One Shot, One Kill
“Grass Week”

During Week 6 of boot camp, recruits enter a critical phase known as “Grass Week.” This week focuses entirely on building the fundamentals of marksmanship, a skill every Marine must master. Recruits spend long hours lying in the prone position on the rifle range, practicing their aim while honing techniques like breath control, trigger squeeze, and sight alignment.

The name “Grass Week” comes from the environment—recruits spend much of their time on the grass, perfecting their shooting positions and aiming downrange. The purpose of this phase is not only to prepare Recruits for qualification week but also to instill the discipline and focus necessary to perform under pressure. By the end of Grass Week, recruits are expected to demonstrate a solid understanding of marksmanship principles, setting the foundation for success on the live-fire range.

PT, PT, Everyday Builds My Body the Marine Corps Way!

Kicking off the week, your Recruit will take their Initial Physical Fitness Test (PFT), a crucial milestone in every Recruit’s journey. This comprehensive assessment measures their overall physical capabilities and readiness for the rigors of Marine Corps life. 

The PFT encompasses three key components: a timed pull-up test evaluating upper body strength, a 3-mile run assessing cardiovascular endurance, and planks testing core strength and stability. Passing the PFT demonstrates the physical fitness a Marine needs to perform their duties effectively and navigate the demanding situations they may encounter.

Every Marine, A Rifleman

The phrase “Every Marine a Rifleman” reflects the Marine Corps’ philosophy that regardless of rank or specialty, every Marine must be proficient in basic infantry skills and marksmanship. Whether serving as an aviation mechanic, logistics officer, or in any other role, each Marine is expected to be combat-ready and capable of operating as a rifleman. This tradition emphasizes the importance of unity, versatility, and readiness within the Corps, ensuring that all Marines are prepared to fight as part of a cohesive force when needed, embodying the spirit of mission-first mindset and adaptability.

Snapping In

Grass Week marks a significant shift in Marine Corps basic training as recruits transition from general training to learning the fundamentals of marksmanship. This pivotal week is characterized by the following key elements:

1. Weapons Safety rules: 

• Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
• Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.
• Never point your weapon at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
• Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire.

2. Introduction to Firearms and Marksmanship: Recruits begin their journey into the world of marksmanship by learning the four fundamental shooting positions: standing, kneeling, sitting, and prone. Each position requires precise techniques, and recruits dedicate significant time to mastering them through instruction, drills, and practice.

3. “Snapping In”: A significant portion of Grass Week is dedicated to “snapping in.” This involves extensive practice sighting targets and dry-firing (without live ammunition) from various positions. This repetitive practice helps them refine their aiming, develop muscle memory, and build the foundation for accurate shooting.

Hike Time

With the sun rising early and motivation burning bright, Marine Corps Recruits embark on a 10-kilometer hike, a test of body and spirit. Laden with packs and fueled by determination, they traverse the challenging terrain, each step echoing the unwavering commitment to their newfound purpose. Sweat beads on their brows, but their eyes remain focused, a testament to the grit forged in the crucible of boot camp. This journey isn’t just about distance; it’s a crucible of discipline, pushing them to their limits and revealing the inner strength needed to conquer future challenges. 

With each kilometer conquered, they inch closer to earning the coveted title of United States Marine, a badge of honor earned through hardship and unwavering resolve.

Company Commander Inspection

This week concludes with a significant milestone: the Company Commander’s Inspection. During this rigorous evaluation, the Company Commander will meticulously review each recruit’s uniform, military bearing, and knowledge, ensuring they meet the high standards expected of every Marine. This inspection serves as a key measure of your recruit’s readiness, instilling discipline, attention to detail, and confidence in their progress. Successfully completing this inspection marks an important step as recruits continue toward earning the title of United States Marine.

See you next week for more stories and insights as we dive into Firing Week!

I’m SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret), and I look forward to continuing this incredible journey with you. Semper Fidelis!