Two Portland Boys pass The Crucible

Two of Portland's own recently completed an incredible accomplishment on Parris Island, SC. Connor Cross and Devin Cook both enlisted in the United State Marine Corps on January 14th and were shipped down to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island to begin their journey. Throughout this 13-week bootcamp, the recruits were subjected to dehumanizing conditions, privations, and intense physical and mental stresses. Boot camp culminates in the final test, which is aptly name "The Crucible".

The Crucible is a 54-hour event that tests physical stamina, mental toughness, and the ability to think critically while under multiple levels of stress including hunger, sleep deprivation, and physical exhaustion. The Marine Corps Crucible is the final test that validates the training a Marine recruit has undergone before they can be called “Marine.”

The recruits are broken down into squads to face the Crucible challenges. They will face many obstacles that require not just physical strength, but teamwork. Each event ties back to a moment in Marine Corps history — like John Basilone’s last stand on Iwo Jima, for example.

During the Crucible, Marine recruits Connor and Devin faced sleep deprivation, limited food (two MRE’s in 54 hours), Physical exhaustion, 48 miles of hiking, 8 physically and mentally demanding events and simulated casualty evacuations throughout each event

Both recruits were well aware of what happens during the Crucible, but it took more than knowledge of the events to make it through. It took incredible Fortitude, Faith, and a lifetime of lessons to become men who could pass this incredible challenge.

Connor and Devin both arrived back from their 54-hour ordeal the morning of Saturday, March 29th, exhausted, with raw blistered feet, completing a final 15 mile forced hike to triumphantly complete their journey under the arch.

After completion of the Crucible, the young men- who up until that moment had been called "recruit" and been treated as the lowest form of human, were finally able to call themselves "Marines" and to proudly wear the EGA- Eagle, Globe and Anchor. The Drill Instructors, who had been their very strict taskmasters, now embraced them as brothers.

After that, they were finally able to eat a real Soldiers Breakfast, an all you can eat Steak and Eggs bonanza. The weekend was complete, when they were finally afforded a few hours of Liberty, where they were free to roam the base, go shopping, and the most important to any soldier’s parent- call home! A facetime call with your son or daughter after not being able to see their face for 11 weeks is the greatest gift a parent can receive. Exhausted, but exultant, the recruits got to tell their parents some stories and plan their upcoming trip home. For the next two weeks, these Marines will be learning about life in the Armed Services, but the hard part of training is over for them. Graduation will be on April 11th, and the Marines will get a well earned 10-day Liberty at home. Please continue to pray for their safety, and the safety of all of our soldiers.