Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego --
The
Marine Corps is often referred to as the “world’s finest fighting force,” and
training the Marines who make that true starts early in recruit training.
“The
Confidence Course develops our confidence to overcome our fears while also
building strength and endurance,” said Recruit James R. Graham. “We have to be able to overcome feared
obstacles in a second’s notice, and it starts here at recruit training.”
Some
of the obstacles included in the Confidence Course are the Stairway to Heaven,
Slide for Life, Weaver and the Cargo Net Climb. Recruits began, as with most of
their other events, by performing dynamic warm-ups. After recruits finished warming up, drill instructors
demonstrated the proper techniques to utilize while conducting the obstacle. The recruits were separated in to a group,
led by a drill instructor, each attacking a different obstacle.
One
of the most difficult challenges recruits face is the Stairway to Heaven, a
ladder-like structure 30-feet high. The obstacle consisted of stacked logs that
start out close together but begin to space out as it climbs. After a recruit reached the top, he had to
climb over the top log and descend the other side. Some recruits were well aware of their fear
of heights. Some realized it when they reached the top of the obstacle.
“I was nervous at the top, but I just kept
moving and pushing through that fear of heights,” said Recruit Jorge L.
Gonzalez. “After I completed the obstacle, I felt like I could accomplish
anything I wanted.”
Letting
their fear overcome them was not an excuse on the Confidence Course. Recruits were required to complete every
obstacle and could not advance until completed.
“You
can’t avoid an obstacle because you fear it,” said Gonzalez. “Working through
our fears now will help us overcome greater obstacles in the future.”
The
last obstacle recruits had to overcome was the Slide for Life, which required
recruits to climb a 25-foot tower and then transverse a descending 90-foot
cable above a pool of water. Halfway
through the climb, recruits were instructed to change positions while hanging
above the pool. The recruits who were
able to complete the obstacle looked back at their accomplishment knowing they
beat the challenge.
With
the Confidence Course behind them, the recruits are now one step closer to
achieving their goal to become United States Marines. Throughout their training though, they will face
great hardship and challenge with the goal of creating the best Marine
possible.
“It’s
all about stepping up to the task and completing it even if you are nervous,”
said Graham. “The Marine Corps produces leaders. If you can’t lead from the
front, then the Corps isn’t a place for you.”