San Diego --
Recruit training is a test of body and mind. This 12 week test consists of countless hours exercising, performing drill movements, attending classes and mastering field environment skills.
Recruits of Company E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, wherephysically challenged during the Circuit Course aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 23.
The Circuit Course challenges recruits’ strength, endurance, and agility in order to improve physical fitness. A high level of physical fitness is demanded during recruit training because once recruits become Marines, it is essential for them to remain combat ready at all times.
“Physical fitness is demanded and to maintain the requirements of being a Marine. More, importantly to stay combat ready throughout their careers,” said Staff Sgt. Shawn M. Stallings, drill instructor, Platoon 2111, Co. E, 2nd RTBn. “It is also important for health reasons, performance and career advancement.”
The course begins with recruits running warm up laps and doing stretching exercises afterward to prevent injuries.
They are then assigned to a group which is led by a drill instructor. After jogging to their first station, they begin performing the assigned exercise at the sound of a whistle. Some of the stations include pull-ups, sit-ups, leg raises, upright rows and push-ups.
During their time at each station, recruits are expected to continuously exercise until they hear a second whistle blow. They then rotate to their next station until they have performed every exercise at least once. The constant physical exertion and the amount of exercises performed make this event challenging for recruits.
While at each station, recruits must constantly “war-cry” or repeat cadence, as instructed by their drill instructors. This helps build lung capacity and transforms it into a stressful situation.
“Working out and physical interaction are good for the body and the mind. They help you push your body past failure,” said Recruit David R. Capron, Plt. 2111, Co. E, 2nd RTBn. “It is hard. You are moving all over the place and it’s somewhat chaotic but working with others physically and mentally creates a stronger bond and camaraderie.”
Physical fitness is essential for Marines and the Circuit Course is just another way to make recruits physically and mentally stronger. Now that the third week of training is over and with only a few more physical tests ahead, recruits of Co. E must continue utilizing mental and physical strength to earn the title “Marine.”