MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- After receiving the final order from his senior drill instructor, Pfc. Barry Lane Caulder rushed through the crowd of families in search of his own. The search was not difficult for his family, however, Caulder was the only private first class with a service stripe and nine ribbons on his new uniform.
Caulder, a former Navy petty officer third class, graduated from Marine Corps recruit training March 3, but this was not his first taste of the military. The Virginia Beach, Va., native had proudly worked side-by-side with Marines for six years as a corpsman, but for him, just serving alongside them was far from fulfilling.
"[The reason I] joined the Corps is very simple," Caulder said. "I wanted to be the best, I wanted honor, and I wanted to be a part of the brotherhood of Marines."
The former corpsman had decided to take on one of the biggest challenges of his life and soon found himself standing on the infamous yellow footprints of MCRD Parris Island. He had taken his first steps toward the title of United States Marine.
Caulder, who developed cellulitis in his foot during recruit training, admitted to the different demands of Navy and Marine Corps basic training.
"Navy boot camp was less physical; Marine Corps [recruit training] was more challenging mentally and physically - you truly have to earn it."
Knowing he would not receive the same rank he held while in the Navy, Caulder did not get discouraged and pursued his ambition.
Caulder believes rank is not everything, but is looking forward to advancing among the ranks in the Marine Corps.
"I feel it was worth it to lose rank [in order to come] into the Marine Corps," Caulder said.
While in the Navy, Caulder served in Iraq with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
"[Being in Iraq] was an eye opener," Caulder said. "If you weren't a man yet, you became one fast."
With everything he experienced overseas, Caulder had already earned the respect of the Marines he served so closely with in the heat of battle, but he wanted more. His time on deployment only solidified his decision to earn the eagle, globe and anchor.
"It was definitely an honor to serve with Marines in combat," Caulder said.
Caulder said serving with Marines in Iraq encouraged him to become part of the brother hood.
"The only way to [become a Marine] is to join and earn the title," he said.
Caulder now looks forward to beginning his career in the Corps with a new military occupational specialty as a Marine infantryman.
He has hopes of becoming a scout sniper and deploying back to Iraq.