Good job to the new MARINES! It was reported on Marineparents.com that Fox Co looked right and tight coming down the Reaper at 7:30 AM and kicked off the ceremony at 8:00. After all these weeks, they are officially United States Marines! 75 ( we think) in Jake's PLT and 500+ in the FOX CO. WOW!!!!!!!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Boys, Don't Fear the Reaper!!!
Jake and his platoon started The Crucible today at 3:00 am.
"The Crucible is a test every recruit must go through to become a Marine. It tests every recruit physically, mentally and morally and is the defining moment in recruit training.
The Crucible takes place over 54-hours and includes food and sleep deprivation and over 45 miles of marching. The entire Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together to solve problems, overcome obstacles and help each other along the way.
The obstacles they face range from long marches, combat assault courses, the leadership reaction course, and the team-building warrior stations.
Each Warrior Station is named for a Marine hero whose actions epitomize the values the USMC wants recruits to adopt.
Bottom line -- The Crucible is a rite of passage that, through shared sacrifice, recruits will never forget. With that memory and their core values learned in recruit training, they can draw upon the experience to face any challenge in their path."
The Reaper
4/10/2008 By Cpl. Carrie Booze , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO —
As the recruits of Company E scaled the mountainous terrain of Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., they anxiously anticipated one hill that would grant them the title Marine, the Reaper.
On the final day of the Crucible, a 54-hour field event in which recruits apply all they have learned during boot camp, Co. E stepped off at 2:30 a.m. to tackle a 9.7-mile hike that includes a 700-foot tall mountain dubbed the Reaper.
“Recruit training is full of stresses and physical challenges that all lead up to the Crucible,” said Gunnery Sgt. Wilbert Hill, chief drill instructor, Company E. “The Reaper is the final test in the Crucible, and finishing the Reaper hike is a major accomplishment.”
The Reaper is a legend at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego’s boot camp because of how steep it is, said Hill. He said the recruits know about it before they arrive to the depot.
“Before I came to the depot I heard that even though the hike is only 10-miles, the Reaper was very challenging and the entire platoon would be hurting after it,” Pvt. Travis Duncan, Platoon 2102, Company E.
In preparation for the Reaper hike, the recruits tackle 3-mile, 5-mile, 5.7-mile and 8-mile hikes, carrying full combat-loads throughout training.
The amount of gear the recruits carry depends on the season, said Hill. During the winter, the recruits’ packs weigh between 65 to 75 lbs each because they must carry heavier cold-weather clothing.
“Most of the recruits are intimidated by each the hikes, but as they complete each of the conditioning hikes they build their confidence to tackle a longer one,” said Hill. “By the time they reach the Reaper hike, they are eager and ready to get through it.”
During the Crucible, the recruits are tested on their teamwork and leadership skills, said Hill. They read award citations at each obstacle they face on the Crucible to learn from other Marines heroic actions, said Hill.
At the peak of the Reaper is Col. Merrit A. Edson’s Medal of Honor citation. Edson Range was named after this heroic Marine.
After the recruits storm the final hill of the Reaper, they read his citation.
During the battle of Guadacanal, Edson’s Raider Battalion, consisting of two companies from the 1st Parachute Battalion, was guarding an airfield when they were attacked by Japanese forces. Under Edson’s leadership where he was encouraging, cajoling, and correcting as he continually exposed himself to enemy fire, his 800 Marines withstood the repeated assaults of more than 2,500 Japanese soldiers. Edson was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his honor, courage and commitment.
“When I finally made it to the top of the Reaper, I was so proud of myself,” said Duncan. “It was a great to finally accomplish something I never thought I could do.”
Although all recruits strive to make it to the peak, due to the physical rigors, some may not.
Dehydration is one of the major safety concerns during the hike. The recruits must fill two canteens before beginning the hike. The company stops four times throughout the hike to allow the recruits to adjust their gear and drink water.
During the hike, there is a lead safety vehicle that carries extra water and sets the recruits’ hiking path. A rear safety vehicle follows the platoons in case a recruit gets injured and cannot complete the hike.
“If a recruit does not complete the final hike, his reason for not finishing and past performance in recruit training will be reviewed. The series commander will determine whether they graduate or not,” said Hill.
Upon completion of their final hike, the recruits are awarded their Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and are officially declared United States Marines.
“When I received my eagle globe and anchor, I had tears in my eyes,” said Duncan. “It was strange to hear our drill instructors praise us on our performance during the hike. That moment made all of the hardships, stress and physical pain worth while.”
"The Crucible is a test every recruit must go through to become a Marine. It tests every recruit physically, mentally and morally and is the defining moment in recruit training.
The Crucible takes place over 54-hours and includes food and sleep deprivation and over 45 miles of marching. The entire Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together to solve problems, overcome obstacles and help each other along the way.
The obstacles they face range from long marches, combat assault courses, the leadership reaction course, and the team-building warrior stations.
Each Warrior Station is named for a Marine hero whose actions epitomize the values the USMC wants recruits to adopt.
Bottom line -- The Crucible is a rite of passage that, through shared sacrifice, recruits will never forget. With that memory and their core values learned in recruit training, they can draw upon the experience to face any challenge in their path."
The Reaper
4/10/2008 By Cpl. Carrie Booze , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO —
As the recruits of Company E scaled the mountainous terrain of Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., they anxiously anticipated one hill that would grant them the title Marine, the Reaper.
On the final day of the Crucible, a 54-hour field event in which recruits apply all they have learned during boot camp, Co. E stepped off at 2:30 a.m. to tackle a 9.7-mile hike that includes a 700-foot tall mountain dubbed the Reaper.
“Recruit training is full of stresses and physical challenges that all lead up to the Crucible,” said Gunnery Sgt. Wilbert Hill, chief drill instructor, Company E. “The Reaper is the final test in the Crucible, and finishing the Reaper hike is a major accomplishment.”
The Reaper is a legend at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego’s boot camp because of how steep it is, said Hill. He said the recruits know about it before they arrive to the depot.
“Before I came to the depot I heard that even though the hike is only 10-miles, the Reaper was very challenging and the entire platoon would be hurting after it,” Pvt. Travis Duncan, Platoon 2102, Company E.
In preparation for the Reaper hike, the recruits tackle 3-mile, 5-mile, 5.7-mile and 8-mile hikes, carrying full combat-loads throughout training.
The amount of gear the recruits carry depends on the season, said Hill. During the winter, the recruits’ packs weigh between 65 to 75 lbs each because they must carry heavier cold-weather clothing.
“Most of the recruits are intimidated by each the hikes, but as they complete each of the conditioning hikes they build their confidence to tackle a longer one,” said Hill. “By the time they reach the Reaper hike, they are eager and ready to get through it.”
During the Crucible, the recruits are tested on their teamwork and leadership skills, said Hill. They read award citations at each obstacle they face on the Crucible to learn from other Marines heroic actions, said Hill.
At the peak of the Reaper is Col. Merrit A. Edson’s Medal of Honor citation. Edson Range was named after this heroic Marine.
After the recruits storm the final hill of the Reaper, they read his citation.
During the battle of Guadacanal, Edson’s Raider Battalion, consisting of two companies from the 1st Parachute Battalion, was guarding an airfield when they were attacked by Japanese forces. Under Edson’s leadership where he was encouraging, cajoling, and correcting as he continually exposed himself to enemy fire, his 800 Marines withstood the repeated assaults of more than 2,500 Japanese soldiers. Edson was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his honor, courage and commitment.
“When I finally made it to the top of the Reaper, I was so proud of myself,” said Duncan. “It was a great to finally accomplish something I never thought I could do.”
Although all recruits strive to make it to the peak, due to the physical rigors, some may not.
Dehydration is one of the major safety concerns during the hike. The recruits must fill two canteens before beginning the hike. The company stops four times throughout the hike to allow the recruits to adjust their gear and drink water.
During the hike, there is a lead safety vehicle that carries extra water and sets the recruits’ hiking path. A rear safety vehicle follows the platoons in case a recruit gets injured and cannot complete the hike.
“If a recruit does not complete the final hike, his reason for not finishing and past performance in recruit training will be reviewed. The series commander will determine whether they graduate or not,” said Hill.
Upon completion of their final hike, the recruits are awarded their Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and are officially declared United States Marines.
“When I received my eagle globe and anchor, I had tears in my eyes,” said Duncan. “It was strange to hear our drill instructors praise us on our performance during the hike. That moment made all of the hardships, stress and physical pain worth while.”
Monday, August 24, 2009
Where's Jake?!!!
We pulled this picture from a video that MCRD does with all of the different recruits. You can find the complete video here:
http://www.devildogs.info/Fox%20Company.htm
2135
See if you can find him!!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
8.13.09
Dear Dad,
Thanks for all the Warhammer stuff! I've really appreciated it. I really understand what you used to say to me about how immature I was before I came here. I really was just a child trying to be treated like an adult. After these 2 1/2 months though, I have become a grown--- man. I think you'll notice when I come home. I'm going to try call you guys.
I have a buddy here named Clapper. We are probably gonna catch dinner with his wife and parents if you guys don't mind-He's one of my best buddies here. He is a commissioned painter for Warhammer figures. I think you'd have a very good time assembling and painting. From what I hear, It's a great stress reliever. I kinda of like a stressful environment now. It's my natural habitat. How is work treating you, stressful? I know you understand a high stressful life, at least someone does. My views on everything have shifted so completely, here's an example of a cadence for you..........
Cadence
That's just an example-
There re just many things we can't get here. I have a gift for mom and a gift for you when you come see me on grad day! Love you.
Rec. Suter Jake
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
8.11.09
INTENSITY-GOOD STUFF
Dear Mom,
How are you? It's not that I choose not write very often, it's just that we are discouraged from writing....They say we are going to be making contact soon , so, we probably shouldn't bother. I write when I can, though. Life here is pretty full, except now it's slowing down to a crawl. I have a lot of guard duty now. I stand around and yell at first phase recruits, write letters and all that. By the way, I only got one letter from you guys all second phase. We had a giant mail call before we left. The night before. I just barely got a birthday card yesterday and today is August 8th. You know when you point when you are angry? Well, the military or Marine Corps. specifically has developed something called knife hand. It is statistically proven to be 200 % more threatening and conveying anger. It's a Hat hand thumb up, all five fingers, stacked. I sputter non-sense like a DI does, and people are afraid. HaHa. If you wouldn't mind calling Robert and Sandy and thanking them for me, I'd appreciate it. I should be calling home tonight and you should be hearing from me tonight.
Up north was good. I really shined during Field Week. I shot well on combat shooting . Hiking, Land Nav., GOOD STUFF. An assault course on my birthday. It's an adrenaline rush like you can't even believe. Everyone is running around screaming-I was leading my squad of 20 guys-giving orders, returning fire. INTENSE. The other night, I had guard duty on the old barracks. There are 4 posts-our house, the Px, storage shed, and the Quasi huts(barracks). It would have been a relaxed night walk if I hadn't been continuously engaged and assaulted by the enemy DI's and SDI. So, I was running around returning fire and engaging. That was my favorite boot camp experience. Kicking in a door and pointing a rubber rifle at my kill hat and telling him to get on the deck. GOOD STUFF. Also very INTENSE. Up north, I was eaten by fire ants. I have 12 bites on my head, 19 on my left arm, and 8 on my right arm. That's pretty much the set-up here...
Thank you
R Suter
Monday, August 10, 2009
FYI -GRADUATION DATE-9.04.09
For those of you interested in Jake's graduation date, it will occur Friday Sept.04.09. There is a link on this blog, quite extensive, FAQ, rules and regulations, etc if you are inquiring. Jake is in the 3rd phase, 9th week training, 63 days spent there. We have made everything simple as possible for everyone to send him letters. (blog, address/packages,his fellow recruit's address etc.) We have been told that this Friday, 8.14.09 to be the last day to send him letters.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
8.5.09
"Dear people back home,
This letter isn't going to be a happy one, more contemplative. Someone said in a letter, I won't mention who, asked why I would want to join the Marine Corps., as it is filthy. You know what I realized? I know why marines are always doing stupid things. The way we live our lives is not like the civilians. What is your most stressful part of your day, a long grocery line, rush hour, perhaps being late? If you are late, someone might get a little annoyed or might even lose a client. Now, I'm not belittling the way you live your life, but in my line of business, being late, by even a fraction of a second is a matter of life and death. I'm just pointing out differences. The norm for a marine is very different. When we go back out to civilian world, we feel out of place. That is why marines go get sport bikes, drink, and fight. Most stressful events you experience, we go through everyday. I know that you really don't understand but we get woken up with people screaming at us, constantly get verbally assaulted by DIs and IT'd, running with 105 pound packs, and even finding an M16 with live rounds next to people who don't like you. Do you understand? When we get a craving for something sweet, instead of candy, we suck on a cough drop. Why, you may ask? They are nasty!!!!! How can I expect understanding- hours of drilling and cleaning. It is not your fault-as a civilian you can't possibly understand what we're going through every second of our day. Screamed at, It'd. If any one of you is brave enough I'll IT you when I get home. But, you have your place, and so do these recruits. If you are sick, you stay home, here, everyone is sick.
Yesterday, we did this beastly 10 mile hike...it was not hard because the pack was only 85 pounds. On the hike, I got to call Moto chants-Stuff like "Woh, oh. OH, oh. I used to wear some baggie jeans, now all I wear is cami greens."
Thanks for all the Warhammer stuff-you started a Warhammer craze! If you could send the Space Marine codex, that'd be great too. I didn't qulalify very high at shooting. I kinda suck. There are 7 guys sitting around making War hammer armies. Everyone, I miss you. I have too go now- got chow, then , combat concealment practice. You wouldn't believe how busy we were up North. BTW, I'm a Scribe and Squad Leader. Ask my recruiter, who still hasn't written. Send more Warhammer stuff! I Love It! LOL"
Rec Suter
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