Training Day Two and Three

Every other day, Sara is doing Combat Conditioning, a program that increases core strength and upper body development through power movements and events like the obstacle and confidence Course, MCMAP, and 3, 5, 6, 7.5 mile conditioning hikes with individual load bearing equipment.

She is getting more into her Marine martial arts learning punches, uppercuts, and hooks which are practiced until executed instinctively. Punches are offensive skills and of course, in combat, taking the offensive is the key to success. Knowing that she is learning bayonetting techniques brings home the reality of the purpose for Sara's training. This is not just some insanely accelerated advanced "Ropes Course." My Sara is being trained to do battle, to instinctively take a life if necessary. The brutality of the reality sits heavy. This is for real, and this is for keeps. It is just hard to imagine or want this for my pink shoed "little girl" of a daughter. But... I am extremely thankful that she is getting the best training possible on the planet. If she ever has to become involved in a combat situation, she will be prepared to fight, to protect herself and her fellow Marines and together be victorious.

These days Sara has begun learning the "Customs and Courtesies" of the Marine Corps. She is probably too hoarse to sing it now, but she is learning all three verses of the Marines Hymn.

She is also learning the traditions, ceremonies, governing behavior, bearing, and discipline of a United States Marine. By now she has learned the guidelines for saluting, and the respect and courtesies due those Marines and officers of greater rank.


As a part of combat readiness, she must be proficient in the medical measures to carry out for herself or for her fellow Marines before emergency treatment can be provided by a corpsman or a doctor. Sara is building on her knowledge and is being tested on basic first aid, such as: CPR, basic lifesaving steps, how to transport a casualty, how to stop bleeding, and how to identify poisonous animals and insects.

The recruits are taught that wearing the uniform should be a matter of personal pride to all Marines. I can imagine how "strict conformity with the neatness and serviceable regulations" are fleshed out in her platoon.

"Marines are known not just for their battlefield prowess, but for their unparalleled standards of professionalism and uncompromising personal conduct and appearance. It is a Marine's duty and personal obligation to maintain a professional and neat appearance. Any activity, which detracts from the dignified appearance of Marines, is unacceptable. The use of chewing gum, chewing tobacco, cigarettes or the consumption of food while walking in uniform or while in formation, ARE examples of activities that detract from the appearance expected of a United States Marine."

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