MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego -- As hands grab onto a log, a sweaty body in Marine pattern desert utilities follows, bringing the recruit over the log and combat boots into the dirt.
Company A crushed the obstacle course aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego early May 3, multiple times. This course consists of numerous physically challenging obstacles that at first glance can scare a recruit into thinking he can’t overcome the course. Co. A drill instructors ensured the recruits acquired the confidence and knowledge to surmount the obstacles.
“I was confident I could overcome the O-Course once the drill instructors demonstrated how to do the course,” said Recruit Jacob Mckinney, guide, Platoon 1013, Co. A, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, “This demonstration showed us it was possible to get through it.”
Recruits start by getting over the high bars. To do this they had to rely on their up body strength to get them up and over. From there they walk down logs, then launch their body onto another log and swing over. They then leap over short and tall logs and a wall until they reach the double bars. This is followed by a rope they must maneuver their way up.
“Recruits seem to struggle the most with the high bars and the rope,” said Sgt. Cesar Gonzalez, drill instructor, Plt. 1010, Co. A, 1st RTBn. “Their senior drill instructors wait at the ropes to help get them up the rope.”
Senior drill instructors are suppose to be viewed by the recruits as someone they can confide in. The seniors aren’t supposed to pass judgment over any recruit, always encouraging them and showing support, which is exactly what they did for their recruits during the rope portion of the obstacle.
“I always struggle with the rope,” said Mckinney. “It requires a lot of endurance and it’s at the end of the course when you’re already worn down, making it more challenging.”
Co. A made it through the course multiple times, building up their physical strength and confidence in overcoming what sometimes seems impossible.
“This course builds up the recruits’ confidence. After they overcome the obstacles they realize they can do what Marines can do,” said Gonzalez.
Co. A goes on to week three after completing the O-Course. During the beginning of this week they overcome the Confidence Course, which consists of higher obstacles. As recruit training progresses so will their confidence. Co. A will conquer many hurdles they never thought they could overcome.