M-1 (September 25)

It's MARINE WEEK!  Yea!  They made it!

Yes, I actually know for certain that Jeremiah made it through the dreaded Crucible.  We received a call last night from some missionaries that are serving at MCRD San Diego.  The Sister called and let me know that he made it.  She also told me Jeremiah wants me to make copies of all the letters he's sent home so he can put them in a journal.  I'm thinking, "What?!  He keeps a journal?!"  What made me tear up, though, was when she told me he was being ordained an Elder.  It will be during a reception that the LDS Church has there on base on Family Day.  So, I was an emotional mess yesterday with him becoming a Marine and then knowing he is going to be ordained.  I'm so excited for him!

Last night I also found that a video had been posted of each platoon in Charlie Company.  It was filmed on the 18th.  All they do is stand there on bleachers behind the DIs, but it was nice to see him and that he's well.  He looks tired or bored or both.  I can't decide.

We received a letter from Jeremiah today as well.  He was ready for The Crucible.  He was hoping it would help him get some of his stress out since he was very frustrated with someone in his platoon.  Actually, he's been frustrated with many in the platoon.  He states, "the recruits that think they made it are trying to turn it into a game."  He then goes on to talk about the other recruit that was "being a pain in the rear end."  It sounds like he was so frustrated with this recruit trying to boss him around (which Jeremiah has NEVER taken very well) that he wanted to beat the pulp out of him.  Luckily, though, Jeremiah does have self-restraint and didn't do that.  His platoon was with the SDI (Senior Drill Instructor) for the Crucible, and this other recruit was on Jeremiah's team.  Jeremiah wrote, "I might be up against him during pugil sticks during the Crucible.  Maybe not, but I might be able to release a lot of pent up stress during the Crucible with all the physical activity that will be happening."  Reading between the lines...he hoped to pummel the guy.  

I don't know if he ever got to beat on the other guy with a Pugil stick, but I'm very glad that he made it through the Crucible and now has the title of Marine.

Last night I also found that a video had been posted of each platoon in Charlie Company.  It was filmed on the 18th.  All they do is stand there on bleachers behind the DIs, but it was nice to see him and that he's well.  He looks tired or bored or both.  I can't decide.

Today Jeremiah will be turning in his gear: rifle, helmet, or any other item "loaned" to him for boot camp.  So he'll be cleaning everything getting it ready to be returned.  Then he and the other new Marines will be given instruction covering what is expected of him as a Marine within the Corps and out in the civilian world.

For the next week, it's learning about BEING a Marine...not on HOW to be a Marine.  Decorated Marine Vets will speak to the new Marines and welcome them to the brotherhood and talk about the history of the Marine Corps.

Jeremiah should be receiving his orders for SOI/MCT.  SOI is School of Infantry.  MCT is Military Combat Training.

All the new Marines will be preparing for the Moto Run and practicing for Family Day and Graduation.  They'll also be getting used to addressing their DIs by their rank (Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, etc.) rather than "Sir."

I'm getting so excited for next week and seeing Jeremiah in his uniform.  It will be nice to see him, talk to him, and give him a hug.  The three months has gone by faster than I'd anticipated.  He's grown so very much.  I'm thrilled that he has achieved this goal of his to be a United States Marine.

Jenkin’s Pinnacle obstacle during the Crucible - Photos (September 23)

Jenkin’s Pinnacle Obstacle

 
The Crucible 

Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

 September 23, 2015

Pictures were posted today, September 25, 2015, of some of the things that Jeremiah's company did during The Crucible.

Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, tested their physical strength during a Crucible event known as Jenkin’s Pinnacle. Recruits ran to several stations as a fire team carrying a log. The recruits then set the log on the ground and performed the designated exercise for that station. Once recruits completed the exercise, they executed another exercise utilizing the log. After completing the station, recruits ran to the next station with the log to begin another exercise. Station exercises included push-ups, sit-ups, crunches and log exercises included log curls, squats and overhead presses. Conquering this event, the recruits are one step closer to becoming Marines.

Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, climb over the Jenkin’s Pinnacle obstacle during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Each recruit was required to climb over the obstacle with all his gear. 

Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, execute log curls as a team during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Recruits were required to do 25 curls following 25 jumping jacks.

Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, carry a log to their next exercise during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Recruits carried the log between exercises throughout the whole event.

Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, perform sit-ups with their rifle during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Recruits were required to execute 25 sit-ups followed by 25 log squats before continuing to the next exercise.

Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, perform push-ups with their rifle during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Recruits were required to execute 25 repetitions of the exercise following 25 log bends before continuing to the next exercise. 

Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, execute log squats during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Recruits performed 25 log squats and 25 sit-ups before they continued to the next exercise. 

T-63 (September 24)

T-63 (September 24)

Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA)

HE MADE IT!!! 

Jeremiah is officially a United States Marine!

The recruits finished their last 9 mile hike up The Reaper at 7:30 am Pacific Time this morning.  Then they did an Eagle Globe and Anchor ceremony and were called "Marine" for the first time.  Now they can call the DIs by their rank rather than merely "Sir."


Of course, now they have to come down off that hill.  So the new Marines are given apples and sports drinks, then they will hike about six miles back.  Once back to where they started (yes, they've basically been marched in circles), they will have a "Warriors' Breakfast."  I've heard that some over eat and don't hold it down.  Hopefully Jeremiah is smarter than that!  Then they get to SLEEP for 10 hours.

Congratulations to my new Marine, Jeremiah!  You did it!  Your journey to becoming a Marine culminates at Graduation, but your journey as a Marine is just beginning.  Semper fidelis!

T-61-63 (September 22-24) THE CRUCIBLE

T-61-63 (September 22-24) THE CRUCIBLE

Oh my goodness!  It's the culmination of the past 12 weeks.  The schedule for the three days is
as follows:

Day 1 - Tuesday – September 22, 2015

2 a.m. Reveille
3 a.m. Night Movement - 6 mile hike to the Crucible Site

At 5:30 a.m. and for the next 13 hours, the Recruits do these events.

Event 1

Battle of Hue City - Vietnam - Teams supply water, ammunition, MREs through a course which consists of trenches, wire fences, and walls
After resupply course, teams negotiate the warrior stations

Pfc Jenkins Pinnacle - Teams cross 2 horizontal cable-supported logs

Pfc Garcia's Engagement - Individuals demonstrate their knowledge of hand-to-hand combat skills and then participate in a warrior case study of Pfc Garcia

Lehew's Challenge - Teams of 2 climb over and 8 ft high horizontal log

Corbin's Convoy - Teams react to a simulated IED while on patrol

Event 2

Battle of Belleau Wood: Pugil Sticks/Body Sparring

Leadership Reaction Course
A 3 hour event in which the teams perform 6 reaction course problems which test their ability to
work as a team to solve problems. Some of the problems include: using 3 wooden boards to cross a number of stumps without touching the ground, negotiating a water hole using the same wooden board concept to get from point A to point B, transporting a large container over a wall using the limited resources available

Event 3

Core Event and Warrior Stations
A 1 hr event which can hold a maximum of 6 teams working concurrently.

Noonan's Casualty Evacuation - The team will recover a downed pilot and another recruit "shot" by a sniper and transport them over a mile of wooded terrain.

Enhanced Obstacle Course - The Recruits carry a dummy casualty on a stretcher and ammunition cans from one end of a standard Marine Corps obstacle course to the other, going over all obstacles.

Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) Strikes Station - Recruits are requited to demonstrate and conduct five minute MCMAP strikes

Core Values Station - Recruits sit inside a hut and receive information on a particular core value from their drill instructor

8 p.m. - 11 p.m. - Night Event - Five mile night hike with a time limit of three hours.
Midnight - 4 a.m. - Sleep

DAY 2 - Wednesday – September 23, 2015

4 a.m. Reveille
At 5:30 and for the next 13 hrs, the Recruits do these Events 4-6.

Event 4 –

Battle of Fallujah - A one hour event in which teams resupply water, ammunition and MREs through the Combat Assault Course. Following the completion of the Battle of Fallujah, Recruits negotiate a bayonet assault course and the warrior stations below.

Perez' Passage - Teams cross a "contaminated area" by swinging on the ropes from "safe spot" to safe spot."

Kraft's Struggle - Teams climb a 10 foot wall and climb down the opposite side by a knotted rope.

John Quick Trail - Navigation Station - Basic map reading and grid coordinate plotting will be reviewed and evaluated.

Core Values Station - Recruits sit inside a hut and receive information on a particular core value from their drill instructor.

Event 5 –

Battle of Mariana Islands - Combat Endurance Course
Teams have 2 hrs to complete 5 events of a modified Confidence Course.

The Skyscraper - The team retrieves a "wounded" dummy from the top of an 18 ft tower.

Stairway to Heaven - Team members move 2 ammunition cans over the top of a 36 ft ladder obstacle.

The Weaver - Team members climb over and under 24 logs, 42 ft in length ascending to 14 ft as they carry ammunition and water re- supply cans.
In addition to the Enhanced Confidence Course, teams go through a Combat Endurance Course.

Combat Endurance Course - Teams conduct a simulated patrol, negotiate the obstacles and report the number and types of obstacles to intelligence sources.

Event 6 –

Battle of Khe Sanh (Unknown Distance Firing) - Teams of 4 fire 2 magazines of 5 rounds each from simulated building structures at unknown distance targets in a time limit of 70 seconds. The number of targets hit and humber of unused ammunition is then recorded.
Following Day's Defense, team members participate in a 250 meter casualty evacuation where members remove simulated casualties from a simulated danger area consisting of artillery simulators.

8 p.m. - 11 p.m. - Night Event - Night Infiltration Course - Teams re-supply water, ammunition, and MREs through the Combat Assault Course with the added obstacle of darkness.

Midnight - 4 a.m. - Sleep

"The Reaper" - The final climb on the final hike.

Day 3 - Thursday – September 24, 2015
3 a.m. Reveille -

4 a.m. - 7 a.m. - Recruits conduct a 9 mile hike from the Crucible site back to the battalion
7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Eagle Globe and Anchor Ceremony - New Marines receive and Eagle Globe and Anchor from their Drill Instructor marking their transition from a recruit to a Marine.

Warrior's Breakfast - The new Marines are treated to a breakfast fit for only true warriors. It consists of all-you-can-eat steak, eggs and potatoes.

T-60 (September 21)

T-60 (September 21)

Today was the Gas Chamber.  Actually, the Marines call it the Confidence Chamber, but they do get "gassed" with a non-lethal type of tear gas.  It's training to teach them how to use their gas masks in the event of chemical warfare.  I've posted a video of it on the right, but please excuse the language.  They don't hesitate to swear in the Marines apparently.

In about 60 hours, Jeremiah will officially be a Marine.  I hope they let them rest early tonight since they start at 2:00 in the morning.  Parents and loved ones will be lighting candles, turning on bedroom and porch lights to wish their recruits luck.  Many have signed up for prayer vigils to keep the recruits covered in prayer all 54 hours of The Crucible.

Yes, today would've been hard being in a "Gas Chamber," but it's probably easier than what these recruits are about to endure.  I think they will all think it's worth it in the long run...to be called one of the few, the proud, the Marines.

Oohrah, recruits!  You've got this!

S-10 (September 20)

S-10 (September 20)

11 days until Family Day!  Yea!  Soon we get to see Jeremiah again.  The family is sure getting excited.  Hopefully Jeremiah is too.  It's his LAST Sunday as a Recruit.  Next Sunday, he will be a Marine!

Today they go to church then load up a bus and head to Camp Pendleton.  I wonder about the recruits' nerves.  Are they nervous?  Excited?  Do they feel ready?

An admin kind of answers this as she posted a letter that a MoM (Mother of a Marine) wanted to share with others.  Her son had written it a few days before The Crucible:
"It's strange, it feels like I just got here...Lately we're all on edge about next week because of what's coming.  But we're ready, Mom and Dad; we are so ready."

I have reassured Jeremiah many times in letters that he will be ready for that final challenge.  He's got God on his side, and family and friends praying for him.  His name will be in the temple first thing Tuesday morning.  We plan to do the candle thing for him, too, so a candle or light will be burning for him for the 54 hours of The Crucible.

So thrilled that my son is following God's path for him.  In his last letter he said: "I am bound and determined to beat the Crucible, so much to prove I am worthy of becoming a Marine.  I will not allow myself to quit.  I am not a quitter.  I will graduate with Charlie Company and my platoon.  No one can stop me.  I will do it and not fail.  I will keep going.  I will be a warrior that serves God and I will go on a mission for the Church..."  He goes on to say that he's been teaching three others about the church since they seemed interested.  Such an upbeat and positive letter that we received on Thursday!

Now I really hope that he received the package I sent on Wednesday.  It was "tendered to military agent" yesterday, but that doesn't mean Jeremiah got it.  He may not get it until he returns from Camp Pendleton on the 26th.  I guess if he doesn't get it, it will be a nice surprise when he gets back.

T-59 (September 19)

T-59 (September 19)

Company Commander Inspection today. According to the base newspaper, "Chevron," the company commander tests recruits on their knowledge, reviews their uniforms, bearing, confidence and weapons maintenance.  The commander also ensures each recruit has met all the basic requirements to graduate recruit training.  This should be good preparation for the Battalion Commander's inspection that happens on M4 when the new Marines are inspected by the Battalion Commander.  

T-58 (September 18)

T-58 (September 18)

This is what Jeremiah gets to do today.  I bet he has FUN!  He's always liked climbing rock walls and doing things like this.  I hope it's a fun day for him...well this part anyway.  Tomorrow is the Company Commander's Inspection.  I imagine there's LOTS of preparation into getting ready for the Brigadier General to inspect the recruits!

T-57 (September 17)

T-57 (September 17)

It's the Final Physical Fitness Test (PFT) today.  Jeremiah's platoon is calling home for travel arrangements today too.  Nope...he didn't call.  Not overly surprised.  Disappointed, but not surprised.

"The Reaper" - The final climb at the end of The Crucible.

We did receive a letter from Jeremiah today.  It's probably the best letter we've received since he got there.  He talks about beating the Crucible and not letting it beat him.  He says that he's going to scale The Reaper "down to size."  Obviously he can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!

I mailed his last letter/package yesterday.  It had the last three protein bars that I bought for him.  A while ago he was sent some encouraging thoughts which hopefully will keep him motivated.  Sounds like he may be doing some of that on his own now, though.  :-)  Now I just hope he receives the package before they head to Camp Pendleton on Sunday.  Just a few more days before The Crucible!

Wish I'd seen this BEFORE I sent his package today!  Oh well...  ;-)

T-56 (September 16)

T-56 (September 16)

Museum day!  Today the recruits got to visit the Marine Corps Museum.  Earlier in the blog I put in pictures of a WWII vet visiting the museum.  Looks like they have some really neat stuff there.  We need to be sure and visit it on Family Day.

More travel calls are coming to parents.  I heard of some parents getting calls to verify they had a place to stay even if the recruit knew the parents were driving.  Somehow...I don't see Jeremiah doing that.  He's pretty independent so probably told or will tell the travel agent that he knew our plans.  Hopefully he asks if he can fly back to San Diego out of Salt Lake City rather than Idaho Falls.  Flights from SLC are MUCH less expensive!

Supposedly the recruits get buzzed again too.  Next haircut should be the "high and tight" that is associated with military personnel.  Hopefully it's not too hard to maintain.  Jeremiah's hair grows FAST.

We found out that Platoon 1054 came in fourth in Final Drill that was on Monday.  I bet that humbled them since they were first in Initial Drill.  Parents are getting letters though, and it sounds like Platoon 1054 is still up for Honor Platoon for graduation.  It will be interesting to see if they earn that after the coffee theft/tagging episode during Field Week.

T-55 (September 15)

T-55 (September 15)

It's the day for the comprehensive exam.  I hope Jeremiah did okay on that.  He didn't used to be very good at "standardized" tests, but after taking the Compass exam twice in high school...just because...I think he understands these types of tests better.

Admins say that today the lead and follow series also change spots...lead series doing the Combat Fitness Test and the follow series (Jeremiah's group) will be getting uniforms fitted.

More parents are getting travel calls.  Jeremiah's platoon has only had one call home thus far, though.  Looks like his group will be going to the travel agents later in the week.

Some pictures were posted in one of the support groups.  We think we see Jeremiah in two of them.  I guess you can determine if we are right or not.  The angle isn't great, so we aren't 100% positive.

T-54 (September 14)

T-54 (September 14)

It's the last FULL week of training for Jeremiah and his company.  Today some parents started getting phone calls to arrange travel back to San Diego after their 10-day leave.  They also were verifying the recruits had flights/transportation home.  Jeremiah's platoon isn't calling yet, but since he knows where we are staying in California and that we are driving, I doubt I'll get a call.

Final Drill was today.  Jeremiah's team won Initial Drill, but Platoon 1051 won this one according to someone that posted pictures.  Here's a picture that somebody took.  I think it was a DI's wife or something that posted this.  I wish it was able to be a close up!

Supposedly the lead platoons (1049, 1050, and 1051) had final fittings for their uniforms today.  The follow series (1053, 1054, and 1055) have their Combat Fitness Test (CFT) - a requirement for graduation.  I've posted a video of Oscar Company doing the CFT in 2013 on the right side of this blog.

Tomorrow, according to a support group, the recruits will be learning about personal appearance standards when in civilian attire.  I know that admins to support groups are telling parents to be careful what clothing they bring their recruits at graduation.  No jeans with holes and belts are the biggest things parents/spouses are told to bring.  I just hope Jeremiah fits in his clothes still!  Last picture I saw makes me think his shirts might not fit anymore.  He has meat on his bones!  :-)

S-9 (September 13)

S-9 (September 13)

There were classroom sessions today focusing on personal appearance while in civilian clothes.  I'm probably fortunate that Jeremiah wasn't one to go around in ripped up jeans and stuff.  He'll probably stop wearing sweats around and wear jeans more frequently.  Hopefully he'll shave more.  He didn't need to do it daily, but more than once a week would be nice.

I mentioned in an earlier post about parents and loved ones creating Crucible Candles.  Since that's coming up soon, I'll explain.  There's a tradition for friends and loved ones of recruits to leave on their porch lights and/or light a candle (or candles) during the 54 hours of The Crucible.  It's a symbol of lighting the way for the recruits.  Here's what I did for mine.

Jeremiah starts week 10 tomorrow.  On the schedule is:

• Final Drill
• Final Practical Application Test - includes things like first aid, customs and courtesies, USMC uniform and rank identification, weapons assembly and disassembly.
• Final Written Academic Test - core values and ethics, first aid, military history, customs and courtesies, USMC uniforms, leadership, USMC policy and organization, BWT (Basic Warrior Training), land navigation, hand and arm signals, and marksmanship.
• Final PFT
• Company Commander's Inspection - The Company Commander is the highest ranking Marine the recruits have encountered thus far, and is the officer in charge of their company.  It's their second formal inspection that recruits stand, and it is an opportunity for the Company Commander and his officers to evaluate the progress of the recruits in the company, evaluate knowledge, discipline, and bearing, and to inspect the service uniforms for proper fit and wear.
• MOS (Military Occupations Specialty) may happen this week if they haven't already been assigned one.  Jeremiah is a reservist and already has his MOS which is something to do with welding.  Not sure of the exact title.
• Travel calls (supposedly around the 16th but some families are already getting them).  
• Travel to Camp Pendleton on Sunday, September 20 to get ready for The Crucible!

What a week ahead of them!  He's almost there!

T-53 (September 12)

T-53 (September 12)

Sustainment hike!  I wonder if those are anything like the survival hikes my grandfather used to take his boy scouts on.  They took NO food.  They only ate berries, roots, and whatever they could catch...whether it be squirrel, rabbit, or fish.  Probably not.  Since Jeremiah talks about field stripping MREs, I bet they get one or two of those for this hike.

According to an admin, yesterday would've been a 6 1/2 mile run and a 7 mile hike.  If they did that plus this sustainment hike, they're really working hard to get ready for the Crucible that starts in 10 days.  They work on being aware of their surroundings constantly, keeping their bearing on where they are, have been, and how to reach their destination.

They're almost there!  Surely Jeremiah sees more than just a "dot" of light at the end of the tunnel!

T-52 (September 11)

T-52 (September 11)

Today has been named Patriot Day after the attacks that happened on September 11, 2001.  Jeremiah was only 4 at the time.  I kind of wonder if they did anything in memorial of that day while at MCRD today.  People have posted on that Facebook page about how quiet it was after that attack.  MCRD is near the San Diego airport.  After the attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, no planes flew for days or weeks afterwards.  It would've been an eerie feeling to be at MCRD after that.

Nonetheless, I'm sure training went on.  The Matrix shows that it was the Second Uniform Fitting.  Seems like that would be appropriate for recruits on a day of remembrance.

We did get a letter today.  He finally gave us his scores for shooting, and he got 222 (Expert) on Table 1, and 89 (Expert) on Table 2.  Yea!  He thinks his platoon got the highest in rifle, but not the highest individual shooter.  He also says he sees a "dot of light at the end of the tunnel."  He's still a bit frustrated with some in his platoon since they're getting complacent and leaving their gear laying around.  He says one DI is really getting mad about it and will tear into the recruit and IT him later.

Jeremiah's three weeks from graduation.  In two weeks he'll be a Marine!

T-51 (September 10)

T-51 (September 10)

Combat Fitness Test day according to the Matrix.  Probably some parents will be getting calls from their recruits if they do really well.  Jeremiah's platoon hasn't been allowed to call home, so I doubt I'd get one.

Normally this is mail day, since it's Thursday, but it looks like I have to wait until tomorrow for a letter.  Darn those holidays!  ;-)

T-50 (September 9)

T-50 (September 9)

MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) Test is today.  Not much to say about that.

I'd rather focus on what's more exciting!  PICTURES!  Yes!  Pictures of Platoon 1054 that someone managed to take and post on a Facebook Group.  I'm posting them there too asking if people can find Jeremiah.  I did!  He looks good!

For those of you trying to find him in that sea of camo, he's wearing glasses.  In the third and fourth picture down, it appears he's right next to the DI.  There actually is a person between them, but the angle of the camera doesn't show that other recruit.

  

T-49 (September 8)

T-49 (September 8)

Two weeks from the Crucible!  Loved ones are busy making Crucible candles and making final travel arrangements for Graduation.  It's getting close.  Asking Jeremiah again if he sees a light at the end of the tunnel.

BAC (whatever that is) and Pugil Sticks are on the Matrix for today.  I imagine recruits are pretty bruised after hitting each other with things that look like giant q-tips.  Too bad they don't look as soft and fluffy as q-tips!  Those Pugil Sticks look like they're pretty firm and would hurt!

T-48 (September 7)

T-48 (September 7)

LABOR DAY!  You better believe Jeremiah will be laboring today!  They have the Inventory PFT on the Matrix.

Ugh!  The thought of all that exercise makes me tired!  Actually, lack of sleep was something Jeremiah complained about in his answers to a questionnaire I sent him.  He does like his sleep!

It's week 9 now, and they will be doing lots of things to prepare them for the Crucible in Week 11.  According to a group admin:

CONFIDENCE

This is the week where the recruits work on the grit and perseverance needed to be a US Marine. Marines must be ready to move towards the sounds of chaos without hesitation. The success of their mission demands complete focus and confidence. During week nine, Drill Instructors focus on building confidence in recruits by motivating them to overcome the 11 unique challenges of the Confidence Course. In phase one, recruits complete the course individually. In phase two, taller obstacles are added and recruits must now complete the challenges in four man fireteams. Drill Instructors push each team of recruits to work together and overcome the obstacles, leaving no man behind. During Day Movement exercises, recruits learn to stay together in simulated, tactical scenarios and ensure the safety of the Marines to their left and their right.

I'm glad to be part of these support groups because they teach what Jeremiah is going through.  Back in Phase 1, Jeremiah had an Initial Strength Test (IST) and Initial Physical Fitness Test (PFT).  The IST showed Jeremiah's strength upon entering boot camp.  The Initial PFT and Inventory PFT are used to see how far the recruit has come and make sure he's within guidelines and making progress in training.  There will be a Final PFT coming up on T57 next week.  The Final PFT is what will go on Jeremiah's record as he graduates and heads to School of Infantry (SOI) and then his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) School.

S-8 (September 6)

S-8 (September 8)

Sunday!  A day of rest...kind of.  I'm sure they are still doing something.  Hopefully Jeremiah is still able to find time to write.  I'm hoping that his platoon is coming together and uniting as a team.  That will be important when it comes to the Crucible.  Any guy that wants extra coffee...Jeremiah will be happy to give it to him since he doesn't drink the stuff!  I'm also hoping he'll answer my question on how he did on the Table I and II rifle tests.  Unfortunately it will be Friday before I get this next letter since it's Labor Day weekend.

T-47 (September 5)

T-47 (September 5)

Today they are doing the O-Course (which I think is short for obstacle course) and an academic review to get ready for their testing.  I think the Comprehensive Exam is what they are studying for, and that happens on September 15.

Here's video of what he'll be doing today.  It's NOT Jeremiah's platoon though.  This was filmed in January of 2013.

T-46 (September 4)

T-46 (September 4)

The Matrix says it's a blood drive today!  Supposedly they will get orange juice and cookies according to support group admins.  Jeremiah has O+ blood, so they'll be glad to get that!  He's practically a universal donor!  :-)

T-45 (September 3)

T-45 (September 3)

Haircut day according to support group admins.  Hopefully they start doing the "high and tight" rather than just shaving the recruits' heads.  The "Marine" haircut (high and tight) looks much better than a bald head!

We did get a letter today.  Sounds like Jeremiah's platoon got in a bit of trouble.  A few of the recruits got caught stealing "coffee dips."  I didn't know what those were, so asked.  I guess the recruits would take the little bags of coffee grounds and some sugar and put them in their pockets.  They later would put the coffee and sugar under their lips to help wake them up.  Since the DIs didn't want them training on stimulants (caffeine) they punished the whole platoon.  They couldn't blouse their trousers anymore, and were buttoned up on their shirts.  Jeremiah seemed disappointed in being punished along with those that stole.  Another mom posted that her son wrote that another recruit "tagged" (vandalized) an outhouse or restroom (I can't remember which) when they were at Camp Pendleton last week and was dropped.  Joe says he would've sent the recruits that stole back to phase 1, but they're still with the group.

All this happened at Camp Pendleton since Jeremiah writes on Sundays.  His letter would've been written August 30th, but we just received it.  Hopefully by now they're back to blousing their pants since he says it's hot when they don't.  Jeremiah says he's forgiven the recruits and the liar (not sure what he meant by the liar since there wasn't much description) which pleases me.  He also said the DI has noticed "the change" in him, so obviously Jeremiah is turning into the Marine they want him to be...and that HE wants to be.  Joe and I couldn't be prouder of our oldest son.

Four weeks until Family Day!  Three weeks until the end of the Crucible when Jeremiah will officially be a Marine.

T-44 (September 2)

T-44 (September 2)

Woohoo!  One month to graduation!  That's definitely more exciting than the fact that the recruits ran a 2.5 mile S&E course.  :-)

20 days until the start of the Crucible...

T-43 (September 1)

T-43 (September 1)

Uniform day!  The recruits will be fitted for their dress blues today.  I can't wait to see Jeremiah in his.

Jeremiah's into the last phase of his training.  I'm starting to ask him in letters if he can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  One month until Family Day when we get to give him a big hug!

T-42 (August 31) - Team Week

T-42 (August 31) - Team Week

It's Team Week or Training Week.  Lots of cleaning this week according to admins of support groups.  Recruits will be broken down into "details" and assigned to various areas of the depot to assist in the upkeep and operation requirements.  They will still drill, but it's a bit of a break from the tough physical stuff they've been doing in the past.  It will give the recruits a chance to recuperate from illnesses or injuries they may have sustained.

There's a video off to the right about what's going on this week.