According to the briefing book that new “poolees” (a member who has been sworn in with the delayed entry program) receive, 40,000 recruits pass through MCRD Parris Island, and MCRD San Diego to earn the title of United States Marine. Before they can do so, they must enlist and prepare themselves mentally and physically until they arrive at basic training. At LHS, there are some who have chosen to take the path of the Few and the Proud.

“I had made my mind up freshman year, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” said senior Ian Luffred. Ian enlisted in early 2015 and aims to be a tank crewman or infantryman. He had said he realized it was what he wanted to do when he attended his brother’s graduation from basic training.

His friends and family support his decision. Some even look up to him. “I’ve been discussing it with my parents for 4 years, so they handled it well,” said Luffred

Senior John Seymour, who also enlisted in the Marine Corps, says that he joined the Marine Corps simply because they’re the best of the best. “I really didn’t think about it very long. Between the time my recruiter contacted me and my enlistment, it was about a month.”

Both Luffred and Seymour said that their loved ones reacted positively and support their decisions.

The Marine Corps is called the “few and the proud” for a reason. Having both the longest and most arduous military boot camp in the country, it takes both mental and physical stamina. The minimum IST (Initial Strength Test) passing score is two pulls ups, 44 crunches, and a mile and a half in 13 minutes and 30 seconds.

An enlistment contract usually lasts for four years depending on the MOS, (Military Occupational Specialty). This includes time in basic training, the School of Infantry, which provides two courses, and  job training.

Discipline is expected to be top-notch in the Corps. Marines are expected to do what they are told, right away. This includes being where they need to be when they are asked, maintaining a drug free lifestyle, and carrying out a task no matter how much they disagree with it. Some may see this as a negative, but in reality, it is an applicable life skill.

The Marine Corps offers many opportunities to its members. The Marine Corps can pay for post-high school education through programs like the GI Bill.  Travel is another attractive feature of the Corps.

Although all types of people join the military, it is estimated that two out of every three youths are unfit for military service. Much of the blame is pointed towards obesity. A quarter of applicants are turned away due to this, and people have even been discharged from training because of their weight.

“We look for individuals who are trying to better themselves and trying to find an opportunity to be successful,” says Staff Sergeant Safran, the recruiter overseeing Linganore. He added that in order to verify if someone is fit to be processed, he/she must be screened and basically qualified. This includes physical and medical testing, screening questions.

Ian Luffred and John Seymour leave for basic training later this year after graduation, each are excited and looking forward to what they can do in the Marine Corps.

Staff Sergeant Safran said, ” [My goal is] to have them [poolees] ready for recruit training, not only to go down to basic training and become a Marine, but to the be best Marine that they can be.”