Close combat drills prepare recruits for close calls in battle
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (Dec. 1, 2006) -- Recruits from Company K completed the Combat Conditioning Exercise Course during their first phase of training here in September.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/9257CA1DEDD7F3F385257237006014FE?opendocument
Dec. 1, 2006
Submitted on: 12/01/2006 12:29:28 PM
Story ID#: 2006121122928
By Lance Cpl. Alicia Small, MCRD San Diego
The course is made up of 10 physically challenging stations and is designed to build combat skills, strength and endurance.
At the stations, recruits practiced combat skills such as the “buddy drag,” “high crawl” and the “fireman carry.”
"All of the exercises provide a good workout and help prepare them for the rigors of combat, like being tired and having to continue fighting despite dire conditions," said Staff Sgt. Paul Tallman, drill instructor, Co. K.
The CCX course simulates combat situations and teaches the recruits what it is like to fight and move from one location to the next, said Sgt. Virjilio Vargas, depot Instructional Training Company martial arts instructor.
"It is important to get them conditioned and put in the strong mindset they will need in combat situations such as Iraq and Afghanistan," said Vargas, who is originally from Compton, Calif.
Before the recruits got started on the course, drill instructors and ITC instructors demonstrated all the tactics and gave instructions on how to complete them.
Recruits were broken down into groups of 20 and ran a few laps to warm up before they started the exercises.
The drills took nearly an hour to complete, as each recruit participated at every station. They performed each exercise for 90 seconds and switched so their fellow recruits could have an opportunity to take part in the exercise.
Even after they finished the course, the recruits continued to learn about combat. Vargas gave a motivating speech to help the recruits understand the importance of the course they had just finished, said Colston.
Vargas read a citation about a Marine’s gallantry in combat and told the recruits how Marines are continuously fighting against odds to complete their missions today.
"The citation was read to show recruits they aren’t the only ones who are tired and hurting," said Tallman, who is native of Sacramento, Calif. "It is to prove to them that Marines can push past their comfort zones to be victorious in battle."
After Co. K recruits completed the CCX course, they continued their training during the second phase of boot camp in better condition and more prepared for combative situations. They graduate Dec. 15 as basic warriors and are ready to take on their next phase of training, Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, Calif.