A recruit from Platoon 1085, Company D climbs to the top of the "Stairway to Heaven," an obstacle in the Confidence Course during the Crucible. The Crucible is a 54-hour training event conducted during Marine Corps Recruit Training at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. The Crucible requires Marine recruits to overcome mentally and physically-demanding obstacles as a team. - A recruit from Platoon 1085, Company D climbs to the top of the "Stairway to Heaven," an obstacle in the Confidence Course during the Crucible. The Crucible is a 54-hour training event conducted during Marine Corps Recruit Training at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. The Crucible requires Marine recruits to overcome mentally and physically-demanding obstacles as a team.

Platoon 1027 recruits, Company B, provide security for their squad mates during one of the 11 obstacles of the 12-stall event of the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 28. Recruits learn that every member of a squad is needed in one way or another; whether it is leading, following directions to complete the objective or protecting the rest of the squad by providing security, the mission will most likely fail unless every Marine does his part. - Platoon 1027 recruits, Company B, provide security for their squad mates during one of the 11 obstacles of the 12-stall event of the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 28. Recruits learn that every member of a squad is needed in one way or another; whether it is leading, following directions to complete the objective or protecting the rest of the squad by providing security, the mission will most likely fail unless every Marine does his part.

Recruit Paul W. Wangai waits his turn to negotiate an obstacle at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 28. Wangai graduated from recruit training Oct. 8 with the other members of his company. Wangai is a recruit with Platoon 1026, Company B, and a Kenya native. - Recruit Paul W. Wangai waits his turn to negotiate an obstacle at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 28. Wangai graduated from recruit training Oct. 8 with the other members of his company. Wangai is a recruit with Platoon 1026, Company B, and a Kenya native.

Capt. Craig Schnappinger, right, series commander, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, blocks his face as Staff Sgt. David Gonzalez, martial arts instructor, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Bn., prepares to use one of the new strikes they were taught by the Victory Fitness Center’s instructors here, Oct. 1. - Capt. Craig Schnappinger, right, series commander, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, blocks his face as Staff Sgt. David Gonzalez, martial arts instructor, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Bn., prepares to use one of the new strikes they were taught by the Victory Fitness Center’s instructors here, Oct. 1.