Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Marine Corps recruit training introduces recruits to a variety of exercises. Each evolution of training serves a specific purpose that will push a recruit to the next level of their physical capabilities.
Recruits of Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, performed interval training exercises aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego June 13.
The Marine Corps uses interval training to help recruits gain physical endurance and to prepare them for upcoming challenges.
“This training helps develop recruit’s agility and endurance,” said Gunnery Sgt. Ayodele N. Smith, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1069, Co. D, 1st RTBn. “We separated the recruits into ability groups for the half-mile runs and then went straight to the circuit course to keep pushing their endurance.”
During the event, recruits complete two half-mile sprints followed by a circuit course compiled of multiple stations such as hanging leg raises, incline crunches, straight bar curls, and overhead presses. Recruits perform exercises for a specific amount of time and then move to the next station to perform the next exercise.
“I played soccer and swam in high school, but I still had difficulty trying to keep up on all of the different obstacles,” said Recruit Carlos Guzman, Plt. 1069, Co. D, 1st RTBn. “The sprints alone were exhausting but then going straight to the exercise stations really tested my endurance.”
Although recruits arrive at the Depot at different physical fitness levels, the training schedule is geared to help recruits reach the Marine Corps’ physical standards and prepare them for future deployments.
Combat environments can be very physically demanding. Being able to overcome physical obstacles to achieve the mission is one of the critical objectives within the Marine Corps.
“It’s extremely important to be physically fit for combat and have the mental capabilities as well,” said Smith, a 14 year veteran of the Marine Corps. “It gives more options, opportunities, and abilities to accomplish the mission.”
The Marine Corps prides itself on being the first to fight; ready to go at a moment’s notice. Physical training becomes an essential part in order to sustain that level of readiness. Recruits are developed and prepared to uphold the long history and tradition of the Marine Corps.
“Physical training and being physically fit is the foundation of the Marine Corps,” said Smith. “It’s important that we prepare these recruits so they’ll go out to the Marine Corps Fleet Force prepared and ready for other challenges.”