MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Training day 25 officially starts second phase for recruits.
On this day, recruits participate in initial drill as well as blouse their boots for the first time since coming to Parris Island.
But transitioning from the first phase of recruit training to the second isn't just about blousing boots and proving to the battalion drill master the platoon knows drill - it takes 24 training days to prepare recruits for the remainder of training.
"All basic knowledge, customs and courtesies, core values and other essential training is learned during first phase," said Staff Sgt. Marko Stawnyczyj, 28, from Hatfield, Pa., and the operations chief for Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, which is currently transitioning between first and second phase.
Although the training during first phase is demanding, each phase has its own challenges.
"With every phase, the recruits gain more maturity, but have different challenges to overcome," Stawnyczyj said. "First phase is usually the most difficult for the recruits because they have to transition from the civilian world to the Marine Corps way of life."
First phase ends with recruits completing the Rappel Tower and gas chamber on training day 24. The following day, recruits blouse their boots and try their best to demonstrate to the drill master they have learned discipline and drill.
"It (initial drill) let's the recruits get prepared for final drill," said Staff Sgt. Richard Headley, 28, from Warwick, R.I., and a drill instructor for Platoon 2024, Hotel Co, 2nd RTBn. "They see the process and know what to expect."
Despite drill starting second phase, the majority of the next several weeks of recruit training involve being in the field, shooting the M-16A2 service rifle and team week.
"Second phase is the rifle range," Headley said. "During first phase, recruits learn the majority of their discipline, and in second phase they spend the most of their time in the field."
Becoming a Marine is not an easy task. Each day, recruits are pushed to their limits - learning exactly what it takes to earn the title. No matter the phase, no matter the training day, recruits are continuously molded into one of the few and proud.