San Diego, California. (December 19, 2024): To many veterans, their basic training experience was the toughest on earth and many believe today’s standards are softer than those of previous generations. In this photo by Corporal Sarah M. Grawcock, Marine Corps Drill Instructor Sergeant Nicholas Marsh, with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, instructs recruits before they are issued their rifles. Will these young troops experience a different type of Basic Training than their elders?

Absolutely. And for very good reasons.

First, the profile of Generation Z is quite different than previous generations. Born into the computer age, young folks today are better educated and more technically competent than any of their predecessors. Likewise, modern drill instructors have adapted their ways to reach this highly technical generation more effectively.