MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Marines of H&S Bn. completed a 7-Mile formation run aboard the Depot June 18.
The run, which incorporated the "loop" with a turn through WFTBn., marked the second time in as many years the battalion has run this distance in formation.
"Not many battalions do a seven-mile formation run," said Col. Gary S. Supnick, commanding officer, H&S Bn.
After the run, the H&S Bn. chow hall provided a Warrior's Breakfast, featuring steak and eggs. The extra effort from the messhall was only one example of the coordinating efforts that went into the run, helping it go off without a hitch, said Supnick.
"Depot Food Services and Sodexho went the extra mile to get us steaks and other food items so the Marines could have a hearty Warrior's Breakfast following the run," he said. "The Branch Medical Clinic brought in support personnel early to assure we had them in case of emergency. The Depot Band provided motivational music along the route and at the finish."
This year, 214 Marines ran in the formation, a number slightly lower than last year. Although participation was down, the success rate was much higher. Finishing with 209 Marines, over 98 percent of those who started ran to the end. The low "fall out" rate was due to the extensive training that was put in ahead of time, said Gunnery Sgt. Stacie Black, Headquarters Company Gunnery Sergeant.
"For the last couple of months, we have been training together for this run," said Black. "We did distance runs building up to the seven miles, and a five-mile squad ability run to prepare. We encouraged everyone to come and PT with us so it would be easier for the run."
The company's teamwork is reflected in its success, said Black.
"The purpose of the run was to provide the Marines of the command a physical challenge they can identify, train for, and complete with their fellow
Marines," said Supnick. "Completing an event like this builds individual, unit and command Esprit."
Black agrees, saying unit functions that push everyone's limits bring everyone together.
"It was very motivating to see a Lance Corporal running beside a Captain pushing themselves to the finish," said Black. "It let our younger Marines know that we are all out there for camaraderie and Esprit de Corps."
Adding to the Esprit de Corps was the performance of the Depot Band.
"[The band] helped me, and I'm sure it helped others along the way," said Supnick, who wasn't the only participant motivated by the band's presence.
"My favorite part of the run was when we ran past the band and they were playing the music from 'Rocky'," said Morgan Catha-Garret, combat videographer, Depot Combat Visual Information Center. "It was from the part of the movie where he was running up the stairs and all the kids were following him. It was motivating."
Seventy-four minutes after running off into the humid Carolina morning, the battalion returned, pleased with the final result of their hard preparation.
"I thought the run was great," said Catha-Garret. "It was motivating to run with the whole battalion for that long."
Black agreed, saying many Marines broke personal barriers to complete the run.
"There were a couple of Marines that had a difficult time, but they didn't quit," said Black. "They kept going and found out they had the endurance to complete the run."
"My overall impression is that the run and breakfast were a huge success," said Supnick. "The word had been out for months and the Marines trained for this run, and then got out there and did a great job."
A great job Supnick said will not go unnoticed.
"Marines who completed the run will be permitted to take a 72-hour liberty pass as recognition of meeting the challenge that was given by myself to the command," he explained.
After a long run and a full day's work, the Marines of H&S Bn. showed they can celebrate well into the evening at Bosses' Night. When the day finally ended, Supnick's message of unit camaraderie and personal achievement summed up the entire day.
"For many [Marines], this is the farthest they have run," he said. "For others, it's all part of the challenge of being a Marine."