore muscles are badges of honor, a testament to their unwavering will and the transformative power of their training.

Inspection Time

As Week Four draws to a close, the pressure intensifies with a critical inspection that challenges recruits to meet the Marine Corps’ high standards.

The Series Commander’s Inspection is a pivotal event, often seen as a dress rehearsal for graduation. During this rigorous assessment, drill instructors transform into meticulous inspectors, examining every detail—from the precision of uniforms to the depth of recruits’ military knowledge. This high-stakes inspection ensures that every recruit is prepared to move forward in their training journey with confidence and pride.

In addition to the inspection, recruits will visit the Parris Island Marine Corps Museum, gaining valuable insight into the Corps’ rich history and legacy. For those planning to attend graduation, a visit to the museum is highly recommended, offering an inspiring look into the heritage and traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

I’m SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret), and I can’t wait to share more about this incredible journey with you. Next week, we’ll cover the Combat Fitness Test (CFT) and written testing.

Semper Fidelis