San Diego -- Recruits of Company K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, participated in sprint intervals during recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Dec. 18.
Sprint intervals consist of recruits sprinting four quarter-mile laps around a dirt trail which acquaints recruits with the requirement of running. It also familiarizes them with their limits.
“Recruits have to give max effort throughout the sprint,” said Sgt. Jimmy Klein, drill instructor, Platoon 3230, Co. K, 3rd RTBn. “Drill instructors ran with (the recruits) to make sure they were giving it their all and to encourage them.”
Some recruits were avid runners and had previous experiences with track and field prior to recruit training. Their past experiences made the sprints more enjoyable and satisfied them with their performance, according to Recruit Darnell Haley, Plt. 3233, Co. K, 3rd RTBn.
“It was hard but I ran the entire time,” said Haley. “You just have to push through it and become better from it. I also learned that it’s important to drink more water to stay hydrated beforehand.”
Recruits benefited from the event because it was the first time they really had to push themselves beyond their normal capabilities, according to Klein.
Although recruits of Co. K are only on Training Day 1, they’re quickly learning what is expected of them, not only as recruits, but also when they become Marines.
“Having drill instructors run with (the recruits) while pushing them to surpass their limits, teaches them that just giving minimum effort will never be accepted here,” said Klein. “They learn that being in the Marine Corps isn’t just about going through the motions; it’s about constantly striving to be better than you were the day before.”
Having drill instructors constantly motivating recruits aggressively can be difficult at times but recruits should understand that they’re doing it to help mold recruits into Marines, according to Haley.
“Everybody thinks that a drill instructor is just there to yell but that isn’t true,” said Klein. “We’re here to mentor and teach the recruits. Through us, they learn to push themselves to become better.”
Some recruits arrive to recruit training not knowing what to expect. However, like many other recruits, Haley arrived with a positive attitude and an understanding of what lied ahead.
“Recruit training has been difficult, but I expected it to be,” said Haley. “I joined the Marine Corps for the challenge and because Marines are the best. While I’m here I want to become a better person and try to perfect as much as I can.”