San Diego -- The assembly line shortened as recruits moved toward the bridge one by one. The majority seemed to be anxious and only a handful looked nervous while they threw helmets and flak jackets onto their bodies.
Recruits of Company A, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, suited up and prepared to fight in pugil sticks for the second time during recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Dec. 6.
After receiving a quick class on several techniques, recruits then practiced with one another repeatedly to hone their skills. Techniques such as the butt stroke, vertical and horizontal slash, and high and low blocks were taught and demonstrated. These skills are part of bayonet and rifle techniques which derive from Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
“These techniques teach us how to subdue the enemy within close range and also for personal safety; for yours and others,” said Recruit Erick Ramirez, Platoon 1014, Co. A, 1st RTBn. “We’re taught these skills for hand-to-hand combat.”
Although Marines may not typically be fighting in close combat on today’s battlefield, it is vital that recruits learn and hone these skills in case they should have to, according to Recruit Manuel August, Plt. 1013, Co. A, 1st RTBn.
“It’s important for Marines to know these skills regardless of their military occupational specialty,” said August, a Longview, Texas native. “Every Marine is a rifleman and one day they could be in the fight.”
Before each fight, recruits were inspected to ensure they wore a mouthpiece, gloves, helmet and groin protection for safety purposes. Each match was carefully monitored by drill instructors and lasted no more than approximately 30 seconds.
The matches took place on a three-foot-wide bridge surrounded by rubber mulch. Each recruit would start off at a white line facing an opponent five feet away until the whistle was blown.
As soon as they heard the whistle, recruits would strike one another until the first “killing blow” was delivered. A killing blow would be a fatal strike to the opponent in combat. The drill instructors would identify a winner and call for the next set of recruits to face each other.
“I think pugil sticks give recruits a chance to prove something,” said August. It lets some recruits show the drill instructors what they’re made of. At the same time, we have to remember to apply the same techniques we were just practicing though.”
Before recruit training, many recruits don’t have prior training with the skills they learn throughout their training, according to Ramirez, a Costa Mesa, Calif., native.
As each match finished, recruits left the bridge with the experience of using the skills they learned. Some recruits left with the satisfaction of defeating their opponent and others with motivation to push themselves even more during their next match.