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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia -- Bodies huddle together, shivering for warmth as the sound of eager laughter fills the air and crinkling hand warmers whisper through the masses. The first light of the winter sun cuts through white, steamy breath and bare, towering oak trees. Sloshing water slaps the plastic tub where corpsmen stand, prepared for anything. Clusters of U.S. Marines, gear in hand, move towards the stage for a safety brief before crossing the departure line to begin the ‘Beast Slayer’.
The ‘Beast Slayer’ competition required eight squads of U.S. Marines to navigate their way through and around Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Feb. 21, 2020. They were tasked with traveling ten miles over the course of the day, while completing five objectives located around the base to test their mental and physical limits.
The competition challenged Marines, requiring them to transport gear including ammo cans, water jugs and mock casualties. The squads were tested in areas such as land navigation, combat life-saving, Marine Corps history, weapons systems and physical readiness.
“It was mentally challenging,” said Sgt. Mackenzie L. Gibson, a competitor in the ‘Beast Slayer’, “We had to apply skills that we do not practice on a daily basis.”
Coordinates were given to Marines and compasses were issued to each squad, aiding them in locating their objectives. Along the route, Marines ran over steep hills and through dense woods, fighting their way to the finish line.
“Our team pushed hard, but there were some strong competitors out there,” said Gibson.
Despite hindering aches and pains, Marines persevered; finishing the course with their squads.
“I wasn’t there to quit,” said Gunnery Sgt. Justin M. Boling, who suffered a lower-leg heat cramp during a shamrock drill; a series of exercises performed in a ladder sequence. “I was there to win and to finish with my team.”
Competitors trudged on to the final moments of the first annual competition. With sweat seeping through their camouflage and determination etched on their faces, they executed squad push-ups, linked-arm sit-ups, squats, burpees and pull-ups.
The day concluded with cheering and rumbling footsteps echoing throughout Butler Stadium as Marines charged toward the eagle, globe and anchor emblem painted on the center of the field.
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2020 17:47 |
| Story ID: | 365569 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Slay the Beast | U.S. Marines take on first annual Quantico competition, by LCpl Paige Verry, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
