A Marine Corps recruit was shot during live-fire training at Parris Island, South Carolina, on March 9, 2023, officials confirmed. The recruitS condition was not immediately disclosed, but Capt. John Hardin stated that live-fire training has continued uninterrupted following the incident.
The shooting has triggered a formal investigation by Marine investigators, who will examine all facets of the event – from interviewing recruits and drill instructors to a thorough inspection of the weapon involved and a review of range safety logs. The investigation’s findings, which may take months to complete, are not always released publicly. This incident raises questions about safety protocols during the rigorous 13-week recruit training program where every Marine qualifies wiht weapons and trains under pressure.
Recruits at Parris Island undergo an intensive 13-week training regimen encompassing weapons qualification and combat drills, with all Marines participating in live-fire exercises. The ongoing investigation will seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify any potential failures in safety procedures.investigators will conduct interviews with both recruits and drill instructors present during the training exercise.A detailed inspection of the weapon used will be performed, alongside a comprehensive review of all range safety logs to ascertain adherence to established protocols. While the investigation proceeds, Capt. Hardin affirmed that live-fire training remains ongoing at the depot. The results of the investigation may not be publicly available for several months.