San Diego, Calif. -- Recruits of Company A, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, focused on teamwork as they executed log drills during recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Aug. 14.
The purpose of the training allowed recruits to build teamwork and to simulate having to evacuate someone or carrying equipment from one point to another, according to Sgt. Allen A. Ypina, drill instructor, Platoon 1002, Co. A.
“The log drills teach them coordination and it allows them to work together,” said Ypina, the Mt. Vernon, Texas native. “Right now, they’re in the mindset of only taking care of themselves, and this will kind of teach them to look out for everyone else.”
Before carrying out with the training, recruits were given a demonstration on how to properly lift and maneuver the logs to prevent any injuries. After instructions were given, recruits filed off in groups to begin the exercise.
Over the course of half a mile, recruits stopped periodically and performed drills with the logs such as log-lifts as they alternated shoulders, side benders and log curls.
Of course, not every recruit match in height; this made the log drills even more challenging for groups at an uneven height.
“It was difficult trying to keep up with the taller recruits,” said Recruit Connor H. Genovese, Plt. 1001, Co. A.
As recruits endured the log drills, they soon realized that the exercise required everyone to put in maximum effort and that teamwork would be the only way to accomplish the task, according to Genovese, the Dallas, Texas native.
“At first everyone started bickering at each other,” said Recruit Jared Jansen, Plt. 1001, Co. A. “It was difficult for everyone to listen to each other, but then we started to get the hang of it and the motivation picked up as soon as they realized that was the only way to get through it.”
Jansen was at the head of the group as they shoulder carried the log over the course. Jansen also felt the need for teamwork was vital to finishing the rigorous training, according to the Mt. Vernon, Washington native.
“It was a struggle, being taller than most people. It was also hard to lead the pack and having to direct them. It definitely focused on teamwork,” said Jansen. “Everyone has to put the effort in, because if one recruit was to give up then that would mean everyone else in the stick would have to work twice as hard to pick up their slack.”