The Crucible is a
rigorous 54-hour final test in U.S. Marine Corps recruit training, and
represents the culmination of all of the skills and knowledge a Marine
should possess. It simulates typical combat situations with strenuous
testing, hardship, and the deprivation of food and sleep. Recruits are
broken into squad-sized teams and placed under the charge of one drill
instructor. West Coast recruits are returned to Edson Range for the
Crucible. Parris Island recruits will conduct the Crucible in the
derelict Page Airfield on the south end of the depot.
Some of the challenges encountered during the Crucible are various team
and individual obstacle courses, day and night assault courses, land
navigation courses, individual rushes up steep hills, large-scale
martial arts challenges, and countless patrols to and from each of
these. Often, these challenges are made even more difficult by the
additions of limitations or handicaps, such as the requirement to carry
several ammunition drums, not touching portions of an obstacle painted
red to indicate simulated booby traps, and evacuating team members with
simulated wounds.
On the final day of the Crucible, recruits are awoken and begin their
final march . . . and to an awaiting "Warrior's Breakfast" upon its
completion.
Video is "courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps / Dept. of Defense and from
the November 2009 episode of the Pentagon Channel's Recon program.
Marine Corps
Recruit Training
