MCRD San Diego -- On training day nine, recruits of Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, found themselves facing the obstacle course once again during recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit San Diego Nov. 1. However, this time was different. Recruits were challenged with facing the course back-to-back.
After recruits completed the obstacle course, also known as the “O-Course,” for the first time during training, they are expected to leave with a better understanding of how to maneuver the course. Their first experience allowed them to focus more on the techniques they needed to know in order to overcome the challenge later on.
The course consists of recruits pulling themselves over bars and walls, climbing over logs and climbing a rope approximately 20 feet high. Although it may sound like a simple challenge, the course is stretched out over approximately 50 meters, one obstacle after another.
“We knew what to expect this time around, so we were prepared,” said Recruit Matthew G. Bollig, Platoon 2175, Co. H. “This was our second time running the course so it wasn’t as tough.”
As required, drill instructors gave a demonstration to recruits on the different methods to use when encountering different obstacles to refresh their memories. After the introduction, recruits were instructed to complete the course, not once, but twice before they climbed the rope.
For the introduction, recruits were only required to climb the rope half way and safely descend; however, recruits were expected to climb the rope to the top during their second time enduring the course.
Recruits are taught using proper technique is most helpful during the course, according to Bollig, an Enumclaw, Wash., native.
“The drill instructors want to make us better, so they taught us all these techniques to make sure we do things (proficiently),” said Bollig.
Regardless if it’s climbing over logs or jumping over walls, recruits are sure to find something challenging if not the entire course.
“The course was (somewhat simple) until I got up to the rope,” said Recruit Paul Del Rosario, Plt. 2175. “I didn’t get up the rope and for me the worst part about it is I felt like I had disappointed my drill instructors. For me, that is more than enough motivation to make sure I get up the rope next time.”
After completing the obstacle, recruits left with a better understanding of the “method behind the madness” from their drill instructors as well as a little more motivation to keep pushing through recruit training.
“It was definitely the most motivating thing I have done in recruit training so far,” said Del Rosario, a Long Beach, Calif., native. “I think we did well and it’s because of our drill instructors. I think everything they have taught us so far prepared us well enough to face the obstacle course.”