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Rct. Rachel Hockersmith, Platoon 4014, prepares to fight Rct. Elisa Rico, Platoon 4015, in a pugil stick match March 6, 2014, on Parris Island, Recruits fight with pugil sticks, which represent rifles with attached bayonets, to simulate a close encounter with an enemy. Bayonet training is part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into physically and morally sound warriors. Hockersmith, an 18-year-old native of Hardinsburg, Ind., and Rico, a 23-year-old native of Oxnar
Rct. Rachel Hockersmith, Platoon 4014, prepares to fight Rct. Elisa Rico, Platoon 4015, in a pugil stick match March 6, 2014, on Parris Island, Recruits fight with pugil sticks, which represent rifles with attached bayonets, to simulate a close encounter with an enemy. Bayonet training is part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which combines hand-to-hand combat skills with mental discipline and character development to help transform recruits into physically and morally sound warriors. Hockersmith, an 18-year-old native of Hardinsburg, Ind., and Rico, a 23-year-old native of Oxnard, Calif., are scheduled to graduate May 9, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple) Marine recruits battle their way through training on Parris Island 140306-M-LQ078-094
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Photo credit: © PJF Military Collection / Alamy / Afripics
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