MCT is nearly complete, graduation is on Tuesday.  We have heard from Warren as his phone has been returned to him.  We spoke with him last night (Sat) and again today.  Something we learned, he has gained 10.8 lbs.  I say it again, he gained nearly 11 lbs at MCT.  Just to give a quick review of Warren's body mass since leaving for boot camp.

Pre-boot camp:
148.4 lbs
11.4% body fat

After boot camp:
144.8 lbs
4.6% body fat

After MCT:
155.6 lbs
DNK % body fat

 

So if you want to lose some of those unwanted pounds over the holidays, I would not recommend a strict dietary menu consisting of MREs.  Perhaps you can't see it in the photo but the tag line for the MRE "Warefighter Recommended, Warfighter Tested, Warfighter Approved".  MREs have come a long way over the years and now they obviously contain a lot of nutrients and may even taste "good" (of course sometimes the level of hunger increases the flavor of the meal).

 

We are still waiting on final word on orders to see where he gets to go for MOS school.  He suspects he is going to Camp Johnson but we need to see that on paper before we know for sure.

 

A couple of other notes from Warren;

-  He enjoyed MCT, he got to do a lot of live firing of weapons but his favorite was the grenade launcher (M203?).  He knows he isn't a great shot with the rifle but he said he was really good with the grenade launcher.  He said he could be a sniper with that.

-  They trained with female Marines, which motivated him since he could not fall out in front of the "girls".  The young female Marines were given no quarter and were treated no differently than the males.  No special treatment, as it should be.

-  He got 11 hours of sleep Sat night (versus the 6 hours for the past 5 weeks)

-  He sounded really good and is ready to get to MOS school.

As you know, Warren has been at MCT for several weeks and has one week remaining, graduates next Tuesday.  Last night we got a quick phone call from Warren, Tammy was at BSWA when she got the call.  She quickly moved to a place where she could talk to our Marine.  After talking to his mom, he called me and we spoke for a few minutes and then he called Hannah to talk to her for a few minutes.  Here is what we learned;

• He is doing fine.  He sounded really good and was in good spirits, it sounded like he was having a really good time.
• He has more free time than we have been told they would have (but he using the time wisely).
• He got a lot of time to get more live firing but this time he was able to add in throwing live grenades and firing a grenade launcher.  He told me the name of the weapon but I don't remember what it was, I just remember him saying it was cool.
• He still doesn't know where he is going when this is over but he will know Thursday or Friday this week.
• This week is the BSRE test which is the "Crucible on Crack", see the previous posts for more information on what is involved.  He sounded ready for this test.
• Phone service sucks at Camp Devil Dog, there was a lot of breaking up and can you hear me now moments.

 

A special note to the "Mothers of America" (as termed by Warren).  We saw a post on Facebook this morning where a Marine's mother was concerned about her son only getting MREs to eat.  This message comes from our Marine...."Moms of America, you make life more difficult with your meddling."  He had examples from boot camp where MOAs stepped in and despite their best intentions to help, they made a mess of things (and the recruits paid the price for the meddling).  Remember, these young men and women chose to be Marines.  Therefore, we must accept that and let them be who they are (which may not be what you think it should be).  Step back MOAs (and FOAs), the Marines are not going to change for you and you should be grateful for that.  It's not easy to let go but it's time to do so.  The Marines understand how to develop Marines, let it happen and everyone benefits (especially your Marine).

Here is an article on what is done during BSRE at MCT.

BSRE pushes Marines to the limit

 JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - During MCT, Marines spend 29 training days learning valuable combat skills including the care, assembly and proper firing techniques of several weapons systems, constructing of fighting positions, and hikes with weighted packs to promote physical fitness.

Of the many pressures in life, there is one that Marines face on a daily basis. The pressure to perform, or to execute a plan exactly as specified is a prospect that most Marines use to drive them toward success.

Marine Combat Training is no exception when it comes to pushing Marines to their limits.

During MCT, Marines spend 29 training days learning valuable combat skills including the care, assembly and proper firing techniques of several weapons systems, constructing of fighting positions, and hikes with weighted packs to promote physical fitness.

The Battle Skills Readiness Exercise is a three-day training exercise that allows junior Marines going through MCT to apply the skills they learned during the training cycle.

“The BSRE has been physically challenging,” said Pvt. Dylan Donze during the BSRE for Company K, School of Infantry East. “We went out on a patrol and it was exciting to apply the skills we learned during training in a (simulated) combat environment.”

During the BSRE, the Marines are required to dig fighting positions, conduct patrols, engage simulated enemy targets, and provide security for the camp.

Although simulated, the Marines receive a small insight into the world they may soon be living in once they reach the operating forces.  One huge factor in the successful simulation of combat is the combat instructor. These Marines operate with a squad leader mentality, providing a warrior-leader role for the students to emulate.

“We get out there and do the exact same things they are,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Newman, combat instructor for Co. K. “We get right down there with them so they know what they need to be working toward.”

The way the Marine Corps operates, a Marine may deploy anywhere in the world at any time. MCT Marines might deploy right out of their military occupational specialty schools. The BSRE allows for them to gain some experience so they have a basic understanding of combat operations.

“My role during the BSRE is pretty rewarding,” said Newman. “When the Marines perform to the best of their abilities and need little to no guidance, then I know the training they received during MCT was complementary to the higher standard that combat instructors hold themselves to.”

 

Warren is at MCT, so what exactly is done during Marine Combat Training?  Well, here is a brief explanation that I copied from the a post on the Marine Family Network.

 

A Platoon is basically a 4 to 1 ratio of men and women Marines. They are barracked seperately, but they will train together and are in the field together.

Week One: Classes and Practical Applications.  Learn in the morning, practice in the afternoon. Gear. From Radios to Assault Pack, ILBE, Poncho, Essentially everything you see them wear or carry in that great huge "BackPack" you see Marines wear in photos and film.

 

Week Two: Classes and Practical Applications: Maneuvers and Tactics, such as sweeps, IED recognition, securing perimeters, patrol and positioning, and of course the proper construction of your “fighting hole”etc.

 

Week Three: Range and BSRE (Basic Skills Retention Exercise). One full week in the field (Some call "Hell Week") where what you carry in is what you have available to use.  You will hike about 10 miles up to what was called “Camp Devil Dog” a set of metal “Huts” where there are no showers, AC or much of anything. Not supposed to be. Keeps the water off your head, just as tents used to.  Your hygeine is in your canteen, or rain and a clever tip up of your Kevlar (helmet) to capture it for later use. And your undergear is your undergear….

The First two days you will take the 3 or so mile hike from Camp to the Range with assault pack, and all that is required, including your rifle. You will learn and use several more advanced weapon systems then your rifle. You get to stand in line until you get your 20-30 seconds to live fire these weapons , then sit on your pack until time to roll. Early in line means less standing and more sitting. Then hike back and repeat the second day.

The second part of the week consists of BSRE, where, you will be split into squads with combat instructors and engage in the advanced tactics and maneuvers, such as squad sweeps, enemy encounters, ambush, night attack, map-reading, night navigation, etc. that you have learned and are being tested on. These last three days are likened by some to a “Crucible” on Steroids. It is virtually non-stop and a set of battle field scenarios and simulations that can and will come at you at ANY time, and from ANY where, just as it would “in-country”.   And be prepared to clean your rifles quickly, effectively, and repetitively because the blank rounds fired are many and the powder makes a mess of your weapon. And as we know, our rifle is our best friend and we will keep it clean at all times.  Also, during this time, Night Watch is still on-going, but now more like 4-6 hours when tagged. And of course, MRE's are the only meals available and often trades or bartering is done.

Upon completion of BSRE, you will gather and hike back the 10 or so miles to Barracks. This hike, however, is not filed with the “Jazz” of a graduation and an EGA. The reward for this one is because you have survived the exercise and there’s clean underwear and a shower at the end of the day. That is all.

So writing? They might have 5 hours all month to themselves and they Better have their "stuff" ready, at any time (and there's a lot more "stuff"). No doubt.

Phones? Depends on the SDI/DI's, but they are all chunked in a box at pick-up and they might see them again after Week Three if outstanding performance of the Platoon, or likely the weekend before graduation.

 

Final Week is the final written test or PRAT, and admin (gear return, orders, policing area, preparing for graduation).

 

So as you can tell from this, it is not boot camp but it is still a very large challenge to be overcome.  The stress of a DI yelling at you is replaced by the stress of being out in the field constantly and getting the feel of a battle scenario.  It will test these young men and women yet again.  Please continue to pray for their safety as they complete week two and roll into "Hell Week".