The Crucible Journal - Thursday

Erica - 93 or 94 (age 3) peewee soccer before pre-school

THURSDAY - Parris Island Boot Camp - CRUCIBLE:

Dear Journal, Up at 0200, staged and ready to roll at 0215.

After having to wait for a while,

we proceeded to the Parade Deck where we

broke up into our squads and humped 6 miles

out to Page Airfield (the Crucible site) for

our first set of obstacles. Our gear is heavy,

but we are in good spirits.

Each Platoon has different Drill Instructors for

Crucible Leaders.

Another Drill Instructor followed behind us in a

safety vehicle. We humped to the first Warrior Station

and waited until 0600.

Each obstacle is set up at a Warrior station.

On our first obstacle the scenario was that our HUMVEE

had run out of fuel while carrying supplies.

While we were headed back to Motor-T to get fuel,

we came across a bridge that had been partially

destroyed by the enemy. Our obstacle was to carry

(3) 55 gal. drums across a cable from

one platform to another.

The drums had to remain upright and there are

3 red stripes on the cables 3' long.

If you or your equipment (drums) touch the stripes…

you are dead and your equipment is lost!

It was hard because we were looking to the

Crucible Leader to tell us how to get across,

but he told us we had to figure it out ourselves.

It was just out of habit,

because for the last 11 weeks we hadn't made a move

without asking permission.

It made us feel proud when we made sound decisions

and executed a successful plan!

Another station was called the

Enhanced Obstacle Course,

where we had to maneuver though while carrying a

dummy (casualty) and heavy ammo cans.

We had to get the casualty and ammo cans

over each obstacle, as well! Then there was another

station in which we went from tire swing to tire swing

(6 swings total) and at each end was a platform.

Touch the deck instead of the platform and you're dead!

Another obstacle was a 12' pole and we had to get a tire

around it and lower it all the way to the deck.

We cheered when the first recruit finally hooked the pole

and the tire went down! We thought man,

this is going to be fun…like throwing rings over the

bottles at a fair!!

Then the Crucible Leader said

we had to take the tire back off too!!!

You can imagine the smiles fell right off our faces.

Afterwards, we were told we would be starting the

Team Shoot and Pugil Sticks shortly.

Each recruit had to compete in 3 consecutive matches.

Each round was quick and vicious.

We already had 3 matches in Phase II,

so we were all talking trash and comparing scores

and saying things like…

"Dude, I'm 3-0 for Crucible and 6-0 overall!"

After Pugil Sticks we humped back

out to where we started this morning.

We completed 4 more obstacles:

The "Stairway to Heaven" which is a ladder 50' high with

rungs 4-5 feet apart!

We had to lug 2 ammo cans over it.

The "Skyscraper" which is way bigger

than the one at Base.

The obstacle, there was a wounded Marine

at the top of a tower. We had to retrieve him as a team.

I guess it started to sink in that…

you know that could be me! Do I really want to do this?

But as I looked around and followed my team up that tower,

I thought, all these guys would do

this for me in a heartbeat. I

realized that there was probably NOTHING

I wouldn't do for them. It kind of energized me.

The "Weaver" was next.

This was kind of challenging.

We had to climb over logs with ammo and water cans.

I am so tired. I have no idea what time it is.

And finally we went to the Rope Bridge. Sounds easy…

maybe even fun huh?

Yea RIGHT! For each of these obstacles we were

required to also carry heavy objects…

through them, up them, under them or over them…

like ammo cans and water jugs all filled with

concrete to make them heavier!

Oh, I forgot to mention this important fact,

each obstacle station is named for a Marine Hero.

At each station, our Crucible Leader made a Recruit read

a brief explanation of how the Hero's actions

exemplify the Corps and its values.

It was my favorite part.

The DI's also choose a

different leader for each obstacle.

That way, we all got to understand

what it's like to be a leader,

and what your responsibilities

are as a follower.

I am getting very hungry now.

One of the Warrior Station obstacles

is built around an

enemy-mined rope bridge

called the "Two Line Bridge."

It is just two very long ropes,

basically,

that wobbles…

and impossible to cross

when two are on it.

So, as a team we determined it was

best to cross it one by one.

But we are timed…

so we had to move quickly.

We had to cross

with all our gear on,

carrying those heavy

ammunition boxes!

When we were finally

forging on and

were well on our way,

we lost one of the guys.

"If one fails …We all fail."

So, I was the last person

on the bridge

and I just couldn't leave him there.

He was either going to

have to start over from

the beginning of the rope,

or I could help him.

So, I let go of the rope with

one hand and

kept a good strong grip

with my other.

I extended my hand out towards

my fellow Recruit.

He grabbed my arm and I pulled with

all my might to get his hand

back up to the rope.

"Lord, I can't pull any harder. I

know I'm going to drop him.

Please give me strength."

And, just when I thought the

rest of the team

had moved on ahead of us….

through my clinched eyes

I heard rounds of "Come on Man!…

You've got him!…

Pull- Pull!… You're almost there!"

My team had come back to

encourage me!

And then…somehow…

he was safely holding on to the rope.

Everyone was shoulder

bumping me after.

It felt like this was real-life!

Like I really did save someone…Wait!

I really did!! My Crucible Leader said,

"You did, you saved a Recruit

from failing this. Well done!"

I tell you NOTHING feels like this.

No matter what you do to

make yourself happy,

new cars, watching a game,

hunting…

none of what you do for

yourself compares

to the feeling of helping

another human being!

NOTHING! Maybe,

I CAN do this after all!

I WANT to do this!! Man,

I know Mom and Dad would be

so proud of me!

I wonder what they are doing right now?

At another Station called Cpl.

Day's Defense,

we had to run into firing

positions and engage

pop-up targets in and

around a building with

10-rounds in two magazines.

We only had about a minute to fire.

That was cool! If I wasn't so tired,

I would have wanted

to stay there all day!

Afterwards, we humped back to the

huts and chilled until 2100.

At 2100 we stepped

out for a re-supply hump.

Each squad had to carry 2 large

ammo cans and 4 small ammo cans …

again filled with concrete for 2.5 miles!

I could not believe this!

After all we had done today they "told" us

that our huts had been stripped so we

had to re-supply.

That was the last obstacle for the day.

So we humped back to the supply station.

We are getting grouchy now and

short with each other. It was so dark

and we couldn't see 2 feet in front of us.

The DI's said the last 2 companies

did this run in 2.25 and 2.3 hours.

I don't know our time yet,

but I know we did it

in better than 2.0 hours!

I guess you are wondering how

I am doing with my 2.5 MRE's!

Well, we are responsible for

rationing them out ourselves.

So, today I ate 2 of my 3

cracker packages

with peanut butter and grape jelly.

I also ate my peanuts,

pound cake, and beverage powder.

The beverage powder is

like Power-Aide.

We just had to pour it in our

mouth and swish it around inside

our mouth with some water.

We couldn't put anything into

our canteens but water.

We also have 2 coffee packets…

same deal…pour in mouth…

swish with canteen water.

My plan was to eat as light as

possible today, saving the most

of the MRE's for tomorrow.

I just made sure I hydrated a lot.

When we got back,

we had to sit and wait

for 0000 (midnight) to come around…

before they would let us go to sleep!

I held my eyes open somehow,

but inside I was already sleeping.

More tomorrow…"

written by:

Peggy VPMFd Plt.1105

posted by:darlene r.

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.

Cant believe it, I got a letter today!

July,23 2009

Hey MOM,

Today is training day 57. I can't believe it

14 & 1/2 days til graduation,

tomorrow is the practice app.

It' the test that we have to report in and do a moto run,

next Thursday we step off to the Crucible.

I can't wait, its all about team work.

I can't wait to see you,

oh Monday is third phase test, BWT was fun!

All this week was nothing but drill,

Final Drill is actually Wednesday.

All today was classes,

in fact one of them was first term Marines and Marriage.

Anyway square away time is just about over.

I miss you & love you Eric Ann

ERICA also enclosed a check off questionnaire I sent her...

I highlighted in red what Erica checked off and wrote in..

Dear Mom: (check all boxes that apply)

1. The reason I have not written to you is:

______All my fingers have stress fractures too (how did that happen?)

______I forgot your name and address

______Everything is the same here everyday and I don't think I have anything to write.
(so just write: Dear Mom: everything is the same, Love(every week at least)

______I forgot my name

______I am too busy cleaning, cleaning, cleaning

______I am too depressed

______I am too psyched about being here and have forgotten you

______Oh come on Mom, mothers don't need letters, only recruits do (NOT)


2. I spend my day doing the following:

______working on odd jobs, studying my manuals, doing limited pt

______developing my new cleaning fetish

______twiddling my thumbs (oh wait, they are fractured too)

______practicing my drills

______exactly what my drill instructor tells me to do

keep^ others motivated

______trying to ^ stay motivated


3. When I think about home Sometimes I wonder:

_____if you have rented out my room

_____if you have cleaned my room or

are saving it for my new talents

_____if you have given my room to the dogs as their new playroom

_____if you have become a champion on wii games (fat chance)


_____if you miss me or are just making

that up because the support groups tell you to say that

____if you joined Marine Moms even though I told you not to



4. When I try to describe the meals here I think

_____why bother, they are all better than Mom's cooking

_____no, wait a minute, there is pot roast,

steak and ordering Pizza, Mom's good at that

_____the meals here are healthy,

I like them, and the drill instructor is looking over my shoulder

_____better than MREs


5. Here is what the doctor said last time I saw one:

______things are healing nicely just be patient and take it slow

______things are not healing nicely but be patient and maybe they will

______well there is a problem and surgery is in the future

______great work, you should be out of here in no time

_____cleared for what kind of pt________________________

_____banned from what kind of pt_______________________


____best guess for when you can

start regular pt or pcp___________________


6. What is okay for Mom to send me:

_____my dogs (just kidding)

_____my wii (sorry again)

_____DVDs (which ones)

_____magazines (enough with the magazines?)

_____stamps

_____paper

_____pencils

_____envelopes

_____calling phone cards

_____bumper patrol

_____arch supports


_____what other items?

_____sudoko, word puzzles?

_____books (which ones)

_____photos (of what?)



7.My general mood can be described as:

_____ok

_____still motivated

_____homesick

_____depressed

_____sad

_____excited

_____in awe of my drill instructors

(still looking over your shoulders?)

_____bored

_____learning new stuff every day

_____frustrated with how long it is taking

_____ok with how long it is taking



8. I wish you would tell the following to write to me:

This form letter is:

___________stupid

___________entertaining

____________better than having to write a letter

____________boring

____________a cute effort by my Mom

____________a manipulative way for my Mom

to get me to write because she looks for a

letter every day and feels sad when there

isn't something at least some of the time

but she doesn't want to make me feel guilty

but how about thinking about her for a change?????

Love, your recruit

posted by: darlene r.

PFT is today!!

lady recruits working on their PFT

PFT The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) consists of three parts: Male Pull-Ups (max of 20) Female Flexed Arm Hang (max of 70 sec) Crunches (max of 100) 3.0 mile run (Female min 21:00 minutes/max 31:00 minutes) (Male min 18:00 minutes/ max 28:00 minutes) The run times are for ages 17-26

(you get more time if you are older) each event is worth a 100 pts (300 is perfect)

For example a male with 20 pull ups, 100 crunches,

and 18:00 min 3 mile has a PFT score of 300. Each pull up is worth 5 points,

and each minute slower than the minimum is a loss of 6 points

(broken down into 10 sec increments)

and each crunch is worth 1 point. Minimums are for 17-26 year old 3 pull ups/15 sec arm hang 50 crunches 28:00 minute 3 mile run(male)/

31:00 minute 3 mile run (female) not being able to meet any one of these areas means

failure of the PFT even if the other two areas are outstanding.

In order to pass you must also have a

combined score of 135 of all three components. Minimums are for 27-39 year old 3 pull ups/15 sec arm hang 45 crunches 29:00 minute 3 mile run(male)/

32:00 minute 3 mile run (female) not being able to meet any one of these areas means

failure of the PFT even if the other two areas are outstanding.

In order to pass you must also have a combined

score of 110 of all three components.

posted by: darlene r.

another sign

Hope you all got your letters in the mail today....

if you send them later she will receive them, just after she becomes a Marine if all goes well.

Another sign, Erica has talked about the Marines for a long time you know like I said,

you think oh its the I'm going to be a doctor or lawyer thing...

2004 Miss Erica's Freshman year, I don't remember what class it was,

but Erica had to make a map of sorts of her life Past, Present and Future.

It was so cute that I framed it when I was working at Michael's Arts & Crafts.

Sorry for the glare..its the glass

yep its graduate high school, marine corps, graduate college,

and doctor we'll see about that one,

think the mind has changed but you never know :)

written & posted by: darlene r.