In July 1951, LIFE photographer Mark Kauffman captured this candid image of a hygiene inspection being performed during boot camp of the United States Marine Corps.

During these inspections, recruits would typically stand naked at attention while drill instructors looked for signs of medical issues or inadequate cleanliness that could adversely impact military training. Colorfully known as "short-arm inspection," part of the examination also covered the genitals, with officers looking for evidence of sexually-transmitted diseases or infections.

Fun Fact: Parasitic insects (such as lice) were kept at bay with a spray application (seen above) of the carcinogenic and then-common pesticide DDT.