Bravo Company recruits battle each other for the third time

Photo By Sgt. Angelica Annastas | Recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, compete against each other during Pugil Sticks III at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 24. The match was won when a recruit delivered a blow to the head or multiple body strikes to their opponent. Annually, more than 17,000 males recruited from the Western Recruiting Region are trained at MCRD San Diego. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate June 17.  

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

05.24.2016

Story by Lance Cpl. Angelica Annastas 

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego     

Although recruit training can be tough, recruits who step aboard the depot are expected to give it their all. They are introduced to several different courses and classes as they start to absorb all the information needed to complete the transformation into Marines.
During week nine of training, recruits of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, tackled Pugil Sticks for the third time at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 24.
Before starting the event, recruits rushed through the Bayonet Assault Course together. The course featured several different obstacles the recruits had to maneuver past. After the course, they quickly transitioned to and prepared for Pugil Sticks III.
Wooden tables stacked with protective gear were set up next to the designated area for the event. Recruits assisted each other in donning the gear, which consisted of a helmet, groin protector, and a pugil stick that simulated a rifle.
After the recruits’ gear was inspected by a drill instructor, they were ready to fight. A small outdoor room, created using blue safety mats for the walls with only two entrances, was the arena used for the event.
“I think the purpose was to teach us hand-to-hand combat,” said Recruit Jeffrey Z. Lambert, Platoon 1023, Bravo Company. “You have winners and you have losers, and that is the same for combat situations, too. They want us to try developing a warrior mindset while we’re here.”
Before each battle, recruits were paired up by their weight to ensure an even match.
Sergeant Michael J. Redd, drill instructor, Instructional Training Company, Recruit Training Regiment, refereed the fights. One whistle blow indicated the start and end of a match.
“I know a lot of us had to step outside the box for this,” said Recruit Jose J. Banda, Platoon 1021, Bravo Company. “Since day one we’ve faced physical adversity, and our drill instructors have been trying to teach us that we always have to be ready for stuff like this. It’s all preparation.”
Recruits learned offensive and defensive techniques during their MCMAP classes, which included learning bayonet techniques with their rifles.
The recruits were encouraged to use any technique necessary to overcome their opponent during their single match. A blow to the head or multiple strikes would result in a victory for a recruit.
“There’s a Winston Churchill quote that’s been stuck in my head while I’ve been here, and it’s, ‘If you’re going through hell, keep going,’” said Banda, native of Wildomar, Calif. “That applies so much with being here. We have to keep pushing ourselves, face our fears and keep going.”

• Date Taken: 05.24.2016
• Date Posted: 05.26.2016 14:16
• Story ID: 199183
• Location: MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, CA, US