RNE Cadets at Parris Island
Cadets from Richland Northeast High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) unit embarked on an immersive three-day field study on October 1 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, in Port Royal, South Carolina.
Cadets were greeted by a Marine Corps Drill Instructor who challenged them both physically and mentally from start to finish. Throughout their stay, cadets experienced life as Marine recruits—eating in the chow hall, living in the barracks, and moving with precision under strict military discipline. Each task reinforced the core values and high standards that define the United States Marine Corps.
One of the most memorable and demanding experiences of the trip was the gas chamber exercise, where cadets safely participated with only one-tenth of the typical gas exposure endured by recruits. In addition, they visited the rappel tower, observed the Crucible training area, and engaged in a variety of leadership development activities, including team problem-solving, communication drills, decision-making scenarios, and discussions on ethics and integrity.
Cadets were pushed to their limits on the Marine Corps Obstacle Course, which featured challenges such as the rope swing traverse, flying monkey bars, and the vertical wall—each designed to test endurance, strength, agility, and determination. They also witnessed Marine recruits navigate the official Marine Obstacle Course, an essential requirement to earn the title of United States Marine.
Beyond the physical challenges, cadets explored the historic Parris Island Museum, gaining a deeper appreciation for the traditions, history, and sacrifices of the Marine Corps. The museum’s exhibits—including uniforms, weaponry, artifacts, and combat stories—offered cadets valuable insight into the courage and legacy of generations of Marines who have served before them.
The highlight of the trip was the opportunity to live and train like Marine recruits. From following precise commands to performing coordinated movements across the depot, cadets experienced firsthand the discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness required to complete Marine Corps boot camp.
By the conclusion of the field study, cadets returned home with a renewed sense of discipline, strengthened leadership skills, enhanced confidence, and deeper camaraderie among peers. The lessons learned at Parris Island will leave a lasting impression—reminding each cadet that with determination, perseverance, and teamwork, no challenge is insurmountable.
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