The hardest aspect of my Crucible was the weather. Read my story here. Outside of the fact that the puddles turned to ice and the mud was frozen… the actual Crucible isn’t that bad. I can’t say whether going through in the extreme cold is worse than going through in the extreme heat, but going through the Crucible in January was no fun. If you’ve never felt the beginning stages of frostbite, just imagine sticking your feet in a bucket of broken glass, and then churning it.
At any rate, here are a few tips for the Marine Corps Crucible.
Marine Corps
#5 – Drink Water
You’ll be told this more times than you care to hear, and they will make you sick repeating it, but the last thing you want is to dehydrate 3 days before getting your Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
#4 – Come Together As A Team
The Crucible is testing you… and the recruit next to you. Teamwork is essential in completing the crucible and overcoming the various mental and physical obstacles that you will face. Don’t try to meet the challenges alone.
#3 – Wear Mole Skins
Elbows, knees and feet. Trust me. Your elbows will get rubbed raw from all of the low crawling, especially once sand starts getting in your sleeves. This is probably the best advice that I was given before boot camp. I’m just passing it along.
#2 – Take Care Of Your Feet
Ever hiked 50+ miles with giant blisters on your feet? Don’t take care of your feet during the Crucible and you’ll know exactly what that feels like. Change socks, keep your feet clean and dry. Wipe them down with baby wipes and change socks at least once a day. Two to three times a day during hot or wet weather.
#1 – Don’t Quit
You’ll at least think about it at some point, especially in two degree weather. Just stay focused on the goal of beating the Crucible and crossing the finish line. It’s really not that bad if you have fun while you’re out there.
thanks for the tips! I’ve really enjoyed reading this blog. It’s been good to get a firsthand insight into what I’ll be facing in the coming months.
I am the Mother of a current Marine Recruit at MCRD San Diego. He will facing the crucible in a few weeks so I will pass your advice on to him. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your world.
I enjoyed reading the blog, from a person who just experienced it first hand.
I shop out to Parris Island in June.
So i’ll be doing the crucible in more than likely 95 degree weather
Shannon – I’m also a ‘recruit mom’! What platoon is your son in?
Kevin – thank you SO much for sharing your experiences! I can’t believe you broke your foot, but it’s even more incredible that you continued on in that condition! I pray God’s blessings on you and your family, and for a speedy recovery! Enjoy your time home!
Kelly – Hotel Co. Platoon 2163 Grad. Date 3/5. You can connect with my e-mail address if you find some of my posts on the RecruitParents.com web-site. (screenname sdmPDX)
I’m not sure what’s worse… freezing weather or 100 degree weather. I will say that I have never felt pain like I did training in below freezing temperatures. Your feet, hands and face feel like someone is crushing glass through your skin.
The heat will bring the sweat. BE SURE to hydrate or you’ll become a victim of the silver bullet. You can guess where they stick it.
i just graduated from parris island on september 3rd platoon 3068 mike company, and the crucible for me was definetly the worst thing i have ever experienced. looking around into everyones eyes and just seeing defeat was bad, but the fact that it was hot, then it rained both thursday and friday made the pain in your feet so much worse because you could not keep them dry. the drill instructers loved yelling “INCOMING” right when we were in a giant puddle. when my platoon got back to the squad bay after the eagle globe and anchor ceremony, i think it was 15 people that were bedrest for that day and a handful were on crutches for a day or two. three people were dropped as heat casualties, and one guy, went through the whole crucible (including the hike back) then once we got to the ceremony, just pretty much passed out, and we found out later both of his kidneys failed and he spent the next week in medical. thank god he still graduated with us. just thought i would share my experience in the crucible in the summer as opposed to the winter i really don’t know which is worse. now i just have mct to look forward to haha