THE MARINES

Premieres Wednesday, February 21 at 9 pm on WNED-TV and WNED-HD

The unique Warrior Culture of the smallest but fiercest branch of the U.S. armed services is examined in the 90-minute High-Definition documentary THE MARINES, produced by WNED-TV for PBS stations nationwide. The program explores what is takes to be a Marine and what it means to be a Marine.

With significant access to Marine Corps training facilities in Parris Island, South Carolina, Quantico, Virginia and Twentynine Palms, California, THE MARINES reveals the unique bond Marines have to one another and to the Corps. From the first iconic moments of Boot Camp, THE MARINES offers extensive coverage of the grueling Marine Corps training.

Also featured is the rigorous Officer Candidates School, where the Marines evaluate and shape their future leaders. The program visits the country’s largest Marine Corps base in California, where Marines are seen training in mock Iraqi villages before deployment overseas.

More than two dozen present and former Marines of all ranks, authors and military correspondents were interviewed to tell the story of the rich history, traditions, and continuing importance of the Marine Corps and the Warrior Ethos it instills.

“How the Warrior Culture is engrained and how it sets the Marines apart are critical aspects of the program,” said Producer John Grant. “This program offers a look at the rigorous physical and psychological training employed to create this tenaciously loyal, highly skilled breed of combatants ready to defend country and comrade at any cost.”

Other segments of THE MARINES focus on the Wounded Warrior Barracks in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, the new Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, women in the Marine Corps, and the high cost of war and combat on those who take part in it.

Funding for THE MARINES was provided by the Alfiero Family Charitable Foundation, Public Television Viewers and PBS. THE MARINES is a co-production of WNED-TV and Driftwood Productions, Inc.