Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- During basic training, recruits learn to push their bodies to new limits while on their way to earn the title “Marine.”
Recruits of Company E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, endured a 5.7 mile sustainment hike with a combat load of 60 pounds in a pack, a helmet and their rifle aboard the depot, Feb. 15.
The sustainment hike helps recruits get accustomed to some of the demands of the Crucible, a 54-hour field-training exercise, such as long hikes and carrying a combat load. The hike helps recruits build their endurance, stamina and ability to carry a heavy load for long distances.
“It’s important that the recruits are mentally and physically prepared before going into the Crucible,” said Staff Sgt. Alfredo M. Tuviano, drill instructor, Platoon 2115. “This hike gives them a feel for what it will be like carrying a full combat load everywhere you go.”
Recruits get use to drill and only carrying a weapon, but the sustainment hike builds them back up to carrying heavier loads for long distances, explained 33-year-old Tuviano, a San Diego native.
Recruits received field training by personal of Weapons and Field Training Battalion, at Edson Range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during the 2nd phase of recruit training. While in second, phase recruits hiked 5-8 mile hikes, learned land navigation and marksmanship skills along with several other field training exercises.
“During deployments or in a combat situation we’ll be carrying a combat load, so it’s important for us to train as so,” said Recruit Keadrick D. Trotter. “Marines are known for pushing through fatigue, it’s how we train, to build endurance by pressing forward.”
During the hike, drill instructors called cadences during the hike and recruits repeated the commands. Cadences is a traditional call in the military that is used during running or marking formations to boost the moral and spirit of a unit, such as “AT&T reach out and touch somebody,” which a cadence to keep recruits tight together.
Cadence helped motivate us through the hike, explained 21-year-old Trotter, a Little Rock, Ark. native.
Approximately half way through the hike, recruits were instructed to take a rest and hydrate. During the break, recruits were given the option to change socks to avoid blisters if needed.
Throughout the Crucible, recruits of Co. E will hike more than 40-miles going from event-to-event at Edson Range. The last portion of the Crucible will be a 9-mile hike up a steep hill called Reaper. Once recruits reach the top, they will be ordered into a formation where they will then receive their earned eagle, globe and anchor and along with the title “Marine.”