Table Two Firing
“Field Week”
Week 9 is packed with intensive combat marksmanship training and field exercises, pushing Recruits to apply the skills they’ve developed throughout boot camp. This week also includes additional tests and assessments, ensuring Recruits are mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead. These final evaluations mark an essential step in their journey, bringing them closer to earning the title of United States Marine.
Embarking On The Next Stage Of Marksmanship Development
Following the Recruit’s initial marksmanship training in Table 1, Table 2, Firing pushes Recruits toward combat-ready proficiency. This stage throws them into simulated scenarios, testing their ability to apply learned skills under pressure. Recruits engage multiple and moving targets from all four shooting positions, often while wearing combat gear and adapting to different ranges and conditions. This demanding exercise hones their tactical skills, like rapid fire and combat reloads, further solidifying their confidence and marksmanship expertise. Successfully completing Table 2 Firing, along with other qualifications, signifies a critical milestone in their transformation into qualified riflemen, ready to serve their country with precision and courage.
Combat Training, Field Exercises
The remainder of Week 9 is filled with combat training and field exercises, challenging Recruits to apply the skills they’ve refined throughout boot camp. These sessions emphasize precision, discipline, and tactical awareness, ensuring that recruits are fully prepared for the demands of the fleet. Additional tests and assessments this week further solidify their readiness, marking another step toward earning the title of United States Marine.
Recruits will engage in a mix of simulated scenarios, obstacle courses, and classroom instruction, building essential combat skills such as land navigation, tactics, and fieldcraft. They’ll also learn the vital techniques of camouflage, cover, and concealment, mastering how to blend into their environment and effectively use available resources to their advantage.
A key focus of the Field training is land navigation. Recruits will sharpen their abilities in map reading, landmark identification, and precise course-plotting using the Lensatic compass, a critical skill for navigating through any terrain. This intensive phase not only enhances technical expertise but also fosters teamwork, mental toughness, and resilience—qualities essential for overcoming challenges in the field.
Gas, Gas, Gas
Later in the week, Recruits will take on the Confidence Chamber exercise, a controlled environment designed to teach them how to effectively and confidently use their gear, especially their gas masks. This training ensures they are prepared to operate safely in hazardous situations by reinforcing proper procedures under stress. Although the exercise can be challenging, it serves as a pivotal milestone in their journey, instilling confidence, resilience, and readiness to face future obstacles.
The week concludes with the final written exam, which tests Recruits’ knowledge across all aspects of their training—marking one of the last steps before taking on the Crucible, the ultimate test of everything they’ve learned.
See you next week for insight and stories about the Crucible. This will be the culminating event for your Recruit.
I’m SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret), and I can’t wait to share more with you about this incredible journey. Semper Fidelis