MCRD San Diego -- The crucible is the last test for recruits before becoming Marines. It’s a three day event that includes various independent and collaborative test’s designed to push recruits to their limits.
One of the events is called Twelve Stalls, it includes twelve different mini exercises that are designed for recruits to specifically accomplish using teamwork.
Recruits from Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, worked together successfully through Twelve Stalls, during the crucible aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 11.
Each station had a clipboard with instructions for a slightly different mission, situation and execution. However, one similarity between all exercises was the red paint on various parts of the props. If a recruit touched any of the red paint it signified that he died. If he died in the exercise, the recruit’s punishment was carrying two full ammunition cans up and down a dirt path.
Recruits did their best to not touch the paint or fail. But when they did, Marine instructors were there to point it out and order the recruits to do the ammo can carry.
“Red is dead and they become a casualty,” said Cpl. Mitch A. Gangwish, field instructor, Weapons Field Training Battalion. “All these exercises are designed to promote team work. If you can’t work as a team it’s going to make it harder to accomplish the mission.”
For many recruits it took a little bit of practice before the exercises become fluid with teamwork.
Michael A. Acuna, Plt. 1066, Co. D, explained in the beginning of the exercise too many recruits were trying to take charge and arguing over what to do.
“We realized as a unit it’s easier to work together and not fight,” said Acuna. “When we started working as a team things starting clicking and we were able to get the mission done faster.”
Recruits were responsible for using part of their squad for a security perimeter during the exercise. During one exercise a Marine instructor pointed out a group had failed to post security.
“You all died,” said the Marine instructor.
The recruits appeared a little disappointed in themselves but moved quickly toward the ammo can station and after finishing returned to try the mission again.
Recruit Branden M. Blakenmore, Plt. 1066, Co. D explained on top of it no feeling good to fail, having to run with ammo cans is a physically daunting deterrent as well.
“I think the ammo cans are a good way from keeping us from failing. We did one for not posting security and it sucked,” said Blakenmore. “Overall I think this exercise is beneficial because we have to read the scenario and get creative with it, it’s all about mission accomplishment.”
Recruits worked with one another to accomplish the mission and when assistance was needed Marine instructors either gave hints to the mission or guided them to ammo cans. All in all, through repeated tries and help from Marine instructors recruits practiced a valuable skill – teamwork.