Marine Corps Pfc. Brian R. Warren, son of Sylvie and John Warren of Milan, N. H., recently completed the small arms repair course at the U.S. Army’s Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Md.

Warren learned how to operate, inspect, maintain and repair rifles, pistols, shotguns, submachine guns, grenade launchers, mortars and other automatic weapons. He also studied how to prepare weapons for shipment and storage and related safety precautions.

Warren is ready to work at a military base armory, providing weapons support to troops deploying for exercises and operations. He is a 2004 graduate of Berlin High School of Berlin, N.H., and joined the Marine Corps in July 2004.

Marine Corps Pvt. Aaron B. Bourassa, son of Nancy R. and Ron P. Bourassa of Errol, N.H., recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., designed to challenge new Marine recruits physically and mentally.

Bourassa and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. They 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 drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Bourassa and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values. He is a 2004 graduate of Berlin High School of Berlin, N.H.