Montague Joins The Marines

NORFOLK, VA. – Marine Pvt Thomas H. Montague, son of Jeff and Cathy Montague of 64 Osborne Hill Road, Sandy Hook, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

Pvt Montague successfully completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Pvt Montague and fellow recruits began their training at 5 am by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Pvt Montague spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drills and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Pvt Montague and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values – honor, courage and commitment, and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Pvt Montague and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team effort, problem solving evolution which culminated with an emotional ceremony in which the recruits were presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and were addressed as “Marines” for the first time since boot camp began.

Pvt Montague joins 41,000 men and women who will enter the Marine Corps this year from all over the country.