SAN DIEGO — Starting next week, the public can get an inside look at what it takes to become a US Marine, with help from a drill instructor.
You still have time to sign up for the 21st annual Bootcamp Challenge at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot San Diego.
There are only two U.S. Marine boot camps in the United States. The East Coast boot camp is located in Parris Island in South Carolina. On the west coast, 19,000 men and women go through boot camp each year at MCRD San Diego.
During the 100 years of “Making Marines" event, the public will get a rare chance to tackle a three-mile obstacle course that's endured in real boot camp. The course includes tunnels, low crawls, knee-high and waist jumps, two six-foot walls and push up stations.
“They get to see the feeling these recruits go through and the transformation process,” said Sgt. Joshua Mollie, Senior Drill Instructor, MCRD San Diego.
There will be 60 USMC drill instructors who will be encouraging participants as young as 14-years-old to adventurous seniors.
“You can come here and not be physically fit but the one thing I want you to remember is try to do is strengthen your mind, if you strengthen that nothing is impossible,” said Mollie.
The first day can be challenging but each day recruits get stronger.
“They don't even know their left foot from their right foot. We have to teach this person basically everything. Teaching them how to shave, teaching them how to wear the uniform,” said Mollie.
After 13 weeks of rigorous training, Mollie helps transform recruits into US Marines.
“It’s a rewarding aspect that we're teaching these young recruits to become a part of our family,” said Mollie.
To register to participate visit MCRD Boot Camp Challenge. Race is on October 21 at 9:00 a.m. There is no same-day registration.
Proceeds from the Boot Camp Challenge go to Marine Corps Community Services, which supports Marines and their families by providing morale, welfare, and recreational programming.
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