The Crucible Journal - wednesday

Dear Journal,

This morning we had a PT run. The morning run was fun.

The Drill Instructor would slow us down into a

"Marine Corps Shuffle" until we were a good

50 yards behind the squad in front.

Then we would start speeding up until we were sprinting.

When we started to speed up we would be whispering

"sneak attack, sneak attack" over and over.

As we got closer we would get louder

until we were 10 yards back and sounding off.

Then we would go into the shuffle again. Good times!

Then we were broken up into our Crucible squads

for some important information..

I can't believe, Final Inspection, Final PFT

and the Final Written Test are finally over!

We even got to go to the PX to buy our shooting badges

and any other items we needed.

After we got back we put them on our Alpha Blouse.

Those badges look "tight."

They were $10 bucks a piece, but worth it!

We had JOB prep this morning

(JOB is 'junk on a bunk'.)

It is inventory and gear serviceability.

We set up our field gear on our racks and

then cleaned the squadbay.

Each item had certain requirements

and had to be in a certain spot on the rack.

Some even had to have a piece of tape cut

to a certain length with our name on it.

The shelter half and poncho both had to be

folded 12" X 12".

Our wet weather tops and bottoms as well as our

woolly "P" bag had to be rolled up 6" wide.

Our gear was checked for accountability

and serviceability while we were

at noon chow.

*We spent all afternoon at the Final Drill Competition!

Afterwards, I realized the Crucible is RIGHT THERE

waiting for us to fail!! 54 hours,

40 some miles, 2.5 MRE's,

and only 8 total hours of sleep

(at the absolute most),

ending with the

Eagle, Globe and Anchor Ceremony…

if we are worthy…

After evening chow we started

to set up our

packs for the Crucible.

The scribes and whiskey

locker are supposed

to start packing their gear as

well.

When we leave tomorrow

after the 0200 wake-up call,

we won't come back to the squadbay until Saturday morning.

The rest of the time today we spent on Crucible

prep and house cleaning.

Crucible prep included field stripping our MRE's,

(meaning all condiment packets,

sides, certain sweets etc. are pulled out!)

and last detail packing,

LBV prep, etc.

We also ironed a decal on our

Drill Cammies

for when we get back on Saturday.

The decal is the

EGA ironed onto our left breast pocket!

Man, I can't believe I have to iron this on…what if I don't make it?

We then packed our seabags,

marked and lubed our weapons,

and hit the rack at 2000 knowing we would

be awakened at 0200 for the Crucible.

How am I going to sleep? I NEED to sleep.

Please God let me sleep. Mom, are you praying for me too?

I am almost there. Don't give up on me now.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I pray for the Lord's guidance through all this!

Gonna try to sleep now. More tomorrow.…"

written by:

Peggy

VPMFd
Plt.110

posted by: darlene r.

Good Luck to Third Battalion - Kilo Company & Fourth Battalion - Papa Company as they embark on the crucible.

2am thursday morning, keep them in your prayers

A Parent's Crucible Prayer

When you awake this morning to begin the crucible k

now I walk every step with you.

When you hump all those miles over rough terrain,

know I am by your side again?

When your rations are low and your belly is hungry,

know that I wish it wasn't you but instead me?

When your feet ache and are blistered from stress,

know that I am carrying you deep in my chest?

When you are tired and sore and almost ready to fall,

realize I would have carried it all?

When you have little sleep and your eyes are red,

know I would give you my bed?

When you push and pull for that extra mile,

know that I am so PROUD and standing tall,

with such a big smile?

When you left for boot camp, I went to one too.

It's the one where Mom's and Dad's

worry over all you are going through. I can't eat dessert,

without knowing that you have had no treats,

I feel guilty for resting, when you have had tired feet.

I anguish over every tough moment, I think you have had.

I cry when I miss you, I cry when I am sad,

I cry over your letters that declare your love for "Us".

I cry thinking about the day you will come home.

I cringe at the thought of someone yelling at you.

Even though I know it's what they have to do.

I lose sleep just wondering how you are,

I pray and think and even wish upon the stars.

Now you are almost through and soon

you will be One of The Few The Proud, a New MARINE.

I get an Honor too for going through

the Boot camp for Mom's and Dad's.

I get to hug you and hold you in my arms.

I get to see how beautiful you really are.

I get my bright shining star.

No I don't get a medal or a pin to wear

I don't get to sport that awesome Marine Hair.

My reward is one that can't be seen.

It's called "Being the Parent of a U.S. Marine."

posted by: darlene r.