Echo Co. recruits negotiate hurdles, build self-confidence
Submitted by: MCRD Parris Island
Story Identification #: 200512912426
Story by Lance Cpl. Paul W. Hirseman



MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (Jan. 28, 2005) -- The confidence course, located at the depot's Leatherneck Square, is one of the memorable hurdles faced by recruits during their time in recruit training. The recruits will face the course at least once during training, and will get a second opportunity if time is available.

Designs for the confidence course have stayed virtually identical since its inception in the early 1960's. Elements of the confidence course were drawn from concepts widely used throughout the history of the Marine Corps, including wall and rope climbing. Each obstacle is meant to prepare recruits both mentally and physically for obstacles found in the real environment of combat.

Fear of heights and feelings of self doubt are often shattered as recruits complete objectives under the watchful eyes and booming voices of their drill instructors. With some obstacles as dreaded as the 30-foot long slide for life over a safety pool or as physically demanding as the inverted climb, recruits often look back in wonder at the accomplishments and know that the limits they may have set for themselves are no longer a factor in what they can accomplish for themselves.

"The confidence course lives up to its name in that it instills confidence, conquers fears of height and self-doubt and gives recruits a sense of accomplishment," said 1st Sgt. Eric Budde, first sergeant of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.

"After they leave the course that day you can see that they feel they can accomplish much more, not only for themselves, but as a part of a team."

With obstacles requiring concentration and teamwork, the depot's confidence course is a vital element in the mission of "Making Marines."



Linkhas pix's
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...F?opendocument


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