The Grim Reality of Escaping Parris Island

Parris Island, located in South Carolina, is primarily known for Marine Corps Recruit Training. This rigorous and highly-disciplined environment makes escape attempts extremely rare and often result in severe consequences for the involved individuals. However, this doesn’t make the matter less intriguing, especially when considering the harrowing stories and near-misses shared by recruits.

The Recruitment Experience

After arriving at Parris Island, recruits are subjected to intense physical and mental tests. One memorable instance involves a scenario set by a Drill Instructor (DI) during the first week. The DI took a platoon, including myself and Larry, to the riverside behind the barracks, declaring that freedom awaited anyone who could make it across. However, the dangers lurking in the swamp, inhabited by venomous water moccasins, copperheads, and alligators, made the attempt even more perilous. The river itself was brackish, with sharks, including tiger and bull species, making it a daunting challenge.

Conditions such as these create an environment where escape seems nearly impossible. Despite the extreme risks, some recruits attempted to leave the base at night. One recruit, Larry, decided to swim away at night, and his fate remains a mystery to this day. His disappearance serves as a stark reminder of the dangers awaiting those who attempt to escape.

Official Training and the Fear of Sharks

Officially, escape attempts are taken very seriously. Our class was told that the open water around Parris Island was home to both tiger and bull sharks. One recruit, Larry, mentioned during a training session that tiger sharks attack because they can, and bull sharks are known for their tenacity, often biting without letting go until a limb is detached.

After this chilling revelation, a recruit, likely Larry, decided to attempt an escape at night. This incident led to stricter security measures, with PEB (Physical Evaluation Board) recruits, who were injured and medically discharged, being forced to do night patrol duties for firewatch. This change in policy was controversial, as PEB recruits had originally been given more leeway because of their injuries.

Near Misses and Escapades

One evening, we were startled by the arrival of a recruit who had been turned over to the police after being discovered to have a warrant. However, this recruit managed to escape in the middle of the night, stealing gear and disappearing into the wilderness. He was eventually found on the mainland, with some reports suggesting he was found in Savannah, Georgia. The exact details remain elusive, as the military did not want the incident widely known to other recruits.

The incident led to increased security, with PEB recruits being forced to do firewatch every night, a task they had previously been exempt from. This forced labor assignment highlighted the harsh reality for those who are unable to complete their training due to injuries. The experiences of these recruits, despite being medically discharged, were no less challenging, serving as a grim reminder of the true cost of escape attempts and the stringent security measures in place.

In conclusion, the escape attempts at Parris Island, while rare, are a grim reminder of the harsh realities of Marine Corps recruit training. The combination of physical and psychological challenges, along with the overwhelming security measures, make escape nearly impossible.