Camp Pendleton -- Communication in a combat environment is crucial to mission accomplishment and could be a determining factor in the life of a Marine, especially when the environment is chaotic.
During the Crucible, a 54-hour field training exercise, recruits of Company C, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, were required to use communication skills that were instilled in them throughout training to work together and complete any mission at hand.
Recruits put their skills to use during Copeland’s Assault Course, a simulated combat environment with obstacles such as tunnels, walls, barbed wire and trenches.
“The purpose of (Copeland’s Assault Course) is to maneuver through the course with your fire team, while practicing communication skills,” explained Staff Sgt. Cody Romriell, drill instructor, Platoon 1054, Co. C, 1st RTBn. “It also teaches them how to stay focused through the fog of war.”
The fog of war is a term used by service members to describe the uncertainty in situational awareness experienced by an individual in a war zone. From bombs bursting to bullets flying over head, one could easily lose focus.
Sounds of simulated gun fire and explosions replaced what was once silence. The recruits ran the course in teams of four and began to maneuver their way through the obstacles, while using verbal and hand commands to communicate with each member of their team.
As one recruit moved forward, others would provide security and maintain situational awareness.
“I feel the course teaches us about staying focused on the objective, being aware of your surroundings and keeping a good combat mindset through all of it,” said Pfc. Walter Fraziar, Plt. 1054, Co. C, 1st RTBn.
Fraziar, a 22-year-old Chicago native, explained that with all the noise and smoke, it was difficult to stay loud while communicating with the other members of the fire team.
“It’s hard when you’re running around and you’re out of breath,” said Fraziar. “But it’s part of the mission. My main concern was making sure everybody else was cool as we went through the course.”
While the course introduces recruits to communicating and maneuvering in a chaotic combat environment, it also allows them to understand the importance of teamwork and staying together.
“You’ll see (recruits) work together and push each other along so they can get through each event,” said Romriell, a 27-year-old Inkom, Idaho native. “That’s one purpose of the Crucible and (teamwork) is something (of which) I always stress the importance.”
Completing the assault course allowed Co. C to move on to other teambuilding events of the Crucible. The final challenge of the Crucible was the 10-mile Reaper Hike, where Co. C earned their Eagle, Globe and Anchors and the title Marine.
With the communication skills and teamwork instilled in them during training, the new Marines of Co. C can confidently display these traits throughout their Marine Corps career.