State Partnership Program

Video by Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken

The Transformation: Before They Are Marines

8th Marine Corps District

March 4, 2017 | 3:10

More than 500 United States Marine Corps enlistees and their family and friends from across the state of Arizona converged in Phoenix for the 2017 annual Marine Corps Recruiting Station Phoenix pool function, March 4, 2017. The purpose of the function is to screen and physically test the Marine applicants, while at the same time give them a preview of what they may be able to expect once they ship off to U.S. Marine Corps boot camp. The applicants, from 13 recruiting substations located throughout Arizona, ran an initial strength test made up of pull-ups, crunches, and a one and a half mile run. They ate a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE) for lunch and had question and answer sessions with Marine Corps drill instructors. To complete the day the recruiting substations competed in a fitness relay, culminating what being a Marine is about – camaraderie, teamwork and unity. (U.S. Marine Corps multimedia by Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken)