U.S. Marine Recruit Abigail Andrews, Platoon 4032, November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, struggles to throw her foot over a rope July 31, 2013, on the Confidence Course on Parris Island, S.C. Andrews, an 18-year-old native of Peachtree City, Ga., changed positions twice while on this obstacle. The course comprises 15 obstacles designed to help Marine Corps recruits build confidence by facing physical challenges and heights. November Company is scheduled to graduate Oct. 4, 2013. 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 for females in the Marine Corps. Photo/Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill.
