MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Shots were fired between Marines at Camp Pendleton’s Paintball Field, Aug. 20, 2015. Marines with 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force took part in several paintball battles as part of Operation Adrenaline Rush.
Whether recently returning from a deployment or going through daily training routines, stress is a regular occurrence for service members. Finding a way to positively cope with it can be challenging.
Operation Adrenaline Rush is a program established by Headquarters Marine Corps and Marine Corps Community Services. It’s designed to prevent boredom and high-risk behavior by Marines and Sailors who have recently returned from a deployment or are dealing with operational stress, said Missy Kemsley, the Operation Adrenaline Rush program manager.
“The idea is to get the adrenaline rush and help relieve some of that stress in positive and healthy ways versus some of the more destructive habits that we see coming back from deployments,” she added.
Some of the activities offered through the program include zip lining, rock climbing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, snowboarding, skiing, go-kart racing and surfing.
“We do give priority to units coming back from deployment, but all active duty military aboard Camp Pendleton are eligible,” said Kemsley.
She explained that each unit is eligible to participate in one activity per fiscal year and the program covers the entire cost associated with event participation, excluding the cost of food.
“I think the most important thing about this is how we come together as a unit and just have fun while building camaraderie,” said Lance Cpl. Asen Poole, a motor transport operator with 1st TSB, Company A. “It’s great to have a day during the week where you can just put stress aside and focus on getting to know the people in your unit on a different level.”
Operation Adrenaline Rush will continue to enhance combat readiness by ensuring that Marines and Sailors have cohesion within their units and stress relief within their lives.