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.”
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