Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

            Anyonen attempt a Marine Corps obstacle course but without proper technique they would probally have a difficult challenge.

            Recruits from Platoon 2166, Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, took the techniques taught by their drill instructors and at times made jumping over logs and climbing ropes look easy aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, July 26.

            Recruits utilized techniques nick named the college boy roll, chicken wing, the S method and the J hook. Both the college boy roll and chicken wing are special techniques taught to recruits to help them either over or through metal bars at seven feet high and the J and S method are different ways to climb rope.

            Without proper technique, the obstacle course would be much more difficult.

            "The hard part is getting your technique down and not using your arm strength all the time," said Recruit Antonio A. Adrianzen, Plt. 2166, Co. H. "But once you get the technique down its fairly easy. It’s fun and a good learning experience. It makes you more confident knowing you can do something if you put your mind to it. You just feel better about yourself.”

            For some recruits the thought of falling more than ten feet to the ground can be scary, for others not so much. One recruit explained it was what they are taught, which makes them feel safe in what they are doing.

            “Falling never crossed my mind. I figured if I kept pulling I would be fine. It's not really that hard as long as you have the determination,” said Jose E. Ortiz, squad leader, Plt. 2166. “I think it’s a good exercise because it requires skill, you can’t just muscle it.”

            Company H Drill instructors watched recruits throughout the exercise and gave instruction when recruits showed poor form.

            "Get up there!" was a common saying among the drill instructors.

            Although recruits did not carry knives or rifles through the course drill instructors believed the obstacle course still sent a good message to recruits about combat.

            "It shows them how to keep a low profile whether they’re here or in combat. Also the rope causes you to think strategically," said Staff Sgt. Mathew L. Medina, chief drill instructor, lead series, Company H. "It shows you how to focus on technique. You see them progress from the first time they do this. They realize they can't just depend on their strength to get them through this but on their technique that their drill instructors taught them. It's one of the stepping blocks for recruits to realize that the drill instructors teach you things you can use."

            When the last of the recruits finished, the strongest recruits were chosen and made to compete through the course once more. Recruits dashed through each obstacle with ease. But when they reached the last obstacle, the rope, the value of technique became visible for all the recruits to see.

            The recruits who used their arms to pull themselves up the rope tired first, while other who also used their feet were able to keep going and finish. 
            The winner wasn’t the biggest recruit, just one who used the fundamentals he was taught.