Land Navigation
“Basic Warrior Training (BWT)”

Week 9 at Parris Island kicks off with a tough mix of survival skills, marksmanship, and teamwork, all part of Basic Warrior Training (BWT). Recruits get hands-on with navigating, camouflaging, and enduring in the field. They also refine their shooting, aiming at moving targets and mastering team-based combat drills. This is the time when they start gearing up for The Crucible, their final challenge. BWT is a key part of the week, making the training feel more real and pushing recruits to bond and work together. It’s a critical step in their journey to becoming Marines, testing their skills and building their resilience.

This crucial training not only builds essential skills but also fosters teamwork and resilience, preparing them for the challenges ahead. Let’s dive a little deeper:

Camouflage, Cover and Concealment

Recruits learn the fundamentals of camouflage, including techniques to blend into natural environments. In addition, they are trained on the critical difference between cover and concealment. Cover refers to objects that can physically protect them from enemy fire, like solid walls, thick trees, or rocks. Concealment, on the other hand, involves hiding their presence without necessarily providing protection, such as using bushes or shadows. Mastering these skills is essential for effective movement and survival in combat situations.

Mastering Land Navigation: Day and Night

Armed with Lensatic compasses and detailed maps, recruits embark on the journey of day and night land navigation. To prepare, they’ll attend classroom sessions where they’ll learn the fundamentals of map reading, compass use, and terrain association. In practical exercises, recruits will apply these skills in the field, learning to differentiate natural landmarks from man-made features, plot precise courses, and estimate distances accurately.

This comprehensive training builds a solid foundation in navigation, equipping recruits with the ability to find their way in varied environments and setting them up for lifelong proficiency in these essential skills—a valuable asset throughout their Marine Corps careers.

Gut Check

To close out the week, Recruits will face the Endurance Course—a challenging test of both physical stamina and mental resilience. This demanding event combines a series of obstacles, including crawls, climbs, and sprints, designed to push Recruits to their limits. Completing the Endurance Course marks a significant milestone in their training, proving their strength, determination, and readiness for the challenges ahead in the Marine Corps.

Gear Up for the Crucible

Now’s a good time to send another Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) gift card. Your Recruit will have the opportunity to visit the MCX next week before they begin, and this can help them stock up on any essential supplies they need before and after “The Crucible.”

Next week—“The Crucible”. Enough said.

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