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Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

The Title Marine is Earned During Boot Camp and the Crucible

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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.

Marien Corps Recruit training ends with the Crucible

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 giftUSMC 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.United 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 GiftMarine 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 MarineBoot Camp: The Making of a United States MarineMarine Boot- by Daniel Da Cruz a Drill InstructorMarine 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.THE 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

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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!

Terminal Lance: Dueling Knife Hands

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I rocked this past Christmas! Yup, got the perfect gifts for my Marines, “Terminal Lance” a comic for Marines, written by a United States Marine. It just so happened my Lance Corporal son opened his Knifehand comic before his brother, the Corporal. What ensued was quite the scene.

United States Marine opens Christmas gift
“This is Awesome”

As David opened his present a smirk came across his face. He immediately covered the title and began to tease and taunt his older Marine brother. “You won’t guess what I got, and you can’t have it! It’s awesome!” (said with great possessiveness and gloating)

Marine with Terminal Lance Knifehands

“You don’t get one. You’re no longer a Lance, so you’re no longer part of the underground” The taunting continues, remember these are men (did I just say that of my sons??) and they are quibbling like six year olds.

After about 30 minutes the Marine Corporal got to his copy of “Knife Hands, Terminal Lance” under the tree.

Marines square off with Knife-Hands
Marines square off with Knife-Hands

You can pretty much get the gist of the conversation just by the expression on his face. “I do so rank! I have my own copy of Terminal Lance, so there! HA!”

Terminal Lance is a mature comic written by Lance Corporal Maximilian Uriarte, USMC to poke fun at the various absurdities in the Marine Corps. Both my sons love this comic and my youngest had me send his the weekly editions during boot camp.

Terminal Lance
Terminal Lance (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Each comic is accompanied by an essay that explains the back story. If you’re a Marine Mom I caution, before you head to the Terminal Lance site, you may not want to read the essays. They may render you blind. But it’s Marine, adult, male humor, and not meant for Mom’s. I made this mistake last summer as I read one particular essay and immediately had a visual image of my youngest son I did NOT want in my brain.

I do read the website, and the Facebook page, because, in a way it’s how I understand my boys. I learn a little of the lingo, a little Marine culture, and thus feel as though I share a part of their lives.

MCRD San Diego at graduation and I’ve watched many YouTube videos with several drill instructors getting in a boot’s face with several knife-hands.

Terminal Lance Sample Comics

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Don’t forget to visit my CafePress Marine and Military store if you are looking for custom Marine Corps gifts. Just click on the image below and it will take you right there.

Purchase United States Marine and Military branded gifts for your son, daughter or family member in the Marine Corps at my 3QuarterToday CafePress Store.

US Marine Corp Graduation

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A year ago this month my youngest son left for  Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and started 13 weeks of the most challenging accomplishments anyone can face. Becoming and earning the right to be come a U.S. Marine.  At the

Across the parade deck hundreds of new Marines march in their platoons as the last maneuver they will complete before leaving MCRD full fledged Marines. The Marine Band plays to open the ceremony, the chaplain leads every one in prayer and then the parade of dress blues begin. This is my second Marine graduation, my oldest is also a Marine,  but  the tears of pride still flow just as fast and my hands shake as I hold the camera.

Marine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA
Marine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA
Marine Corp Champlain leading off the graduation
Marine Corp Chaplain leading off the graduation
MCRD, India Company, Platoon 3213, October 7, 2011
MCRD, India Company, Platoon 3213, October 7, 2011 (son 6th from right)
My New US Marine
My New US Marine, November 2011

Since graduation my new Marine has attended MCT (Marine Combat Training) in Pendleton CA, Corrections training in San Antonio TX, and is now back at Pendleton as his permanent duty station. Congratulations to my newest U.S. Marine, he makes me proud.

I found this draft sitting in my WordPress folder.In evaluating my stats in WordPress my US Marine Corps postings represent 20% of views. Very popular topic, but considering every parent of a new Marine searches the internet for every scrap of information they can find to learn more about the journey ahead, I can understand.

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