Testing Week Week
“End of Phase 2

Week Six kicks off with the culmination of Phase 2 at MCRDSD! Get ready for a week dedicated to pushing your Recruit’s limits through intense physical fitness challenges and rigorous academic testing. These intense exercises and assessments will not only showcase their dedication and resilience but also serve as a crucial evaluation of their progress throughout this demanding phase of boot camp. Prepare to celebrate their accomplishments and acknowledge the incredible strength and knowledge they’ve acquired as they head towards the next chapter of their journey.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

As week six kicks off, your Recruit will dive back into physical assessments with their Physical Fitness Test (PFT). This comprehensive evaluation, mirroring the first one, tests their upper body strength through pull-ups, cardiovascular endurance with a 3-mile run, and core strength and stability with planks. Successfully navigating the PFT demonstrates the physical readiness and resilience crucial for Marines to excel in combat situations and the various challenges they may face.

Get Some Take A Stance!

This week intensifies with the Bayonet Assault Course, pushing your Recruit to navigate a challenging obstacle course while employing their bayonets. Additionally, they’ll engage in pugil stick sparring once more, a simulated close-quarter combat course designed to replicate the sights, sounds, and chaos of real-world scenarios. Both exercises expose them to the stressful environment of combat, building confidence in their ability to react and utilize their weapons effectively while simultaneously fostering mental and physical resilience.

Evaluations and MCMAP Test

The middle of week six intensifies the pressure with a series of rigorous evaluations, starting with a comprehensive written exam. This test assesses your recruit’s mastery of Marine Corps values, customs, military knowledge, and procedures learned so far. It’s a significant checkpoint, but we’re confident your recruit is ready to succeed!

Another key event this week is the MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) test, which is essential for graduation. The MCMAP test evaluates both combat techniques and mental readiness, emphasizing skills like strikes, grappling, and submissions, along with the ethical warrior mindset that underpins Marine martial arts. Recruits must demonstrate proficiency in these techniques to earn their first belt in the MCMAP system, a crucial part of their training and personal development.

Next is the Series Commander’s Inspection, a meticulous evaluation of each Recruit’s discipline, appearance, and knowledge. This inspection ensures they are on track to meet the high standards required for graduation. With these critical milestones behind them, Recruits move one step closer to earning the title of United States Marine.

Drill Time

As week six draws to a close, your Recruit will end phase 2 with Final Drill. This momentous event, often likened to the Super Bowl for both Recruits and Drill Instructors, Final Drill is the last evaluation of a platoon’s execution of close order drill. Drill tests drill instructors on their ability to give drill commands and tests Recruits on their ability to execute the movements properly. It instills instant obedience to orders and unit cohesion.

Following this, they’ll board buses and head north to Weapons Field Training Battalion (WFTBN) for their next training phase. Rest assured, your mail will still be forwarded to your Recruit at their new location.

See you next week for insight and stories on GRASS WEEK and Firing Week. You do not want to miss this!

 I’m SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret), and I can’t wait to share more with you about this incredible journey. Semper Fidelis