Reporting for Duty: A recruit's experience

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ABC 33/40 has taken you inside Marine Corps Boot Camp this week. We've already shown you how Alabama educators did during training. We now show you what's really happening in the lives of young recruits working to earn the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. It's the emblem of the U.S. Marine Corps.

It's a fine Marine Corps day at Parris Island, South Carolina.

Every Marine who has joined east of the Mississippi River knows the place.

"A culture shock. It is a completely different atmosphere," said Recruit Steven Lackey."{}

Lackey, a graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School, knows the yelling is normal. He expects the constant running. It's become his life.

"The speed and intensity is what they instill in us. So, you do everything fast and with a purpose," added Lackey.

Megan Horsley, a graduate of Oak Grove High School, did not expect any of it.

"Your individuality is stripped from you. You have no first name. It is this recruit, aye ma'am, yes ma'am, no ma'am, aye sir, yes sir and no sir," said Holey

"You have to understand they are civilians who don't have a clue what's going on in the beginning. So, you definitely have to be demanding, reiterate, reiterate and reiterate," said Drill Instructor Sergeant Jamie Murray.

Chilton County High School Graduate Elizabeth Green, like other Marine recruits, must finish nearly 12 weeks of training to become one of the few and proud.

"It's really hard the first week because you are still adapting and trying to get the know the area, cope with home sickness, being away from home and from friends," said Recruit Green.

She found things were easier around the third week.

Recruit Lackey is farther along in training and discovered something most recruits do.

"I miss home. There is a lot of home sickness. After eight weeks, you forget what everyone's voice sounds like," added Recruit Lackey.

"Recruit training is hard mentally. Physically, it is tough," added Recruit Horsley.

Sgt. Francesco Franseze believes it's the only way.

"We want Marines out there who will take orders, carry out those orders and win battles for the United States," said Sgt. Franseze.

Venton Blandin's series continues tomorrow with graduation day! His next story introduces us to one of our nation's newest Marines: Ira Johnson, Junior and his family. All are from Gardendale. You can chat with Venton about this series. Tweet him @VentonBlandinTV. Join the conversation using #LiveOn3340.