PFC. Erik S. Redding, son of Susan and James Redding Jr. Of Williston Park, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC.
Redding successfully completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
Redding and his fellow recruits began their training each day at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Redding 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.
Redding earned the title of expert marksman and top shoot score of his Platoon #2085 of Golf Company.
Redding also received instructions on the Marine Corps’ core values — honor, courage and commitment, and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. PFC. Erik S. Redding and fellow recruits ended the training phase with the Crucible, a 54 hour team effort and problem solving evolution.
After graduation from Parris Island, he will be stationed at Camp Lejeune for 9 weeks of Infantry combat training.
Redding is an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop#200 and a graduate of Herrick’s High School class of 2009.
