San Diego -- Recruits of Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion learned confidence and combat readiness during Pugil Sticks III on training day 49 aboard the depot, Jan. 7.
Recruits endured the Pugil Sticks event because it forced them to push past their limits and, for some parts, work together as a team.
Prior to the Pugil Sticks event, recruits were briefed and then ran through the Bayonet Assault Couse. The course was comprised of different obstacles from trenches to crawling under barbed wire.
“The recruits are put through the Bayonet Assault Course because it gives them a realistic outlook on how you fight, executing each obstacle together,” said Staff Sgt. Patrick Jackson, drill instructor, Platoon 2134. “It tests their endurance while they are wearing a full combat load and their weapon.”
In events such as Pugil Sticks I and II, recruits had ran through half of the Bayonet Assault Course. Each time through they would build on what they had learned.
“These recruits have just completed field week, so during their final Pugil Sticks event before the Crucible they use what they learned such as buddy rushes and bayonet techniques,” said Jackson, a native of Brooklyn, NY. “Each event lets the recruits build off what they already know.”
Tired and fatigued from the course, recruits then fought their pugil stick battle.
The event is called Pugil Sticks because recruits use a stick with two pads on each end that resembles a rifle with a bayonet attachment, according to 28 year-old Jackson.
Recruits were split up by weight in order to make each bout fair.
Each recruit was given protective gear because once in the arena they would use full force. Gear such as a helmet, groin protector, flak jacket, gloves and mouth piece was given to each recruit before entering.
Once in the arena, recruits were checked by the Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor to ensure their gear was secure before the bout began.
According to Recruit Joseph Salas, a Houston native, during previous events, recruits were told which side, offense or defense, they would be on. This time recruits were given three 30 second bouts using the techniques they had learned throughout all of their classes and events to give the opponent a striking blow to head.
While Pugil Sticks is one of the more popular events in recruit training it also serves a purpose beyond the physical training.
“The Pugil Sticks events build confidence in the recruits,” said Jackson. “It’s something they can relate to like manual arms, fighting and striking with the rifle.”
The next Pugil Sticks event will be during the Crucible, a 54-hour test of endurance where recruits must conquer more than 30 obstacles while they experience food and sleep deprivation; the last test the recruits face until they earn the title of Marine.
“Pugil Sticks has taught me a lot, like what combat readiness feels like and having the courage to overcome my fears,” said Salas. “I hope to build on my skills after recruit training during my Marine Corps career.”