San Diego, California. (September 27, 2024): For those few willing to volunteer for the Marines, many will find that they are not as “in shape” as they thought they were. In this photo by Corporal Sarah M. Grawcock, Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Marcus Rojas, a drill instructor, guides recruits through dynamic warmups before they take the combat conditioning course. Those willing to undergo Marine Corps training must have a certain level of confidence in their physical fitness, but many are surprised at how different, and difficult, combat training really is.

Unlike working out in a gym or on a playing field, Marines are trained to engage the enemy and complete their mission no matter what. They must trust that they will be able to push through pain and fatigue and still perform their duties under fire. This combination of psychological and physical stress is first introduced to Marines during recruit training.

The military’s focus is on functional exercises and a progressive method to build a strong foundation for general fitness. The program concentrates on core strength and upper body development through obstacle and confidence courses. Another thing that separates civilian from military training is the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Unlike traditional martial arts, this program combines hand-to-hand and close quarters combat techniques with team-building exercises that develop a “warrior ethos”. Students train in unarmed combat, using weapons of opportunity, and rifle and bayonet techniques.

Finally, combat conditioning places the ultimate value in stamina. While civilians may go hiking, a Marine recruit will complete 3, 5, 6, 7.5-mile conditioning marches wearing heavy equipment and in all weather conditions. These “conditioning hikes” measure the absolute limit of a recruits endurance.

Marines quickly learn they can push through the pain, overcome exhaustion, and successfully perform their duties. They realize they can react confidently under great mental and physical stress as have all the Marines that have come before.