San Diego -- Training to become a U.S. Marine is no easy task. During that time must endure many physical and mental hardships. In some cases, one may face them simultaneously. The obstacle course, also known as the O-course, is one example of the challenges recruits must face and overcome in the long road of recruit training.
Recruits of Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, ran through the obstacle course for their second time aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego March 14.
The obstacle course requires recruits to climb over high bars, logs, walls, and with their remaining energy finish with a rope climb. When recruits reach the top of the rope they must slap the wood beam, which the rope is attached to, and scream their name, platoon number and senior drill instructor's name which indicates the completion of the course.
Recruits’ minds and bodies are tested throughout various exercises within the course. Drill instructors help recruits prepare themselves mentally and physically throughout training also right before they attempt the course.
“We have drill instructors go through the course first to show recruits how each obstacle is completed and the fact that it is possible,” said Sgt. Nicholas C. Bohne, drill instructor, Platoon 2162, Co. H, 2nd RTBn. “Afterward, we have recruits run a lap around the course to make sure their bodies are warmed up before attempting the course.”
Everyday training, up to when recruits attempt the course, has helped prepare them to complete it, according to Bohne.
“Drill instructors have helped preparation of the mind through drill and physical fitness activities,” said Recruit Jacob D. Fouts, Plt. 2162, Co. H, 2nd RTBn. “Drill instructors push you to go above the level that you’re already at.”
Recruits are then instructed to get into four lines and attack the obstacle course when it is their turn.
“The first time recruits go through the obstacle course, it is for them to master the obstacles,” said Bohne. “On their second run through the course we make them then attempt the rope climb.”
Some obstacles in the course give recruits more trouble than others. Drill instructors have seen recruits struggle on some of the same obstacles over the years.
“The high log and the rope are always killers for recruits,” said Bohne. “A lot of the obstacles are high up which makes it very tough for the shorter Marines to accomplish.”
Every challenge and obstacle recruits endure while in recruit training is designed with one goal in mind, to turn recruits into basic trained Marines.
“This is one of the few challenges that requires individual effort, and through that, recruits gain confidence in themselves,” said Bohne.
For most recruits, this is one of the first times they have been pushed out of their comfort zone, according to Bohne.
“It’s tough on the physical end as well mentally, where you just want to give up,” said Fouts. “You can’t just kick back and ice your wounds, you have to go on.”
The obstacle course is just another example of the hardships recruits must face and overcome to earn the title and respect. Through blood and sweat recruits continue one day at a time to complete the biggest obstacle and challenge—becoming U.S. Marines.
“It shows you who the real aspiring Marine is to your left and right,” said Fouts. “These are the people you’ll be depending and relying on out in combat.”