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.

Congresswoman, Susan Davis of California's 53rd congressional district, dons an AbilityOne baseball hat while touring the recruit chow hall of MCRD San Diego. The recruit chow hall is just one of the facilities on the depot staffed and supported by The ARC of San Diego program participants. - Congresswoman, Susan Davis of California's 53rd congressional district, dons an AbilityOne baseball hat while touring the recruit chow hall of MCRD San Diego. The recruit chow hall is just one of the facilities on the depot staffed and supported by The ARC of San Diego program participants.

Navy Capt. Mike Dory, assistant chief of staff for religious ministries, cuts the first piece of the Navy birthday cake at Duncan Hall Oct.13. In Navy tradition the youngest and oldest sailor present are given the first slices of cake. - Navy Capt. Mike Dory, assistant chief of staff for religious ministries, cuts the first piece of the Navy birthday cake at Duncan Hall Oct.13. In Navy tradition the youngest and oldest sailor present are given the first slices of cake.

Recruit Michael J. LaCount, Platoon 2103, Company E., 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, uses the wall as leverage to get the upper hand on recruit Gregory Sargent, Platoon 2103, Co. E, 2nd Recruit Training Bn., during their pugil sticks match here, Sept. 21. - Recruit Michael J. LaCount, Platoon 2103, Company E., 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, uses the wall as leverage to get the upper hand on recruit Gregory Sargent, Platoon 2103, Co. E, 2nd Recruit Training Bn., during their pugil sticks match here, Sept. 21.

In an exercise demonstrating knowledge of life saving procedures, Lance Cpl. Aaron Chasse, infantryman, 2nd battalion, 1st Marines, right, buddy tows Cpl. Anthony Noble, infantryman, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, during a Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival course at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Sept.22. - In an exercise demonstrating knowledge of life saving procedures, Lance Cpl. Aaron Chasse, infantryman, 2nd battalion, 1st Marines, right, buddy tows Cpl. Anthony Noble, infantryman, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, during a Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival course at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Sept.22.

Pictured from left to right are SSgt Brian P. Faulk, Sgt Robert L. Ruzicka, Sgt Britni E. Scott & SSgt Jose A. Alvarez. - Pictured from left to right are SSgt Brian P. Faulk, Sgt Robert L. Ruzicka, Sgt Britni E. Scott & SSgt Jose A. Alvarez.

Recruit Dillon Peters prepares to overcome his opponent during the crucible, Oct 12. The recruits are on the body sparring portion of the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif. The recruits are from platoons 3207 and 3208, Company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training. - Recruit Dillon Peters prepares to overcome his opponent during the crucible, Oct 12. The recruits are on the body sparring portion of the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif. The recruits are from platoons 3207 and 3208, Company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training.

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.