The Title Marine is Earned During Boot Camp and the Crucible

The Marine Corps Crucible

The title U.S. Marine is not given, it is earned. A young boy or girl, upon entry into Marine boot camp at MCRD, is called a recruit, not a Marine. Thus the name Marine Corps Recruit Depot. They must earn the title during 13 weeks of rigorous training during boot camp. It is not until the completion of the Crucible the recruits are finally called Marines.

The Crucible is the last test of Marine recruit training and held during Phase Three of training. It is 54-hour test over 45 miles of marching teamwork and leadership. It epitomizes endurance, a brotherhood, and a no man left behind mentality among the warrior.

USMC Keepsake Box – Made a Difference – Ronald Reagan Marine Corps Quote Keepsake Box – Boot camp graduation giftUnited States Marine Corps Crucible Candle for the final boot camp challenge.Marine Corps Christmas Ornament | Military Christmas Ornament | Boot Camp Graduation Gift | Retirement Gift | Keepsake Ornament | Military Gift

Recruits use problem-solving skills to maneuver and accomplish tasks at challenging stations which replicate real-world situations, named after famous Marines and battles. They survive on only a few hours of sleep during the Crucible, eating a few MRE’s to sustain themselves and if lucky they get tossed an apple or orange, which they devour.

If you would like to try an authentic MRE meal and get an idea of what the military eats in the field you can actually buy them for yourself. Your Marine may think your nuts, ok I guarantee it, but I know younger brothers and sisters of Marines would get a kick out of eating like their big brother on deployment.

Boot Camp: The Making of a United States MarineMarine Boot- by Daniel Da Cruz a Drill InstructorTHE YELLOW FOOTPRINTS TO HELL AND BACK: The starting point for every Marine: a drill instructors’ story of life in Marine Corps boot camp during the Vietnam War.

At the end is the last 12-mile march ending with “The Reaper*”, a hill so intimidating it is a legend among Marines. Up they hike, with 60 lb packs, trying not to be last in line and helping their buddies along the way who falter. It’s a right of passage to climb the top, onto the parade deck, see the flags waving, music playing and to have placed in your hand, the Eagle, Globe and Anchor which indicates they have finally earned the right to be called a United States Marine.

*The Reaper a hill unique to the San Diego MCRD boot camp experience

Related Marine Recruit Training Articles

• What to Give Your New Marine at Graduation
• I Am a Marine Mom
• Marine Corps Graduation

If you have experience as a Marine Corps recruit I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below or follow me on Twitter by clicking on the right. Thank you for visiting and Semper Fi!