MCRD San Diego -- The Crucible is a three day exercise designed to test recruit’s physical and mental toughness. Along the way recruits are also introduced to various experiences for the first time.
Company F recruits were tested on shooting their riffles at various targets set at unknown distances and had the opportunity to fire their weapons on burst for the first time in recruit training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, July 31.
The exercise started with recruits firing their weapons through a concrete window followed by shooting in the prone position. The idea being that in combat targets never disclaim how far away they are and proficiency in shooting from different positions is a must for Marines.
“I just followed instruction and applied what the drill instructors taught me,” said Recruit Mark D. Sims, squad leader, Platoon 2122, Co. F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. “I feel pretty confident about my performance but there is always room for improvement and I’m always trying to take it to the next level.”
Sgt. Isidro Cobos, drill instructor, Plt. 2122, explained that recruits have been curious about shooting on burst since second phase.
After firing in different positions recruits stepped down into a bunker and fired on burst through a small opening. The trio of fired rounds popped loudly.
“It’s a lot harder to control than the semi automatic,” said Recruit William T. Troelstrup, series honor man and guide, Plt. 2122. “It was exciting, it’s something we’ve been waiting for ever since we saw some coaches fire their weapons on burst.”
Although shooting on burst significantly reduces accuracy, recruits did realize how the firing technique could prove useful in combat.
“If you’re laying down covering fire you have to have that rapid fire to suppress the enemy,” said Troelstrup. “It’s less for shooting a target than keeping the enemy down.”
The exercise was designed to familiarize recruits with putting rounds on unknown distance targets on and off of burst. It also laid the ground work for recruits to ‘take it to the next level’.
“This can help them become better prepared whenever they deploy,” said Cobos. “Every little thing in boot camp helps better their future as young Marines.”
Many of the recruits enjoyed their time firing rounds and believed even family members would have enjoyed the exercise.
“It was fun, I think my brothers would have loved to come out here,” said Troelstup
Other recruits enjoyed the training for future ambitions.
“I’m in aviation but I like shooting and would like to get into Marine Special Operations Command,” said Sims, a Richland, Wash. native. “This is good practice.”
While the firing range is only a small piece of recruit training. It served its purpose of introducing recruits to a different way of shooting and set the foundation for them to build upon.