The mettle was formed in boot camp, the blade was sharpened at the School of Infantry, and in their units, it becomes a way of life. But this week, Camp Lejeune hosted the sharpest of the razor's edge competing for the title of the best infantry squad in the 2nd Marine Division.

Four squads representing the 2nd, 6th, 8th and the reserve 25th Marine Regiments entered the annual rifle squad competition in a quest to earn bragging rights at the division's top infantry team.
"These are the basics for all we do," said Staff Sgt. Dennis Sherrill, who organized the competition.

The five-day event pits each 14-man team against a mock enemy force, while they negotiate grueling obstacle and endurance courses with little or no sleep.

Participating squads were tested on offensive and defensive tactics, patrolling, land navigation and general field knowledge. The weeklong competition included live-fire events consisting of anti-tank weapons, the M-249 squad automatic weapon, the M-203 grenade launcher and an infantry trophy match course giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency on a number of weapons. Their commanders do not advise them tactics and are not permitted along the course.
Unique this year was an enemy chemical attack in which the troops were required to put on gas masks, climb into protective suits and later exchange the simulated contaminated clothing for fresh layers. "While in the defense they were hit with a chemical weapons attack," said 1st Lt. Roberto Rodriguez, event organizer. "They had to continue fighting in a chemical environment and complete their mission."

Also new was an urban terrain course that typically includes house-to-house fighting and snipers from above.
Shuttling from event to event, they were slightly bent at the waist under the weight of packs approaching 100 pounds, and each competitor looked like they were hauling Volkswagens as they plodded down dirt roads and along forest paths.

The preliminary physical conditioning came in handy.
"They were in the gym at least an hour each day and exercised at least twice a day," said Staff Sgt. Jason Cantu, who was in charge of training the squad from 2d Marines. "They all did well, but in my mind there was never any question who would win."
In the past, Marines have finished the course with dislocated shoulders, broken bones and sprains, ignoring everything except the pain in their hearts that kept them moving rather than letting their team down. One-by-one, they emerged from the swampy muck Friday, half swimming, half crawling to the finish line to gather their packs for another march to the standard obstacle course.

This year there were teams from 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment; the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment; the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and the 2d Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. "Each unit has its own special character and history," Rodriguez said. "They represent the unit as a whole and for the first time, the 25th Marines have a team competing."
The 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment was activated as part of the call-up for the war on terrorism.

Bragging rights were at stake, pride was on the line and there was one more thing-the medal. The Marine Corps is picky about what is worn with its uniforms. There are no unit patches, no squadron scarves, nothing to show a Marine is anything but
a Marine. Except for the super squad winners. Each year three squads of Marine worldwide earn the right to wear a gold medal, similar to a shooting badge, with their service green and dress blue uniforms. Each Marine's name is engraved on the back of his medal, along with the year in which he won it.

This year, the Camp Lejeune champs were 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. The squad included: Lance Cpl. Ricardo, R. Betancur, Lance Cpl. Richard A. Coella, Cpl. Joseph H. Ditomaso, Lance Cpl. Kurt V. Dugger, Lance Cpl. Ryan D. Frati, Pfc. Loren M. Freeman, Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Gonzalez, Lance Cpl. Jesse C. McDonnell, Lance Cpl. Michael J. Mead, Navy Corpman Petty Officer
3rd Class Wayne L. Sanders, Lance Cpl. Ryan M. Schaffer, Lance Cpl. R.R. Taylor, Pvt. Lazaro R. Vega, Lance Cpl. Jordan T. Wagoner and Cpl. Jacob A. Warner. "It feels really good and they deserve it," Cantu said. "I guess that they were a little bit hungrier than the others.