MCRD San Diego -- As recruits formed in columns of four, they prepared to face another obstacle in recruit training, which appeared to be more physically demanding than anything they had seen this far.
Within the second week of their training cycle, recruits of Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, were introduced to the obstacle course during recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit San Diego Sept. 7.
The course, also known as the “O-course,” consists of pulling themselves over bars and walls, climbing up over logs and climbing up a rope approximately 20 feet high. Since recruits were enduring the obstacle for the first time, drill instructors focused their attention on the technique recruits used.
“This is the introduction, so we want to make sure they’re using the right techniques,” said Gunnery Sgt. Henry R. French, senior drill instructor, Platoon 2133, Co. F. “It’s important for them to know the different techniques so they know how to do it properly next time.”
Before the course began, drill instructors gave a demonstration to recruits on the different methods to use when encountering different obstacles. At the end of the obstacle, recruits then gathered around the ropes where they were taught how to climb using two methods. For the introduction, recruits were only required to climb the rope half way and come back down. They were then then instructed to perform combat carries.
Recruits were then shown how to properly perform a fireman’s carry and a buddy-drag where it would simulate having to evacuate causalities in a combat situation.
Although technique was the main focus of the course this time, building upper-body strength is also a crucial part of the event, according to French.
“The rope climbing was a lot of upper body work,” said Recruit Elijah D. Searl, platoon 2134, Co. F. “It was really tough. There were definitely some challenging parts to it.”
Searl, standing at approximately 5 foot 6 inches, found it somewhat difficult to complete portions of the obstacles, however, that did not prevent him from accomplishing his task.
“When things got hard, other recruits kept each other motivated,” said Searl. “As long as you got the heart to keep going, no height should matter. Some recruits had a little trouble with the O-course, but with a little more time and practice, we’ll have it perfected.”