Brinkerhoff completes basic

Byram Township — Pvt. Justin Brinkerhoff, the son of Peter and Elizabeth Brinkerhoff of Byram Township, completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., on Oct. 6. During the 12-week training program, Marine recruits are challenged both physically and mentally. Training began each day at 5 a.m., with a three-mile run and intensive calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, numerous hours were spent in the classroom and on field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. Pvt. Brinkerhoff also received instructions on the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage and commitment, and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. The training phase ended with the “Crucible,” a 54-hour team effort and problem-solving evolution conducted only by the Marines.