Blount Island Builds Martial Arts Instructors to Strengthen Readiness - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Israel Amador spars with Sgt. Dylan Burge, a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor trainer and command physical training representative with Blount Island Command, during the culminating event of a martial arts instructor course May 21, 2026, aboard Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Florida. Marines completed force-on-force sparring, combat conditioning and instructor evaluations throughout the three-week course designed to strengthen warfighting readiness and develop instructors capable of training others across the Fleet Marine Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Dustin Senger)

Blount Island Event Tests Readiness for Recruit Training - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. John Lawson, a drill instructor from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, prepares for a pull-up challenge during a poolee function Jan. 24, 2026, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Florida. The event, hosted by Marine Corps Recruiting Station Jacksonville and supported by drill instructors from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina, tested the physical and mental readiness of future Marines as part of their preparation for recruit training. (Official Marine Corps photo by Dustin Senger)