[Military Story] "Invincible Marine Ak!" The Place Where New Marine Recruits Are Born

Exploring the Marine Corps Education and Training Unit in Pohang-si, Gyeongbuk
Filled with pride as a Marine Corps volunteer recruit

The Marine Corps was established in response to the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident. It began on April 15, 1949, with a small force of 380 personnel, including the first commander, Lieutenant Colonel Shin Hyun-jun. During the Korean War, the Marine Corps distinguished itself in battles in the Janghang, Gunsan, and Iri areas, as well as in the Tongyeong and Incheon landing operations and the recapture of Seoul. Nicknames such as "Ghost-Catching Marines" and "Invincible Marines" emerged. There were also crises. On October 10, 1973, during the Yushin regime, then-President Park Chung-hee abruptly disbanded the Marine Corps Headquarters and integrated the Marines into the Navy, just 24 years after its founding. However, the Marine Corps Headquarters was re-established in 1987, and through events such as the 2010 Yeonpyeong Island shelling, the status of the invincible Marines was reaffirmed. To witness the birth of Marine Corps soldiers, we visited the Marine Corps Education and Training Group located in Pohang, Gyeongbuk.

Only recruits who have overcome the rigorous training week can wear the Marine Corps' symbol, the "Red Badge," on their chest. (Photo courtesy of the Marine Corps)

The Marine Corps Education Group, responsible for training new recruits in the Marine Corps, trains approximately 10,000 new recruits across 12 classes every year. (Photo by Marine Corps)

Physical examinations including urine tests, chest X-rays, and blood pressure measurements are conducted for enlistees, with results available within two days. If conditions such as diabetes or pneumonia are detected, enlistment will be canceled. (Photo by Marine Corps)

Week 5 is known as the "Endurance Week," a period to overcome physical and mental limits. During this time, meal portions and sleep hours are reduced to half of the usual amount while undergoing basic commando training, individual combat, chemical, biological, and gas training, and conquering Cheonjabong Peak. (Photo by Marine Corps)

The 1306th recruit group mainly consisted of individuals born between 2002 and 2004. The application rate was 1.46 to 1. (Photo by the Marine Corps)

At the Marine Corps Education and Training Group, which is responsible for recruit training, about 12 classes and 10,000 new recruits are trained annually. The training lasts a total of six weeks. The first week is the militarization phase. During weeks 2 to 4, recruits master basic military movements, marksmanship, combat swimming, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense, and other individual combat skills. The following week includes specialized Marine training such as amphibious assault basics, KAAV (Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicle) operation, and airborne fundamentals. Week 5 is known as the "extreme endurance period," where recruits overcome physical and mental limits. During this time, meal portions and sleep are reduced to half the usual amount while undergoing basic guerrilla training, individual combat, CBRN gas exercises, and conquering Cheonjabong Peak. Only recruits who endure this "extreme week" earn the Marine Corps' symbol, the "red badge," to wear on their chest. Upon entering the training group, about 200 soldiers were undergoing physical examinations. Their formations were not yet aligned. These were the 1306th recruits, on their third day of enlistment, mostly born between 2002 and 2004. This class had 2,128 applicants, with only 1,453 accepted, resulting in a 1.46 to 1 acceptance ratio. Their eyes showed tension rather than military discipline.

A Generation Unaccustomed to Group Life Due to COVID-19

Captain Park Kyung-tae, the recruit training commander, said, "A generation that has not experienced much group life due to COVID-19 is enlisting," adding, "The first week of training is an adaptation period focusing more on mental strength than physical fitness, and on building trust between recruits and training instructors."

The results of physical examinations conducted that day, including urine tests, chest X-rays, and blood pressure measurements, are available within two days. Enlistment is canceled if diabetes, pneumonia, or other conditions are detected. Starting in the second half of this year, drug tests will also be conducted through urine and blood analysis. Currently, the military only tests those who admit to prior drug use during enlistment physicals or those deemed necessary by military doctors. Inside the medical building, military doctors and civilian staff reviewed recruits' medical questionnaires, checking their condition, surgical history, and family medical history. The barracks where recruits stay were well organized. Personal lockers contained identical items such as helmets, canteens, and two towels. The only items allowing personal expression were cosmetics, with each recruit allowed one or two items according to their preference, including sunscreen and others. Civilian clothes were also present?these were the clothes worn upon entering the training center. After one week, these clothes are sent back to their hometowns.

Military Discipline Tightens Sharply After Just One Week

Leaving the barracks, across the training ground, the 1305th recruits, who had been enlisted for six weeks and were two days away from graduation, stood out. They were different. Their chants were loud, and their movements quick. Their voices, echoing in unison, were full of military discipline. With hoarse voices, they shouted, "Invincible Marines, Rising Marines, Ghost-Catching Marines. Ack!" Unlike the 1306th, they wore eight-pointed caps, red badges, and dog tags, signaling they were prepared "rookie amphibious assault troops." The recruits entered the barracks and used dryers supplied to each platoon to dry their laundry during the 30-minute personal maintenance time.

Sergeant No Shin-tak, a training instructor, said, "For MZ generation recruits, rather than forcing training, we motivate them by explaining why the training is necessary," adding, "We also strictly provide rewards such as increasing weekend cellphone usage time based on training performance."

Following the recruits, we moved to the dining hall. It was different from typical military units. All meals were provided by Pulmuone, a company specializing in group catering. Five to six civilian nutritionists busily moved about. This was in stark contrast to the Marine Corps' slogans posted on the walls. The menu was diverse, with special menus such as snack days and Korean food days tailored to the recruits' tastes.

Recruit Shin Dong-hyuk, who enlisted after working in the civilian workforce, said, "I joined the Marine Corps to prove myself through tough military life," adding, "I was worried about the food before enlisting, but it tastes better than what I ate in society."