PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - A pair of Marine Corps recruits with local ties recently completed basic training.
Marine Corps Pvt. Nicholas A. Barr, a 2011 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, and Pvt. Zachariah R. Caton, brother of Saphirre Caton, of Elysburg, each completed the 12-week training at Parris Island.
Barr, Caton and other recruits began their training at 5 a.m. each day by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, they 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 and ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team event, culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.