Rct. Jacob Dougherty, a 23-year-old native of Guyton,  is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of U.S. Marine.

Dougherty is training with Platoon 3062, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Aug. 22.

“I joined the Marine Corps because I like to be challenged physically and mentally, and the precision of the Marine Corps drew me in,” said Dougherty. “My parents were in the Air Force and Army, but I didn’t necessarily want to follow in their footsteps. I wanted to make my own path while serving my country.”

Dougherty graduated from South Effingham High School in 2009.

Approximately 20,000 recruits report to Parris Island annually for the chance to become U.S. Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.