The Crucible!!!

The last week in October, Brian and his fellow Recruits experienced The Crucible!!  This is a final assessment of mental and physical skills learned during the previous twelve weeks of training.  It is an awesome experience which the Recruits look forward to.  I read the book IntoTheCrucible and was absolutely amazed at how comprehensive this assessment is.  If you are interested in learning more of what Brian experienced I would highly recommend reading this book.

The Recruits must complete some 40 physical challenge courses together with their fellow Recruits.  Each Challenge course is named after a Medal of Honor recipient. Each challenge is constructed in such a way that it can only be completed via a team effort.  None of these challenges are able to be completed by any one individual. It is physically impossible.  In order to complete each challenge course, the Recruits must demonstrate committed  team work, mental strategy, leadership, and physical abilities.  

The Recruits take turns being the Leader of the group.  At each challenge course, the Recruits are taught about the Medal of Honor recipient and his/her story.  They are required to evaluate their team's accomplishment or lack thereof at the end of each course.  They must interpret the story of the Medal Of Honor recipient and it's underlying message.  Ultimately The Crucible instills in these young men not only the physical abilities of Warriors, but more importantly, the Corps Values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Without an intimate understanding of these Values, the team cannot successfully complete their challenges.  

During the 54 hour Crucible, the Recruits are allowed to sleep about 4-8 hours and have a total of 2.5 MREs (Meals Ready To Eat).  Brian said reality puts The Crucible at 60 + hours.  They are lucky to get 3-4 hours of sleep and 2.5 MREs go really fast!!!  The Crucible begins at 0200 (2 am) on the first day, ending about 1000 (10 am) on the last day.  This is only after a grueling climb to the top

of a very steep hill best known as The Grim Reaper, then a nine mile hike back to base where these dog tired, yet very proud young men, Recruits, receive the coveted  Eagle Globe and Anchor emblem and  the honor of being called  United States Marine.

Private Conom, Brian P. USMC