The crucible Day 3 is the last day to call them recruits and here is what it consists of;

 

Day 3

Reveille (3 am)

Nine-mile hike (4 am - 7 am)

Recruits conduct a nine-mile hike from the Crucible site back to the battalion.

Eagle Globe and Anchor Ceremony (7:30-8:00)

New Marines will receive an Eagle Globe and Anchor from their Drill Instructor marking their transition from a recruit to a Marine.

Warrior's Breakfast

The new Marines are treated to a breakfast fit for only true warriors. It consists of all-you-can-eat steak, eggs and potatoes

Word has come down, he is no longer a poolee, he is no longer a recruit....he IS a United States MARINE!!!!!

All the hard work, all of the whining, crying, pain, exhaustion, sweat (and that's just from me) has paid off.  All of the recruits have worked hard and followed in the footsteps of those Marines that have come before.  We've been waiting for some time to change the flag on the front of the house and now, we've made that change.

 



Thanks for the prayers, the letters and the thoughts.  It's been a tough transition from having him living under our roof to watching him leave....we're looking forward to seeing the young man that Warren has become. 

Here's the list of events for the Crucible Day #2 (what they have been doing today).  They are just about to the Night Event now, don't forget that right now they have had a grand total of 4 hours worth of sleep since Thursday morning at 2:00am. 

Day 2

Reveille (4 am)

Events 4-6 (5:30 am - 6:30 pm)

Event 4 – Battle of Fallujah A one-hour event in which teams resupply water, ammunition and MREs through the Combat Assault Course.

Following the completion of the Battle of Fallujah, recruits negotiate a bayonet assault course and the warrior stations below:

Perez's Passage Teams cross a “contaminated area” by swinging on ropes from “safe spot” to “safe spot.”

Kraft's Struggle Teams climb a 10-foot wall and climb down the opposite side by a knotted rope.

John Quick Trail (Navigation Station) Basic map reading and grid coordinate plotting will be reviewed and evaluated.

Core Values Station Recruits sit inside a hut and receive information on a particular core value from their drill instructor

Event 5 – Battle of Mariana Islands Combat Endurance Course Teams have two hours to complete five events of a modified Confidence Course.

The Sky Scraper The team retrieves a “wounded” dummy from the top of an 18-foot tower.

Stairway to Heaven Team members move two ammunition cans over the top of a 36-foot ladder obstacle.

Two-Line Bridge Team members cross two 52-foot long ropes with their hands and feet suspended two feet and 10 feet off the ground as they carry ammunition cans and water re-supply cans.

The Weaver Team members climb over and under 24 logs, 42 feet in length ascending to 14 feet as they carry ammunition and water re-supply cans.

In addition to the Enhanced Confidence Course, teams go through a Combat Endurance Course. Combat Endurance Course- Teams conduct a simulated patrol, negotiate the obstacles and report the number and types of obstacles to intelligence sources.

Event 6 – Battle of Khe Sanh (Unknown Distance Firing) Teams of four fire two magazines of five rounds each from simulated building structures at unknown distance targets in a time limit of 70 seconds. The number of targets hit and number of unused ammunition is then recorded.

Following Day's Defense, team members participate in a 250-meter casualty evacuation where members remove simulated casualties from a simulated danger area consisting of artillery simulators.

Night Event (8 pm - 11 pm)- Night Infiltration Course Teams re-supply water, ammunition and MREs at night in a simulated combat environment. The teams take their ammunition cans, water cans and simulated MREs through the Combat Assault Course with the added obstacle of darkness.

Sleep (midnight - 4 am)

So the crucible began this morning at 0200 (that's 2:00 am for us civilians).  Here is what the crucible is.

The Crucible is a test every recruit must go through to become a Marine. It tests every recruit physically, mentally and morally and is the defining experience of recruit training.  The Crucible takes place over 54-hours and includes food and sleep deprivation and over 45 miles of marching. The Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together to solve problems, overcome obstacles, and help each other along the way.  The obstacles they face include long marches, combat assault courses, the leadership reaction course, and the team-building warrior stations.  Each Warrior Station is named for a Marine hero whose actions epitomize the values the USMC wants recruits to adopt.

Bottom line -- The Crucible is a rite of passage that, through shared sacrifice, recruits will never forget. With that memory and their core values learned in recruit training, they can draw upon the experience to face any challenge in their path.

We have a class that are to begin the Crucible, that 54 Hour Test that Defines a Marine. As they march into those woods, it is up to each of us, To Light a Candle, for it is the single flame within the night that defeats doubt, conquers concern, and brings them back to us....as Marines. During these Next 2 Nights, remember our people, 3rd Bat. Mike Co. and Extra Steppers, Graduation 9/12/2014, Parris Island…

 

And yes, we have lit our crucible candle and will keep it burning until Saturday when the crucible ends and the recruits become Marines.  The banner on the candle is "Earning the Title", For those who understand, no explanation is necessary.  For those who don't understand, no explanation is possible.

The crucible begins tomorrow morning at the wee hour of 2 am.  The crucible is the final test for the recruits.  Please say a quick prayer for their safety as they embark on their final challenge.  What's the crucible?  Keep reading to find out the schedule for Thursday

 

Day 1

Reveille (2 am)

Night movement (3 am)

Recruits conduct a 6-mile hike to the Crucible site.

Events 1-3 (5: 30 am - 6:30 pm)

Event 1 – Battle of Hue City

A one-hour event in which the teams resupply water, ammunition and MREs through a course which consists of trenches, wire fences and walls.

After the resupply course, teams negotiate the warrior stations below:

Pfc Jenkins Pinnacle

Teams cross two horizontal cable-supported logs.

Pfc Garcia's Engagement

Individuals demonstrate their knowledge of hand-to-hand combat skills, and then participate in a warrior case study of Pfc. Garcia.

Lehew's Challenge

Teams of two climb over an eight-foot high horizontal log.

Corbin's Convoy

Teams react to a simulated IED while on patrol.

Event 2 – Battle of Belleau Wood: Pugil Sticks/Body Sparring

Leadership Reaction Course

A three-hour event in which the teams perform six reaction course problems which test their ability to work as a team to solve problems.

Some of the problems include:

Using three wooden boards to cross a number of stumps without touching the ground.

Negotiating a water hole using the same wooden board concept to get from point A to point B.

Transporting a large container over a wall using the limited resources available.

Once completing the events, the teams of two face off in a pugil stick bout.

Event 3 – Core Event and Warrior Stations

A one-hour event which can hold a maximum of six teams working concurrently.

Noonan's Casualty Evacuation

The team will recover a downed pilot and another recruit “shot” by a sniper and transport them over a mile of wooded terrain.

Enhanced Obstacle Course

the recruits carry a dummy casualty on a stretcher and ammunition cans from one end of a standard Marine Corps obstacle course to the other, going over all obstacles.

Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) Strikes Station -

Recruits are required to demonstrate and conduct five-minute MCMAP strikes.

Core Values Station

Recruits sit inside a hut and receive information on a particular core value from their drill instructor.

Night Event (8 pm - 11 pm) - Five-mile night hike with a time limit of three hours. 

Sleep (midnight - 4 am)

This week will probably have the most posts just due to the amount of information available on every step this week.  This is the week when it all comes together as they take all of the "finals" needed in order to graduate. 


T60 Today is the FINAL PFT and the WRITTEN EXAM, both requirements to graduate.
The minimum passing standards which will be enforced on the final PFT are listed below.

Male Recruits:
3 Pull ups
50 Crunches in two minutes
3.0 mile run in 28:00 or less

Female Recruits:
15 second Flexed-arm Hang.
50 Crunches in two minutes
3.0 miles run in 31:00 or less
 
They will also begin the Pre-Crucible medical exams and will be evaluated by the DIs and the “Docs”.

I don't see any issue with the PFT or the Written Exam.  Warren's Mom can run 3 miles in 28 minutes, so if he can't after all of the physical training he is in trouble.  The pullups and crunches should be no problem either.  They do get certificates for high scores (285+) in the PFT so they all push to go well beyond the minimum score, which is what we indicated to Warren in the support letters he should've received within the last week.  "Push yourself to a personal best" is the message we sent.  They do get some time to recoup so they can push it and expect to be sore but as we know "Pain is weakness leaving the body".  Here is the chart for points (300 is perfect score).

Marine Corps PFTs are scored the following way for males:

• Pull-ups: Each complete pull-up is worth 5 points up to a maximum of 100 points (20 pull-ups). Additional pull-ups beyond 20 are not counted and do not add to the score.
• Crunches: Each completed crunch is worth 1 point up to a maximum of 100 points. Any crunches completed after the two-minute time limit are not counted and do not add to the score.
• Three mile run: A perfect score of 100 points is achieved by completing the run in less than 18 minutes. One point is deducted from the score for each additional ten seconds that it takes to complete the run. Completing the run in less than 18 minutes does not add to the score.

Marine Corps PFTs are scored the following way for females:

• Flex-arm hang: The maximum score of 100 points is achieved when the recruit maintains the flex-arm hang for 70 seconds. The clock is stopped when the recruit drops off the bar or the arms become fully extended. The chin at no time is allowed to touch the bar. The score is calculated by subtracting the actual hang time in seconds from the maximum hang time (70 seconds) and deducting two points for each second of difference. It is important to note, however, that the flex-arm hang will no longer be a part of the Marine Corps PFT as of January 1, 2014 (see ALMAR 046/12).
• Crunches: Each completed crunch is worth 1 point up to a maximum of 100 points. Any crunches completed after the two-minute time limit are not counted and do not add to the score. (Note: This is the only event that is scored identically to the male event.)
• Three mile run: A perfect score of 100 points is achieved by completing the run in less than 21 minutes. One point is deducted from the score for each additional ten seconds that it takes to complete the run. Completing the run in less than 21 minutes does not add to the score.

Minimum Fitness Requirments for Each PFT Event - Males
Age	Pull-Ups	Crunches	3-Mile Run
17-26	3	50	28:00
27-39	3	45	29:00
40-45	3	45	30:00
46+	3	40	33:00

Marine Corps PFT Classification Scores - Male and Female
Class	Age 17-26	Age 27-39	Age 40-45	Age 46+
1st	225	200	175	150
2nd	175	150	125	100
3rd	135	110	88	65

What does it really matter in the "real world" what they score on the PFT (meaning why don't they just get the minimum qualification for each rather than pushing hard)?  There are probably several answers with #1 being, they are recruits that have chosen the Marines so why would they settle (there is a pride factor here) and this score does play a factor in promotions (believe it or not), here is how is plays that role;

Physical Fitness Test Scores to Promotion Point Conversion Chart
Male/Female Ages 17-26		Male/Female Ages 27 and above
PT Score	Promotion Points	PT Score	Promotion Points
280-300	5.0	280-300	5.0
270-279	4.9	270-279	4.9
260-269	4.8	260-269	4.8
250-259	4.7	250-259	4.7
240-249	4.6	240-249	4.6
225-239	4.5	225-239	4.5
215-224	4.4	215-224	4.4
205-214	4.3	205-214	4.3
195-204	4.2	200-204	4.2
185-194	4.1	195-199	4.1
175-184	4.0	185-194	4.0
170-174	3.9	175-184	3.9
160-169	3.8	170-174	3.8
150-159	3.7	160-169	3.7
140-149	3.6	150-159	3.6
135-139	3.5	140-149	3.5
0-134	0	135-139	3.4
		110-134	3.0
		0-109	0

As far as the written test, it includes:

• Core values and ethics
• First Aid
• Military History
• Customs and Courtesies
• Marine Corps Uniforms
• Leadership
• Marine Corps Policy and Organization
• BWT (Basic Warrior Training) subjects like land navigation and hand and arm signals
• Marksmanship

I would imagine that this information has been drilled into their psyches by now so I don't expect this to be new.  Some "kids" have more trouble with taking tests but I still think that this should be relatively easy for them all to get beyond.

Keep the recruits in mind when walking around in AC comfort as the recruits battle not only the physical & mental challenges but also the heat & humidity at Parris Island.  We ask you to say a quick prayer for their safety as they look to take that final step towards the EGA.

This is the final week of training for Warren, Logan and the recruits for Mighty Mike, Platoon 3064 but it will be very challenging for them all. Please keep them in your prayers this week as they will need them.

 

Training Week 11 **Final PFT & Testing, Crucible**

This schedule is of course subject to change based on weather, holidays and the needs of the company.

 

TD60 MondayToday is a BIG day! There are two of the graduation requirements today!!!

- Final PFT is first thing in the morning.
- 171 question written test, the 171 question test is combined with the practical application part (which is Tuesday) to make one score -- a recruit must pass both parts as a graduation requirement. They get 2 hours to complete it, but it is multiple choice and they have been going over the information since they got to Parris Island.  It will include questions on general military knowledge (like what time is morning colors on base and What color DOD sticker do you salute), first aid (like how to treat a wound or how to cover a chest wound), and also basic Marine Corps History (like who are the only two Marines to win two Marine Corps Medal of Honors and where did the battle of Belleau Wood take place)

Drivers Safety Course
Pre Crucible Screening

 

TD61 Tuesday
- PLATOON PHOTO
a haircut
Pre Crucible Appt.

 

TD62 Wednesday
I know you don't really need me to reiterate that today is:
FINAL DRILL
Then the rest of the day will be fairly easy to help them for the crucible... they will have several classes on mentoring, leave and liberty as well as some Corps Values classes.

 

TD63 Thursday
1 week from Family Day!
It is finally time for the big challenge that we have all been waiting for while biting our nails for the last 11 weeks....this is the official USMC headquarters definition:

The culmination of recruit training is the Crucible, an intense field training exercise designed to build unit cohesion, reinforce core values, and complete the transformation from recruit to Marine. The Crucible is the defining moment of the recruit training experience. As a right of passage, the 45 Concepts and Issues Crucible is a 54-hour ordeal that tests the mettle of every recruit (and DI). The physical and mental challenges are intensified by sleep and food deprivation.

The Crucible focuses on six major field events and is augmented by eleven challenging Warrior Stations. Throughout this rapid paced exercise, emphasis is placed on the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity and adaptive problem solving. The teams of recruits, under the leadership of their drill instructor, succeed as a team. The experience pushes recruits to their limits and is a poignant culmination to the transformation process.

A more detailed schedule of what they do during the crucible will be posted a little later on in the week, but here is an overview: during this time they will be given 4 MRE's and about 8 hours of sleep total (about 4 each night). They will march about 40 miles total in humps and between different stations carrying their packs and rifles. They began this "test" at 2AM (EST) Thursday morning after getting up at 1AM to get ready.

 

TD64 Friday
Crucible Continues!
Well, according to my not always correct calculations, by the time most of you wake up (if you slept at all that is)... they will be on the DOWNHILL SLIDE!!!!

TD65 Saturday

The company of recruits, DIs , corpsman, and officers should complete the last of their march back to Battalion. This is an incredibly emotional time for them (yes even for the guys! ) They realize that really the rest of boot camp is just a walk in the park. They will be issued their emblems (EGA) by their drill instructors in a private and memorable ceremony an are now officially recognized as basically trained Marines for the first time.

Then it is time for them to take part in the Warrior's Breakfast! Bacon, eggs, sausage, ham, grits, oatmeal, pancakes, steak, french toast, hashbrowns, fruit, milk, juice and even pop for the first time since arrival on island.

In the afternoon they will begin cleaning up their equipment from the crucible and preparing it to get turned in. They will then finally get to go to bed after their regular square away time later in the evening. I am sure basic Marines and DI's, corpsman, and officers alike will have no problem falling asleep tonight.

 

S11 Sunday -

 It's LIBERTY SUNDAY the day for the new Marines get to strut their stuff and eat whatever they want! They also have to go to the exchange and buy ribbons, watches (don't want to be late !) and phone cards. Yes PHONE cards, the new Marines can call home - lines are long but you all get a call. If not family day is right around the corner and that means
Liberty is from 1 PM - 4 PM if your still reading they also get to practice for graduation

Today we have received another set of letters from our recruit.  One was the graduation invite, the second was his longest letter he have sent to us.  I'll transcribe the letter so you can read what he has to say.

 

Sunday

Qualified with a 250 Marksman.

 

I don't know any of his teachers [speaking of Jacob's letter to him telling him his WHS class schedule and teachers].  MREs suck but aren't bad [Editor's note :  WHAT!?!?].  We were in a very hot hut [last week].  It was fun.

 

BWT did infantry things.  Night/Day movement was fun, very real.  Land nav Day/Night harder than you think but fun.  Many bruises and scrapes.  PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY.

 

Starting to taste the title, 2nd to last Sunday.  Table 2 [rifle qualification] went well.

 

I have a 200 minute phone card but it can be used for a long time,  Is Mom upgrading to the 6 that comes out in a week & half?  Let me know who is coming to graduation.

 

Tell everyone to send the last letter this Sunday.  No letters Crucible Week or Marine Week.  Do let everyone know that.  [EDITOR'S NOTE:  Send your last letters this week!!!  No whining, no complaining, just do it!].  Get their last wishes and what nots out.

 

Tomorrow is DRESS BLUE FITTING...AWESOME time.  Also, final testing is on Saturday.  Final CFT [Combat Fitness Test] Tuesday, Final PFT [Physical Fitness Test] Saturday.  Final pay on like Wednesday or Thursday.  Busy week.  Practicing Drill, Practical App (medical things) and practice testing.  Hope Jacob has a good week at school.

 

You guys probably won't notice me on Family Day or Wednesday walking around.  4th Squad - 8th Family.

 

Do not expect phone calls on Sunday [Editor's note: Sunday, after Crucible, he gets liberty for a few hours so we sent him a calling card so he can call home or whomever he pleases.  I guess he is telling us we won't be getting that call, which is okay].

 

Only 5 more tests to go until the Final Test and the BT Commander's Inspection.  This is the end of this letter [Editor's note:  Good to know].  I sent one out earlier about Family Day that Wednesday and graduation.  Make sure all rules are followed and you have everything.  Now church time so I have to go.  You'll get one last letter next Sunday.

 

Love,

 

Warren Dudley

 

PS.  We dropped one more RCT yesterday.  He is going home because he quit on Day Movement Course. 

 

Of course we were very happy to get a letter to update us on what is happening.  It won't be long now as he counts down to graduation.  Don't forget to send those final letters with the words of encouragement as they head into the crucible.