MCRD San Diego -- The Combat Conditioning Course is an event in recruit training designed to help recruits physically and mentally prepare for fleet Marine force. The approximately 16 different stations are designed back-to-back and filled with Marine Corps Martial Arts to simulate the physical and mental fatigue that could occur in a combat scenario.
Recruits of Co. G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion went through the CCX aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Aug. 29. Although the weather was overcast and cool, the demands of the various exercises had recruits sweating like it was sunny and humid.
The exercise started with a lap around the course and included exercises such as leg sweeps, buddy drags, low crawls and knee strikes.
After a few minutes at an exercise a whistle was blown to signal for recruits to move onto the next exercise.
Anywhere there was a recruit there were drill instructors making sure recruits knew what they were doing. Drill instructors also kept a sharp eye out for any recruits taking it easy. If they spotted a recruit slowing down their tempo they immediately ordered them to pick it up.
“The motivation to get out there and do something like that comes from the outcome,” said Sgt. Christopher A. Sanchez, senior drill instructor, Platoon 2141, Co. G. “After you’re done you feel good knowing you pushed your mind and body to its limits. Your mind gets stronger from it.”
Drill instructors also noticed that the exercise included a valuable learning lesson as well as being an obvious physical fitness tool.
“Its good for your strength and endurance,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua P. LeBlanc, senior drill instructor, Plt. 2146, Co. G. “But it’s also good for them to see what it’s like to be completely fatigued and have to keep fighting.”