Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

“Pain is weakness leaving the body,” is one of the Marine Corps’ well known mottos. For new recruits, learning the limits of what their bodies can accomplish takes a lot of work.

Recruits of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, began the Circuit Course event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 25.

The purpose of the circuit course is to work different muscle groups instead of running all the time, explained Sgt. Praseuthsith Phimmasone, drill instructor, Platoon 1015.

“This is the second time these recruits have experienced the course,” said Phimmasone, a native of Newark, Calif. “It will teach them how to listen to directions as well as instill discipline.”

The Circuit Course is comprised of more than 20 exercise stations, each with its own purpose. These exercises included monkey bars, jump ropes and weight lifting.

Before they began the course however, the recruits performed the dynamic warm-up series to get their blood flowing.

After recruits completed the warm-ups, they lined up by platoon and began a mile-and-a-half run, which was part of the circuit course.

Once recruits completed the run, they moved on to the stations where a drill instructor was waiting a mile-and-a-half run, to demonstrate each exercise to them.

“The form of each exercise is crucial for the recruits to get right because it would be useless if they were doing it wrong,” said 32-year-old Phimmasone. “We want to make sure they are getting the most out of this workout.”

Once the drill instructors demonstrated each exercise, it was the recruits turn to execute them.

They were split up into groups of 15, and for 30 seconds they pushed themselves as hard as they could.

As much as the recruits wanted to quit, their drill instructors would not let them.

“I was physically and mentally drained,” said Recruit Jared D. Williams, guide, Platoon 1014. “Even though I was tired, I still did my best to motivate the other recruits because at the end, you are only as strong as your weakest link.”

According to Phimmasone, this course represents one of the key factors of being a Marine.

“Leaders have a lot more success with the Marines who can follow orders without question,” said Phimmasone. “They are easy to lead, putting them on the right path to become better leaders.”

Tired, dirty and weak, recruits of Alpha Company completed another physical test and will continue on the path the becoming Marines.

“Recruit training takes you from being a civilian being a warrior,” said Williams. “Hard work and motivation can get you anywhere.”