Photo By Lance Cpl. Katalynn M. Rodgers | Recruit Zachary Janke, Platoon 2143, Company G. 2nd Recruit Training Battalion...... read more read more
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - It’s cold and recruits stare anxiously at their next obstacle of the Crucible. The red paint on the wooden structures signifies death and the gravel below indicates water, the drill instructors who have guided the recruits through eleven weeks of one of the toughest military training regemines have stepped back and given them the reins.
The recruits of Company G tested their mental abilities in the late afternoon of Nov. 23 at the Twelve-Stalls site of the Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
“The Twelve-Stalls portion of the Crucible is a way to test mental toughness and show that the recruits can come up with their own plans without guidance,” said Sgt. Nathaniel Morgan, field instructor, Field Company, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton.
The obstacles give them some independence to take care of their own business without guidance said Morgan. Part of the obstacle also has recruits reading an order and figuring out what to do with the information they have been given through the letter of intent.
The recruits are split into even groups and assigned a stall to begin the training exercise. Half of their squad provides security while the first half comes up with a plan to accomplish the mission they are given. Once the first half has accomplished it, they continue with the rest of the squad members that were providing security.
However, if one of them touches the gravel or red painted areas, they are considered a casualty. If this is the case, recruits scurry down a dirt road next to the stalls and pick up an ammunition can and run it down a portion of the road and back. Also, if their squad loses a piece of critical equipment they all have to run the ammunition cans.
“This is something we can use in the field,” said Rct. Maurice Gomez, Platoon 2143, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. “It makes us think about how to be Marines, to survive and to be a team. Without a team you could easily end up dead.”
Throughout the course, the recruits are given various objects such as pipes, rope, tires and empty 50-gallon drums. They have to use only the items given to them to help them get their gear and men across the obstacles.
Some of these objects are more critical than others. If the recruits were to lose the rope or plank that they needed, they would have to start over, explained Morgan, while other pieces of gear can touch the ground if they are not listed as essential gear.
The recruits don’t necessarily take to the tasks since this is one of the first times they’re given decisive control.
“At first there is a lot of confusion with the recruits,” said Sgt. Dominik Trujillo, drill instructor, Platoon 2141, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Bn. “It’s like they aren’t sure if we are going to come around the corner and give them directions or not. Once they figure it out that they do it themselves they take charge and accomplish the mission.”
Once the recruits completed their current stall, they were able to move on to the next available stall after being checked by an instructor. They would discuss the tactics used with the instructor, and then move on.
“I feel like this particular training event is really quite fun,” said Recruit Michael Dacey, Plt. 2143, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Bn. “I mean, you can laugh about some of the things you did wrong here. You think back after you get done with the ammo can run, and you’re like ‘why in the world did I have them do that?’”
After they complete the Twelve-Stalls, their next goal is to conquer the Reaper, a 10-mile hike that tests their stamina and strength and culminates all they have done in recruit training.
| Date Taken: | 11.23.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.12.2010 21:13 |
| Story ID: | 61827 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, US |
| Web Views: | 132 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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