Recruits practice proper weapons maintenance to ensure their rifle functions properly. Recruits clean their weapons forty-five minutes to an hour while at the range. Every Marine must know how to take care of their weapon because if it isn't properly maintained it could jam costing a Marine their life. - Recruits practice proper weapons maintenance to ensure their rifle functions properly. Recruits clean their weapons forty-five minutes to an hour while at the range. Every Marine must know how to take care of their weapon because if it isn't properly maintained it could jam costing a Marine their life.