MILITARY NOTE
Porter completes basic training
PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — Marine Corps Pvt. Nicholas M. Porter, son of Jennifer L. Porter of Toms River, N.J. and David A. Porter Jr. of Ashland, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C., which is designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
Porter and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Porter 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.
Porter and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values — honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.
He and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution 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.
