Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- The United States Marine Corps is viewed by some as one of the fiercest fighting forces in the country. Intense mental and physical training occurs at recruit training that instills aggression, discipline, and proficiency in order to complete the mission. All of this starts at recruit training through various training events, where recruits are taught techniques and expected to execute them with basic understanding. Pugil sticks is a training event that gives recruits the opportunity to apply what they have learned by sparring with other recruits.
Recruits of Company L, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, practiced Marine Corps Martial Arts Program maneuvers and then battled each other during the Pugil Sticks II event aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 23.
Pugil sticks II is a training event that allows recruits to spar with each other with padded sticks. The goal is for a recruit to land a “killing blow” on the opposing recruit that is determined by the drill instructor refereeing the match.
The purpose of these training events is to prepare recruits for hand-to-hand combat. Practicing the techniques they learn in the MCMAP program helps recruits familiarize with proper form. Applying the techniques on an actual opponent helps them adjust and fine tune from the fast paced action.
“We make recruits go through this for the practical application of the basic fundamentals,” said Sgt. Luis A. Arteaga, drill instructor, Platoon 3251, Co. L, 3rd RTBn. “This way recruits will realize how beneficial and important aggression combined with proper techniques is.”
Though the main focus for pugil sticks is for a recruit to apply their MCMAP skills in a simulated real world fight, it also helps with other aspects as well. Pugil sticks can help recruits develop their aggression, discipline, and sportsmanship.
“Pugil sticks is a great way to relieve stress and blow off steam; you can take all of that aggression you have built up inside out on another recruit,” said Recruit Marwiljo D. Caballero, Plt. 3253, Co. L, 3rd RTBn. “At the same time it helps us develop the discipline to stop when the whistle blows and the sportsmanship/team bonding where later we can tell stories and laugh to each other about the battles that took place.”
Every aspect of recruit training holds critical elements recruits need to learn and carry on through their career as a Marine. They may be called upon to utilize their skills to live up to the reputation seen by some. The end game can be read throughout all of the United States Marine Corps history.
“We’re Marines and Marines win fights,” said Arteaga. “In order to continue to do so we need to utilize the basics of our training that start here at recruit training.”