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. Bourassa is a 2004 graduate of Berlin High School of Berlin, N.H.