A recruit at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is recovering after being shot during a training exercise. The incident occurred shortly after noon on November 5, during live-fire marksmanship training.
Details of the Incident
The recruit was immediately taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital, where he is currently stable. Marines officials have not disclosed the recruit’s name or hometown pending notification of next of kin. They also refrained from commenting on whether the shooting was self-inflicted, accidental, or intentional.
Investigation Underway
The circumstances surrounding the gunfire are under investigation. A Marine spokesperson emphasized that it is too early to speculate on the incident’s cause. The Marines have reached out to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) for further insights.
Context of the Training
The shooting occurred on a live-fire range, a facility that plays a critical role in the qualification of recruits with the M16 service rifle. Annually, thousands of recruits utilize this range to hone their skills. Marine officials confirmed that no changes to safety protocols on the range have been made, ensuring that training standards remain stringent.
Previous Incidents
This incident follows a similar case on August 15, when Pvt. Aduel Goddard, aged 18, was injured during live-fire drills. The investigation into that case is still ongoing.
Recruits’ Training Regimen
- Recruits undergo 13 weeks of rigorous training.
- They participate in weapons qualification and various combat drills.
- Under pressure, each recruit fires live ammunition.
Military investigators are diligently working to determine what went wrong during this training session. They will conduct interviews with recruits and drill instructors, inspect the weapon involved, and review range safety logs. The investigation’s outcome may take several months, and public disclosure of findings is not guaranteed.
Despite the recent incident, Capt. John Hardin confirmed that live-fire training will continue as scheduled at Parris Island.
