Photo Information

Recruit Nicholas Wancha, Platoon 1073, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, fireman carries Recruit Kurt Hauser, Plt. 1073 guide, Co. D, 1st RTBn., during Combat Care IV April 11 aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Recruits learned the proper ways to carry their injured comrades on the battlefield during a three-hour class. The class included slide shows, a lecture and practical application where recruits demonstrated the carries they learned under the observation of a drill instructor.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Crystal Druery

Recruits D learns to carry injured

11 Apr 2012 | Cpl. Eric Quintanilla Marine Corps Training and Education Command

Recruits of Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, attended their fourth combat care class during week three of recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego April 11.

During Combat Care IV, recruits learn how to safely carry their injured comrades on the battlefield and how to make a stetcher with easily obtainable items.

“It’s very important for Marines to understand and know carrying techniques like the back of their hands,” said Recruit Will Boedeker, Platoon 1073. “If you’re in combat you need to be able to carry your buddies to safety.”

The three-hour class included slide shows, a lecture portion and practical application where the recruits practice each method under the observation of a drill instructor.

“The classes give them detailed step-by-step instructions on how to properly follow procedures and prevent further injuries,” said Sgt. Javier Vallesesparza, instructor, Academic Instructor Platoon, Support Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment. “When they go to the Crucible they will use all of these methods.”

The Crucible is a culminating event that requires recruits to go through a 54-hour field training exercise that tests them on all that they’ve learned in recruit training while maintaining a combat mindset.

“These classes are designed in case they are in a combat zone,” said Staff Sgt. Fernando Madrigal Jr., senior drill instructor, Co. D, 1st RTBn.

Not only could this knowledge help the recruit to save a life some day, it is also part of the final practical exam recruits receive and must pass before graduation. Their drill instructors go over all the knowledge recruits learn every day to make sure they’re well-prepared.

“We’ve gone over it every day this week so far,” said Boedeker, 24, a Decatur, Texas native.

The practical exam consists of a written and hands-on portion to ensure the recruits are able to perform each step of the combat care techniques they have learned in class as well as skills they will learn over the coming weeks.

“It’s one of those things that if you don’t practice it enough you’ll lose it,” said Madrigal. “You have to keep going over it. It should be second nature when it comes time to execute it.”

Throughout recruit training, Co. D recruits will receive six formal classes on various combat care topics, such as dressing wounds, making splints or treating burns. They will be expected to apply knowledge of these skills during their final training event, the Crucible, which is scheduled to begin June 11.


Marine Corps Training and Education Command