Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- No matter where the recruits who step foot onto Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego come from, they all train together every day.
Recruits of India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, participated in a physical training event during week two at MCRD San Diego, Dec 28.
The event consisted of recruits conducting sprints, a maximum set of pull-ups and crunches. These are similar to what the recruit will have to conduct while taking a physical fitness test, which consists of a max set of pull-ups, a max set of crunches and a timed three-mile run.
The India recruits started with sprint drills that were conducted by their chief drill instructor. They lined up behind a set of cones and were instructed to sprint to the next set of cones a short distance away while conducting a loud war cry from start to finish.
“Our drill instructors want us to train and be able to endure through the physical fatigue we are faced with every day,” said Recruit Sheldon V. Saltclah, India Company. “With each training session we’re building our stamina.”
After the sprint drills, the recruits lined up behind the pull-up bars. One-by-one the recruits were instructed to conduct a max set of pull-ups.
“Each of us is different,” said Saltclah, a native of Red Mesa, Ariz. “Our bodies have to start somewhere, but no matter what, we all have to work together to build them up to get through the rest of training.”
The recruits partnered up after the pull-ups and were given two minutes to conduct a max set of crunches.
“These are just baby steps,” said 19-year old Saltclah. “We’re developing a foundation now that we can build on as we continue through our training.”
To finish the event off, the recruits formed up in their platoons, circling around a wooden platform where their chief drill instructor stood to conduct proper cool down exercises.
“We all came here for a reason,” said Saltclah, platoon 3210. “No matter what, we have to find something to help us stay motivated through all we’re put through here.”
Recruits take their initial physical fitness test during week four of training.