The cases were located by manually searching autopsy files. Autopsy reports were then checked against lists of recruit fatalities that appeared in local newspapers and a list provided by the Marine Corps Public Affairs Office. Investigative reports, hospital records, and autopsy photographs were also available for review. A total of 31 male recruits died during the study period: 8 had medical conditions that were undoubtedly present before basic training; 9 died from incidents related to training; 6 were categorized as sudden cardiac death; and 8 were infectious disease-related deaths. In five cases, conditions were probably known to the recruit, but were not listed on a medical history form. It is concluded that few deaths occur in U.S. Navy and Marine Corps recruits and that those deaths are probably not preventable. Further, much controversy can be avoided when the investigation is integrated with a well-documented autopsy performed by a competent forensic pathologist. 33 references and 5 tables (Author abstract modified)