MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego -- Close-combat training is an important part of the 12 demanding weeks the recruits go through to become Marines. With the United States currently engaged in conflicts abroad, it’s crucial for Marines to learn the basics so they are prepared in the event they’re deployed in support of combat operations.
Company E recruits completed their second session of pugil stick training April 5 aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Pugil stick bouts are meant to simulate close-combat with an M-16 A4 service rifle.
“Pugil sticks training gives recruits a sense of a real combat environment,” said Sgt. Will Johns, martial arts instructor trainer, Martial Arts Satellite School, Recruit Training Regiment. “It’s a good starting block for them. It introduces them to a hostile, high-tempo environment.”
A pugil stick is a long stick with two hand placement spots. On one end there is a red pad which represents a bayonet, and the other end has a black pad which represents the butt stock of the rifle.
A rifle is a Marine’s best friend and while in combat, they should have their rifles on them at all times. Marksmanship skills are emphasized in recruit training and throughout a Marines career. However, in combat, Marines must know how to use their rifles as weapons in the event they run out of ammunition or are engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy.
“It’s not all the time you’ll be able to rely on your M-16. You might not be able to load a magazine, instead you might have to apply butt strokes. Especially in the type of war we’re fighting today where you might find yourself clearing houses,” said Staff Sgt. Edward Sheckelford, senior drill instructor, Platoon 2113, Co. E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.
To ensure recruits are prepared for close-combat environments, they learn pugil stick exercises during Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training. Pugil Sticks Two consists of a series of classes followed by two-on-one pugil stick bouts on a narrow, elevated surface. Pugil Sticks One was basic one-on-one on flat land.
Each recruit is armed with a pugil stick and protective gear. The MAI determines the winner based on which recruit landed the first fatal blow. Recruits learn what constitutes a fatal blow prior to the bout.
“Today’s pugil sticks exercise gives us a chance to practice with bayonet techniques and the butt of a rifle, like close-combat,” said Recruit Victor John Farinas, Platoon 2113 guide, Co. E, 2nd RTBn.
The recruits are paired up in similar weight groups to ensure fairness in the fights. When instructed, two recruits charge toward one recruit on the small bridge until a fatal blow is delivered, signaled by a whistle blow. It is two-on-one to give the recruits a close-combat scenario they might encounter.
“We get really tired out there,” said Farinas, a Honolulu native. “Pugil sticks force us to bring out our strength and endurance so we can carry on the fight.”
Now that Co. E is ending phase one of recruit training, they are expected to start realizing new abilities they have gained during the last month of training. The drill instructors have broken Co. E recruits down and are attempting to re-build their confidence.
“Pugil Sticks Two is suppose to give them a sense of accomplishment,” said Sheckelford. “We want them to say to themselves ‘this isn’t so bad, I made it through first phase’ and build cohesion with their fellow recruits.”
Many recruits come to the depot and have never fought. Once they finish recruit training they can walk away as basically trained Marines, capable of applying all basic MCMAP skills, giving them the confidence they need to be successful in combat.
“From the training I’ve received so far, I feel confident if I was ever in a close-combat situation, I could easily apply the skills I’ve learned from pugil sticks and defend myself,” said Farinas.