Schooled in the ways of combat - Recruits get a taste of blood, sweat and tears in Co
Schooled in the ways of combat - Recruits get a taste of blood, sweat and tears in Combat Conditioning Exercise
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 20031017125341
Story by Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(October 17, 2003) -- With their hearts pumping and their bodies sweating, recruits of Company G, dressed in desert camouflage uniforms, march toward a test of endurance they have not yet experienced in recruit training.
The Combat Conditioning Exercise challenges recruits mentally and physically, demanding 100 percent effort and endurance in order to complete the entry-level training of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
The event begins with grippers, a body hardening technique where the recruits hold their arms out in front of them and squeeze open and close their hand in order to strain their muscles to increase their nerve strength.
Under the San Diego sun, these grippers create a never-ending burn in the forearms and hands.
After the body hardening, the recruits proceed to warm up the rest of their muscles by running a lap around the course.
The course consists of eight movement stations where the recruits perform their various entry level martial art techniques.
They move from one station to the other through sand pits, executing movements such as the tactical high crawl, lunges, or buddy dragging in order to enhance muscular and cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, strength and speed.
After 45 minutes of sand, sweat and pain, the recruits settle in to round out their training with a motivated warrior study about the heroic actions of a Marine Medal of Honor recipient.
Although the recruits are tired while they listen, it gives them time to rest and reflect upon how the Medal of Honor recipient went above and beyond the call of duty.
This reflection on a Marine's conspicuous gallantry and the event they just completed helps to reinforce the Marine Corps' core values: honor, courage and commitment.
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Pvt. Brady A. Philps, Platoon 2028, Company G, bear crawls back and forth in the dirt. Recruits bear crawl on the movement section of the Combat Conditioning Exercise while waiting for the whistle to begin the next station.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jess Levens
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Pvt. Matthew R. Smith and Pvt. Julian R. Ovalle, Platoon 2028, Company G, take turns exchanging knee strikes during the Combat Conditioning Exercise. During the exercise, recruits apply several of the techniques they learn during tan-belt-level Marine Corps martial arts training.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jess Levens
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Pvt. Brady A. Philps, Platoon 2028, Company G, uses the fireman's carry technique to carry his platoon mate Pvt. Jonah D. Saesan.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jess Levens
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