Without telling his mother, earnest teen Cameron impulsively follows his best friend Ray into the unforgiving gauntlet of Marine Corps boot camp.

A training exercise strains Cameron's bond with Ray and forces brothers John and Cody to unpack the family baggage they brought to Parris Island.

Cameron digs deep to prove himself in a confidence-building course. The platoon receives a late addition. Barbara discovers sympathy has its perks.

Amid a high-pressure week of swim training, Ray struggles to stay afloat — until Cameron dives in with a risky scheme to keep him above water.

The platoon grapples with the cost of being a Marine. Capt. Fajardo brings Staff Sgt. McKinnon up to speed. The mess hall lives up to its name.

As combat training begins, a brutal mind game drives a recruit to the breaking point. A violation of protocol stirs trouble in the ranks.

The recruits face the ultimate test as the Crucible pushes the limits of their endurance — and brotherhood is the only way to get past the finish line

Emotions run high as Cameron and the recruits aim to hit their marks in rifle training. Sgt. Sullivan lands in a very different set of crosshairs.