| As the group of young men and women marched in | | | | physically for the rigors of training. |
| perfect formation their combat boots barely made a | | | | The minimum requirements for female recruits are: 12 |
| sound. Their backs ramrod straight and their faces a | | | | second Flexed-arm hang, |
| mask of calm, they executed each movement with | | | | 44 Crunches and 15:00 timed 1.5-mile run. |
| exacting precision. They had survived 13 weeks of | | | | The minimum requirements for male recruits are: 2 Pull |
| grueling training to become the few, the proud, the | | | | ups, 44 Crunches and a |
| Marines. | | | | 13:30 timed 1.5 mile run |
| We have all heard tales about boot camp but what | | | | Each day of training Marines are treated to the "daily |
| does it really take to become a US Marine? Why are | | | | seven" - side straddles, hops, bends & thrusts, |
| they few and proud? As you watch them marching, | | | | rowing exercise, side benders, leg lifts, toe touches, |
| slim and trim in their perfectly pressed uniforms, it's | | | | trunk twisters, push-ups, bend and reach, body twists, |
| easy to believe that each showed up at training camp | | | | and squat benders up to 15 reps each, for up to three |
| in perfect condition. Good physical condition is a far cry | | | | sets of each. Recruits will also endure obstacle |
| from Marine fit. Thirteen weeks of intense training has | | | | courses, circuit courses and 3, 6 and 10 mile |
| taken them to a level few will ever experience. Over | | | | conditioning marches. |
| the course of training many recruits lose 50 to 100 | | | | At the end of 13 weeks, recruits must be able to swim |
| pounds. Before you cancel your gym membership and | | | | and pass a final Physical Fitness Test which consists |
| run to enlist, read on to find out what they really | | | | of a 3 mile run, 100 crunches, and 20 pull-ups (males) |
| endure for 13 weeks. | | | | 70 second flex arm hang (females). Recruits must |
| At the end of their training period, Marines must pass | | | | pass this PFT in order to continue to the Crucible. The |
| one last final challenge known as "The Crucible." The | | | | PFT typically takes place one day before The |
| dictionary defines crucible as "a severe, searching test | | | | Crucible. |
| or trial." The Crucible can be thought of as the final | | | | Without a doubt to become a Marine you really have |
| exam and it pushes recruits beyond their limits to see if | | | | to prove yourself physically and mentally. But for the |
| they are mentally and physically tough enough to | | | | mere mortal among us we can take some tips and |
| withstand what it takes to be a member of this elite | | | | inspiration from these fighting men and women. |
| branch of the service. | | | | Keep challenging yourself. You will be amazed at what |
| The Crucible takes place over 54 hours and includes | | | | your body is capable of doing. If you normally run a |
| food and sleep deprivation and over 45 miles of | | | | couple of miles on the treadmill, pump up the intensity |
| marching. Teams of recruits are tested physically, | | | | or add a few more minutes. |
| mentally and morally as they work together to solve | | | | Mental toughness is important. Marines must face the |
| problems, overcome obstacles and help each other | | | | biggest physical challenge when food and sleep |
| through the challenges of this two day event. The | | | | deprived. The Crucible course tests their body and |
| obstacles they face range from long marches, combat | | | | their mind but mental toughness will push you on when |
| assault courses, a leadership reaction course, and | | | | your body says "no more!" Work out a mantra for |
| team-building warrior stations. | | | | yourself that keeps you charged when you're starting |
| But before they reach The Crucible they must survive | | | | to fatigue. |
| training. Recruits must pass the Initial Strength Test | | | | Get a Platoon. Marines are not alone on the Crucible |
| before they go on to phase I training. Recruits who do | | | | Course. In fact the course requires teamwork in order |
| not pass are assigned to a special platoon (Physical | | | | to pass. Take a class or work out with a friend to |
| Conditioning Platoon - PCP) where they are given | | | | stay motivated and push yourself just a little harder. |
| individual attention and exercises to help prepare them | | | | |