MCRD San Diego -- “Approaching a breach in the wall which was the only entrance to the fort, Sergeant Iams unhesitatingly jumped through the breach despite constant fire from the Cacos and engaged the enemy in a desperate hand-to-hand combat until the bastion was captured and Caco resistance neutralized.”
This was taken from Sgt. Ross Lindsey Iams’ citation for his actions during the attack on Fort Riviere, Haiti, November 17, 1915. Iams, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery that day, left a vital message behind for future Marines… In battle, there may come a time when Marines will need to engage in hand-to-hand combat.
This citation was read to recruits of Company K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, before they conducted body sparring as part of the Crucible aboard Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 17.
The Crucible is a 54-hour training exercise recruits must complete to earn the title United States Marine. Body sparring is one of many events included in the Crucible that consists of sparring an opponent using Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques learned throughout recruit training.
“Body sparring isn’t for entertainment,” said Sgt. Shane A. Greb, Martial Arts Instructor Trainer, Field Instructor, Field Co., Weapons and Field Training Battalion. “It’s to work on technique.”
The event consisted of six stations where recruits performed exercises and movements for an allotted time. The exercises and movements were uppercut strikes, lead hand strikes, squats, push-ups, grippers and body sparring.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Recruit Dylan C. Cook, guide, Platoon 3234, Co. K. “It really tests your endurance and shows who’s capable of fighting when their in there.”
As recruits struck each other one hit after another, Greb monitored the fights to ensure their safety and proper techniques were being used. Although they’re only allowed to strike above the hip and beneath the neck, fully geared, recruits never know what to expect when challenging an opponent for the first time.
“I make sure they’re using their angles of movement and I always remind them to keep their guard up,” said Greb. “Everyone comes from a different background. Some of these recruits have past experience in boxing and some don’t, so I try to make it as fair as possible.”
Recruits learned how to conserve energy in a fight, but also used the opportunity to release some aggression that’s built up for the past 12 weeks of recruit training, according to Staff Sgt. Nigel V. Priesman, senior drill instructor, Plt. 3234.
"It was a good chance to see where the recruits were at, as far as (hand-to-hand combat),” said Preisman. “In the end though, it was just boys being boys.”