Preparing for Afghanistan: The Marines' Factory of War

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Fisher, 18, is first and foremost a music fan. "Classical, orchestra, everything," he says. His favorite composer is John Philip Sousa, America's "March King," whose "Stars and Stripes Forever" is the official marching song of the United States. Fisher can play it by heart on his flute.

But prior to starting his career as a concert flutist, the African-American with the angelic face decided to try his hand at another occupation -- that of an elite soldier, a crisis-proof job. How great a role did the recession play in his decision? "Fifty percent, sir," he says.

"The beginning was the hardest," recalls Fisher, who is in his 12th and final week. "They take you out of your comfort zone. They take away everything that is familiar to you." But now, three months later, he's "ready to go," he says.

Ready to go -- to war? Doesn't he have any trepidation about, say, Afghanistan? "No, sir," Fisher assures with a rare, timid smile. "I'm ready to serve my country."

'Amazing Transformation'

It's a phrase one hears everywhere here -- from recruits, from officers and from Colonel Eric Mellinger, the commander of Parris Island, who himself just returned in July from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. "We take a civilian and turn him into a combat-ready Marine," he says. "It's truly miraculous what we do here. It's an amazing transformation."

One could also call it brainwashing. It begins the very minute the new recruits arrive on buses from the Charleston airport. "You'll eat, sleep, breathe as a team!" a drill instructor yells at them as they line up in front of the Receiving Building. "The words 'I' and 'mine' are no longer in your vocabulary!"

"Physically and mentally capable. Leadership qualities. No criminal record." These, according to Staff Sergeant Earl Blue, are the basic requirements for a Marine. Blue is a recruiter. He travels across the country, visiting high schools daily to entice students to join the war effort. If they're younger than 18, he has to ask the parents' permission, but Blue likes to talk to the parents anyway. "Even a Marine needs positive family feedback," he says.

Particularly when they return from the front. The horrors of war are rarely discussed on Parris Island -- at least when there are visitors around. "It's an all volunteer force," says Lieutenant Colonel Chapin, avoiding a question about whether and how marines are being psychologically prepared for deployment. "I'll leave it at that."

Stress Involved

By Marine Corps order, all officers on Parris Island have to be trained in "stress management" and "suicide awareness," among other things. "There is the recognition that there is stress involved, yes, that dynamic is going on," says Colonel Mellinger. "There's no embarrassment in it. They shouldn't feel ashamed."

"We talk about death and stuff. Yes, sir," says recruit Fisher. "Everything we learn serves a purpose." He has no mixed feelings, however, adds Fisher's platoon buddy John Smith, an 18-year-old from Atlantic City. To kill or be killed? "That's my job." Smith decided to enlist on Sept. 11, 2001, when he was still a sixth-grader.

The graduation ceremony for the latest 528 recruits takes place on the windy parade deck in front of hundreds of family members. There are speeches, marches and a prayer by the chaplain: "Oh God, we thank you for giving us the necessary strength and the discipline to become a US Marine." The depot mascot makes an appearance as well, a bulldog named Hummer (who has the rank of Corporal).

'Somebody Has to Do It'

When the ceremony is finished, the new Marines rush to embrace their families, who they haven't seen or talked to in months. Some can barely hold back tears. They're off duty for just 10 days before they have to report to their units. Most of them will deploy "within the year," says Colonel Mellinger.

"I feel great about it," says graduate David White, smoothing down his dress uniform. "Now I'm gonna see the world." His father, wiping his moist eyes, doesn't fully share the excitement. "I'm a little scared about it," he says. "He's my oldest."

Then he collects himself, puts on a brave smile and adds: "He's serving his country. Somebody has to do it."

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• Part 1: The Marines' Factory of War
• Part 2: The Flutist and the War