Surviving Boot Camp in San Diego: A Marine Recruit’s Journey | Business Insider

Surviving Boot Camp in San Diego: A Marine Recruit’s Journey | Business Insider

The United States Marine Corps’ intense 13-week basic training program in San Diego, California, is a grueling experience that pushes enlisted recruits to their physical and mental limits. Chief video correspondent Graham Flanagan spent five days at the Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot, observing different companies at various stages of training. Men and women train together but live in separate squad bays and are not allowed to talk to each other during training.

During week seven, recruits travel to Camp Pendleton, where they complete their training with the challenging 54-hour event known as The Crucible. This event tests recruits with minimal food and sleep, culminating in the receiving of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor pendant, signifying their official transition to Marines. The training includes various activities such as a confidence course, Marine Corps history lessons, MCMAP test, and obstacle courses to prepare recruits for the demands of military service.

The rigorous training also includes activities like Pugil stick fighting, the Reaper obstacle, and the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Ceremony. Recruits face challenges throughout the training, testing their determination and commitment to becoming Marines. The training is designed to build resilience, discipline, and teamwork among recruits as they prepare to serve in the Marine Corps. Through intense physical and mental challenges, recruits learn to embrace the “suck” and push themselves beyond their limits to succeed in boot camp.

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Video “How Marine Recruits Survive Boot Camp In San Diego | Boot Camp | Business Insider” was uploaded on 04/17/2025 to Youtube Channel Business Insider