Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Being on the depot gives recruits plenty of opportunities to maneuver through several obstacle courses during the 12-week transformation into becoming Marines.
During their second week of training, the recruits of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, tackled the Bayonet Assault Course I and Pugil Sticks I events at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 10.
This was the first time the recruits had the opportunity to conduct the courses, so drill instructors demonstrated exactly how to execute the obstacles prior to letting them maneuver through them on their own.
At the start of the first event, the assault course, recruits attached plastic bayonets to the end of their rifles and donned protective gear before lining up in pairs at the start of the course.
The first set of recruits rushed through the course with their partner close by, while loud noises that included gunshots and screaming, played over the loudspeaker to simulate sounds encountered in combat.
The short course consisted of taking cover behind obstacles and striking tire wheels using bayonet techniques learned during their first Marine Corps Martial Arts Program class.
“I think the purpose of this course was to introduce us to using speed when preparing to take down an opponent,” said Recruit Blaine N. Suarez, Alpha Company. “It also helps us build up our stamina, especially with the hot weather.”
When the recruits finished the first course, they ran directly to the pugil sticks course. Three pits were designated for the event, and the recruits were paired up by their weight to ensure an even match.
Recruits assisted each other with putting on protective gear and getting ready to fight. The gear included a helmet, groin protector and a flak jacket, and was completed with a pugil stick that simulated a rifle.
The purpose of pugil sticks is to simulate fighting with a weapon affixed with a bayonet, and when the drill instructor in the pits blew his whistle, the recruits started their battle.
“I feel like the event helped some of us gain confidence in ourselves and each other, too,” said Suarez, native of Seattle. “We also build more strength when we try knocking the other opponent to the ground.”
Recruits were encouraged to use any technique necessary to overcome their opponent during their single match. The victor was the recruit who struck a blow to the head or who landed the most hits to their opponent.
This was the recruits’ first time experiencing the two events, but they will come across both of them again later on in training.
“You have to expect the unexpected when you’re here,” said 18 year-old Suarez. “It’ll help us build character so we can continue to grow into the Marines we want to become.”
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