MCRD San Diego -- The leadership trait judgment is the ability to think clearly and sufficiently even in a confusing, hostile environment. Being able to count on knowledge, experiences and training will allow one to act correctly and make the right choice.
During the Crucible, a 54-hour field training exercise, recruits of Company C, 1st Recruits Training Battalion, must use their best judgment to work together and complete the missions at hand.
They are tested on the skills and knowledge they’ve retained since the first day of training and are expected to apply them with little to no guidance from their drill instructors.
“We’re not here to give them the answers,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Riggs, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1054, Co. C. “The Crucible is their time to show us what they’ve learned and if they can act accordingly.”
One of the events they must endure is Copeland’s Fire Team Assault Course at Edson Range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
“The assault course simulates a chaotic combat-zone and lets the recruits maneuver as a fire team,” said Riggs, a 28-year-old Los Angeles native. “This prepares them for combat and allows them to practice communication and movement through an urban environment.”
Sounds of simulated gun fire and explosions replaced what was once silence. Co. C recruits ran the course in teams of four and began to maneuver their way through obstacles, which included trenches, barbed wire, tunnels and walls.
“This course puts us in a combat mindset,” said Pfc. Jeremy Sanders, Plt. 1054. “We have to treat it as a real situation and overcome being tired and hungry to complete the mission.”
Recruits work together and use verbal commands to push through the course.
“They’re able to learn how to keep a low silhouette, check for booby-traps and use vocal commands to communicate with each other,” explained Riggs.
Although the actual training of the event is important, what emotions and feelings the recruits take away from the experience is also a big part of the Crucible.
“The idea of the course is to give the recruits a sense of realism,” said Riggs. “At each event there is a citation of a Marine that has done commendable in their career; there is always some form of relevance.”
Navy Cross recipient Sgt. Willie L. Copeland III’s remarkable actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom is the reason for the course’s namesake. Copeland led five Marines across an open field to engage the enemy.
During this time, his commanding officer was wounded and Copeland knowingly placed himself in danger to aid and evacuate his Captain and conducted the withdrawal of his team.
Copeland’s experience and judgment allowed him to act accordingly and safely remove his team from danger.
The recruits took this citation to heart because their drill instructor, Sgt. Christopher Thompson, had met a humble Copeland while in the fleet.
“Hearing the way Sgt. Copeland carried himself and how modest he was meant a lot to me,” said Sanders, a 21-year-old Anaheim, Calif. native. “I think we were able to relate more to the citation and event because our drill instructor met him.”
Completing the assault course allowed Co. C to move on with the Crucible to the culminating event of the 10-mile Reaper Hike. Co. C now holds the title of Marine and with the leadership traits instilled through the Crucible, they will continue with their training and journey of being a United States Marine.