PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The confidence course at Leatherneck Square is one of the most visited spots on Parris Island. It’s a place where many recruits overcome their fears and push themselves to their limit as they climb, weave and run through the obstacles.
Some of the obstacles include The Skyscraper, the A-Frame and the Slide for Life, one of the better known events in the confidence course.
“The course is demanding as long as the drill instructors demand a lot from the recruits,” said Sgt. Josh Barber, a drill instructor for platoon 2022, Golf Company “Most of these events help recruits get over their fear of heights or water.”
During the Slide for Life, recruits climb to the top of a wooden tower and slide down a rope to the bottom. Under the rope is a pool of water and a safety net to ensure the recruits are safe.
The Skyscraper is a three-story wooden tower in which recruits must get to the top without using any steps. This tests the recruits’ ability to work together to reach a common goal.
The A-Frame involves recruits getting to the top of a wooden tower using only a rope. Then, once at the top of the rope, recruits must climb over to the logs and walk on each one to the end of the platform. After they reach the platform, they must climb to another rope and slide down.
Many people have a fear of heights. This is why recruits must learn to overcome their fears and push forward to accomplish their mission, completing the confidence course.
“It’s a good motivational tool,” said Staff Sgt. Derek Weems, a drill instructor for platoon 2021, Golf Co. “It helps them with their fears. It’s important for recruit training. It makes them feel confident.”
Not all of the obstacles are meant just so recruits can overcome their fear of heights. Some of them are meant to test a recruit’s strength and endurance. Others test a recruit’s willpower to continue even though they may be scared or tired.
Staff Sgt. Jeff Pawelski, the senior drill instructor for platoon 2022, Golf Co. said, “Most of the obstacles are real good. It shows the recruits to have confidence in themselves and helps reduce whatever fears they may have.”
Many Marines agree that the confidence course is a big confidence boost and that it helps the recruits overcome their fears.
“It’s best to handle a Marine’s fear early on in training,” said Capt. Paul Smith, the follow series commander for Golf Co.. “If a recruit can face their fears, it will make them a better Marine.”
Company after company, cycle after cycle, and year after year the confidence course has stood the test of time and proven itself as a crucial part of recruit training.