They call it the thousand-yard stare: Marine recruits test their mettle during final exercises at Southern California's Camp Pendleton. The three days of obstacle courses and long marches is called "The Crucible."
by Peter Turnley (US News)
The exercise is called, simply, Combat Swim. Female marines at Parris Island, S.C., take to the water in full battle gear: a 40-pound pack, a helmet, and an M-16 rifle
by Lauren Greenfield (US News)
Thankfully, I was never put to the test, Aquamarine!
During the time of the Korean Conflict, women in service were used for support roles only, freeing men for combat.
It is just in recent years they have been phased into combat capability.
Parris Island, too, has The Crucible at the end of every Marine's recruit training.
They must successfully navigate the grueling course that takes them through the swamp at Elliott's Beach, and reach the Iwo Jima Monument.
They then have *earned* the right to receive and wear with utmost pride the globe and anchor emblem that separates the wheat from the chaff - -
There is a Special Ceremony in front of families and friends the day before they graduate from training and go on leave when they are given their emblem by their Drill Instructors.
When all have pinned them on and stand at attention, they are finally able to be and be called *MARINE* - finally considered worthy of what that is.
Attending one of these 'pinning on' ceremonies a year ago was thrilling beyond measure for me.
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