Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Wide-eyed recruits looked upon their first obstacle with awe. Their first task required them to jump onto an approximately six foot log and from there jump onto and down from a log nearly 15 feet tall.
Despite the height and difficulty of the obstacle, recruits of Company L, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion completed the Confidence Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Nov. 28.
The Confidence Course is comprised of numerous exercises that require strength, endurance and the will to push through obstacles of great height such as monkey bars, rope swings and cargo net climbs.
Recruits were challenged to push through any doubts or fears to complete their mission.
“You have to have heart to do this because if you don’t you’re going to give up,” said Recruit Isaiah E. Bowden, Platoon 3242.
After completing each exercise, recruits are required to perform various exercises while waiting for their fellow recruits to finish. Drill instructors kept the recruits in constant movement through the entire course.
“It’s hard but I know it’s going to pay off in the end when I receive that eagle, globe and anchor,” said Bowden.
Bowden explained there were exercises that were fun such as the monkey bars, but there were also ones that tested his might.
“There was one exercise where we were up high and that one was the hardest for me because I’m scared of heights,” said the Madera, Calif., native.
However for some recruits, the Confidence Course was a tough as it gets. Recruits will be tested again because they are required to complete the Confidence Course twice during their training. The second attempt includes harder obstacles not included in their first attempt.
However, recruits are aware of this and many embrace the challenge.
Recruit Liam C. Dunne, Platoon 3243, explained the Confidence Course does what is says in its title in that it inspires confidence in recruits and that gives them what they need to complete it a second time.
“I’m scared of heights so that is a fear for me,” said Dunne, a Walnut Creek, Calif., native. “But challenging yourself is fun. I’m looking forward to the next time and doing harder exercises.”