Female Marine recruits prepare to fire on the rifle range during boot camp February 25 at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. All female enlisted Marines and male Marines who were living east of the Mississippi River when they were recruited attend boot camp at Parris Island. About six percent of enlisted Marines are female.

Female Marine recruits fire on the rifle range during boot camp.

Female Marine recruits march during boot camp.

Female and male Marine recruits listen to instructions as they prepare for a swimming test during boot camp.

Marine recruit Chelsey Courtney of Coon Rapids, Minnesota hauls a backpack while swimming in her uniform as she is tested to determine her swimming skills during boot camp. Male and female recruits are expected to meet the same standards during their swim qualification test.

Sgt. Gustavo Ramos of Pomona, California teaches female Marine recruits to remove body armor while under water during boot camp.