SAN DIEGO -- Tears and fears do not help recruits nor do they get them out of recruit training requirements. Instead, they are merely obstacles they must overcome on the road to becoming a Marine.
Rappelling from a 60-foot tower is one such obstacle, and whether they’re excited about the opportunity or petrified, all recruits of Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, were required to finish the task aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego April 5.
Prior to the event, recruits received a thorough class on rappelling technique. They learned how to tie their safety harness, how to lower themselves down the wall and received safety equipment — helmet and gloves.
Like physical exercise, the impact of this event was largely determined by the individual recruit’s mentality. Prior to the exercise, drill instructors try to instill a positive mindset for recruits to use as they handle challenges.
“I tell them, ‘if you ever have a fear in life, you conquer it.’ I’ve seen kids so scared they cried,” said Sgt. Nicholas K. Milner, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1026, Co. B, 1stRTBn. “Do it, learn from it, and grow from it. Maybe if they put it in the back of their minds, the next time they think they can’t do something they can think of this and know they did it.”
Recruits said they agreed with their drill instructor and expanded on the philosophy to say anyone can overcome insecurities such as age and strength.
“I’m 25 and I’m older than most of these recruits. But being older doesn’t mean anything—I’m one of the fittest in the platoon. It’s all about where you put your mind at and just getting it done,” said Recruit Jeremy B. Meads, guide, Plt. 1026, Co. B, 1st RTBn.
Despite the protective gear and instilled motivation from fellow recruits and drill instructors, fear still lingered in some recruits.
“It’s mostly just the fact that there is a possibility you can get hurt and have to spend more time in recruit training. Also I don’t want to fail or let anyone down and I’ve never been good with heights,” said Richard A. Simonte, Plt. 1025, Co. B, 1st RTBn. “But I agree with what the drill instructor said. I was scared of the tower in swim qualification and I did it, so I know I’m going to make it through this.”
Recruits gathered together in a large circle and carefully assembled their harnesses according to directions from drill instructors.
Afterwards, their gear and harnesses were inspected before recruits rappelled down the intimidating tower. Whether scared, excited or indifferent, all recruits grew from the experience in some form.