Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Two-hundred and thirty-eight years ago, men at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia would sign up to join, what was called at the time, the Continental Marines during the American Revolutionary War; accepting the challenge of a lifetime that few would volunteer for today.
Recruits of Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, accepted and overcame the challenge when they completed the Crucible and earned their eagle, globe, and anchor at Edson Range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 31.
The Crucible is a 54-hour test of endurance in which recruits must conquer more than 30 different obstacles while they experience food and sleep deprivation.
The culminating event of the Crucible is a nine mile hike that includes a hill known as the “Reaper.” Standing at 700-feet, the Reaper alone pushed recruits to their limits to reach the top, but combining their physical fatigue from the Crucible events as well as sleep and food depravation, the Reaper climb was demanding both physically and mentally.
“I was a little anxious when we reached the bottom of the Reaper,” said Sgt. Patrick J. Gartland, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1025. “They were pretty tired, though they’ve been physically trained more than enough up to this point, it became more mental at the bottom.”
Standing at the bottom, Recruit Geraldo Carrillo stared at the Reaper, knowing full well it was what stood between him and his eagle, globe, and anchor.
“In my mind I thought ‘this was the last step, stay positive and push through,’” said Carrillo, a Houston native. “All the aches, pains and soreness would be for nothing if I quit. I’ve come all this way and nothing was going to stop me now.”
Platoon by platoon started up the Reaper and eventually crossed over the top.
“I had relief and pride that the platoon successfully made it to the top,” said Gartland.
At the top, recruits held their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor ceremony, where they would officially earn the title Marine. Drill instructors formed their platoon up and handed out the EGA’s to their new brothers.
“That was a very proud moment for me,” said Gartland. “As a senior drill instructor you have a more personal connection to the recruits. You teach them everything from training day one to now, and, I’m not their father, but I was with them for a big moment in their life.”
After they received their EGA, the new Marines experienced their reward for all of their hard work over recruit training.
“I actually accomplished something both in teamwork and as an individual,” said 25-year-old Carrillo. “I did something and feel proud of myself for it. I also came in here not knowing anybody but am now leaving with a whole new family and brotherhood.”
After the ceremony, drill instructors read Medal of Honor citations that were posted on the hill. It let the new Marines put the pieces together of their training and how they may one day bring it all together in combat.
“The Crucible was tough, with the lack of food and sleep, but the citations made me realize what other Marines in the past have gone through in real life,” said Carrillo. “This was just training for us.”
Co. B was brought back to reality when their first sergeant began his speech.
“I hate to burst your bubble, but this hike isn’t over,” said 1st Sgt. Wesley A. Purnell, company first sergeant.
Purnell reminded the recruits that they still needed to dig deep and find the inner strength to finish the hike. He also explained to Co. B how proud he was of their accomplishments.
“I would proudly sit in any fighting position with you,” said Purnell. “Always remember this day with pride; we’re all one family now.”
With packs strapped on their backs, Co. B hiked back to Edson Range to conclude the Crucible. They would be rewarded with the Warrior’s Breakfast, where Co. B would be allowed to eat as much of the vast assortment of food available to them.
The newly forged United States Marines will continue the legacy started by those in a small tavern. Though missions may change, the heart of the Corps has stayed the same.