Matt Kent, son of Stanley and Susan Kent of Flowery Branch, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

He is a 2004 graduate of Lanier Career Academy.

Kent successfully completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Kent 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, Kent 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.

Kent also received instructions on the Marine Corps’ core values — honor, courage and commitment, and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. Kent 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 Geiger for four weeks of combat training. He will begin additional training at Camp Lejeune, N.C.