PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. --
On March 26, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion completed recruit training with four male platoons and two female platoons; the first time ever that male recruits have graduated from the battalion.
During training the platoons were segregated by gender and maintained separate sleeping and bathing facilities inside of their respective squadbays. Training events conducted outside of the squad bay were conducted in a gender integrated environment.
Per the training order, platoons, both male and female, are the primary formation for initial training, and they progressively combine for larger training events as the program continues. This model enables appropriate acclimation to the training environment, development of relationships with drill instructors, and focus during the transformation of young women and men into United States Marines.