Warren to Marine

This is Week #7, past the halfway point through boot camp and Firing Week.  Here's what platoon 3064 is up to this week.


TD36 Monday
This morning, they will learn how to operate the pits (where the targets are behind the berm). They all have to take turns in running the targets up and down. No, they are not in the 21st century yet, it is all manual labor.... Then they will finally get to start firing. They will run the entire course of fire (called the Known Distance course or the KD course for short).

KD course:
200 yd line
20 mins for 5 rounds in sitting, 5 rounds in kneeling, & 5 rounds in standing
1 min for 10 rounds (5 in each magazine) in sitting
300 yd line
5 min for 5 rounds in sitting
1 min for 10 rounds (5 in each magazine) in prone (on belly)
500 yd line
10 min for 10 rounds in prone

It can take a lot longer than the 37 min above.... the Platoons are divided into relays probably 6 (three relays shoot the entire KD range and the other three relays are in the pits running the targets....then they switch). Plus you have to figure in the walking time between the yd lines.... The rifle range is not a quick process.

Later in the afternoon, of course some snap in time or drill practice time.

TD37 TuesdayToday the recruits will be doing more of the same... shooting that rifle!!!!!!! --

After firing they will have a little PT: running a 1/4 mi sprint and also do those combat conditioning exercises in a circuit six times.

TD38 Wednesday
Today is Hump Day!!!! YIPPEE!!!
I told you this weeks posts would be BORING!!!
Today the recruits will be doing more of the same...shooting that rifle!!!!!!! --

In the afternoon they get to do the obstacle course and a 3 mi run and and of course they will practice snap in and studying in the evening with their PMIs and DIs.

TD39 Thursday
Only 5 weeks until family day!!!!!
This is pre-qual day. Today is soley concentrated on practice for the big day tomorrow.

Complete with practice scoring ... that can be dangerous though, because the good shooters sometimes get cocky and the not so good shooters get discouraged. I have never been so crazy about letting my shooters know what they shot on pre-qual. I hope you guys have been sending lots of encouragement -- it means a great deal to them I know. They should also be getting another haircut and also study some for that big final test that they have coming up as a graduation requirement.

TD40 Friday
Today is the infamous Rifle Qualification Day. Of Course!

After time spent on the range yesterday they spent time with the PMI's to ensure that they are ready for today -- which of course we all KNOW they are! Today is a big day because they are on their own on the firing line with just the range officials, the DIs, PMIs and coaches must remain about 20 yds behind them at the benches.

TD41 Saturday
Well, now with the rifle range under their belt, it is all downhill from here. Yippeee!!
Well they are back in their regular squadbays at their Battalions now after the range yesterday so they are "home." They will start off the day with a short 1.5mi run then do some of those combat conditioning exercises, including a 12km Conditioning March, they have come to know so well and then another short 1.5mi run to work on their endurance. Then in the afternoon they will have some classes on leadership and then they all will also get to go the museum! 

This come highly recommend visiting it while you are here. It lays out the history of the Marine Corps approximately decade by decade since 1775. It has some awesome artifacts as well as video footage. The gift shop there is very good as well and has items you can't find anywhere else (including online or elsewhere on base even!).

The deadliest weapon in the world is a MARINE and his rifle! - General Pershing, U.S. Army
"Freedom has a special meaning for those of us who have fought for it, that the protected shall never know" - unknown

S7 Sunday
Chapel / Free time
Core Value Discussions
Today they also learn how to maintain their clothing and equip