Crucible

WEAPONS AND FIELD TRAINING BATTALION (MCRD SAN DIEGO)

EDSON RANGE AREA

P.O. BOX 555181

CAMP PENDLETON, CA. 92055-5181

CRUCIBLE SOP & EDSON

RANGE TRAINING AREA

Table

of

Contents

Table of Contents

Document

Document

_Page

Page

Base Order ₁

¾ Annex A—Task Organization A-1

¾ Annex B—Range and Training Area Operations B-1

9 Appendix 1—Safety Brief B-1-1

9 Appendix 2—Ammunition Handling Procedures B-2-1

9 Appendix 3—Range Checklist B-3-1

9 Appendix 4-SAW and AT-4 Tracer-Trainer Safety Protocol B-4-1

¾ Annex C— Crucible Operations C-1

9 Appendix 1—Day’s Defense/Team Shoot & Ballard’s Success C-1-1

ƒ Tab A—Day’s Defense/Team Shoot C-1-A-1

ƒ Tab B—Ballard’s Success C-1-B-1

9 Appendix 2—Iam’s Drive C-2-1

ƒ Tab A—Body Sparing C-2-A-1

ƒ Tab B—Pugil Sticks C-2-B-1

9 Appendix 3—Night Patrol Rehearsal C-3-1

9 Appendix 4—Sky Scraper & Two-line Bridge C-4-1

ƒ Tab A—Sky Scrapper C-4-A-1

ƒ Tab B—Two-line Bridge C-4-B-1

9 Appendix 5—Stairway to Heaven & Baptista’s Weaver C-5-1

ƒ Tab A—Stairway to Heaven C-5-A-1

ƒ Tab B—Baptista’s Weaver C-5-B-1

9 Appendix 6—Hansen’s Counters C-6-1

9 Appendix 7—Compass/Pace Course C-7-1

9 Appendix 8—Howard’s Assault & Fire Team Obstacle Course C-8-1

ƒ Tab A—Howard’s Assault C-8-A-1

ƒ Tab B—Fire Team Obstacle Course C-8-B-1

9 Appendix 9—Bordelon’s Assault & PE Station 1 C-9-1

Day & Night Individual Movement) C-9-B-1

9 Appendix 10— Weapons Maintenance C-10-1

9 Appendix 11—Three-Mile Hike C-11-1

9 Appendix 12—Copeland's Assault/Fire Team Assault Course C-12-1

9 Appendix 13—PE Station 2 & Core Values (“Isms”) C-13-1

ƒ PE Station 2 (IA Drills) C-13-A-1

ƒ Core Values (“Isms”) C-13-B-1

9 Appendix 14—PE Station 3 (Map Reading and Camouflage,

Cover, & Concealment)_ C-14-1

9 Appendix 15—Noonan’s Casualty Evac & Jenkins’s Pinnacle C-15-1

ƒ Tab A—Noonan’s Casualty Evacuation C-15-A-1

ƒ Tab B-Jenkins’s Pinnacle C-15-B-1

9 Appendix 16—Twelve Stall LRC & Core Values C-16-1

ƒ Tab A—Twelve Stall LRC and Medical Check C-16-A-1

ƒ Tab B-Core Values (“Who am I?”) C-16-B-1

ƒ Tab C-Twelve Stall Operational Risk Assessment C-16-C-1

9 Appendix 17—Garcia’s Engagement & Basilone’s Challenge C-17-1

ƒ Tab A—Garcia’s Engagement C-17-A-1

ƒ Tab B—Basilone’s Challenge C-17-B-1

9 Appendix 18—Cukela’s Wall & Gonzalez’s Crossing C-18-1

ƒ Tab A—Cukela’s Wall C-18-A-1

ƒ Tab B—Gonzalez’s Crossing C-18-B-1

9 Appendix 19—Jansen’s Thrust C-19-1

9 Appendix 20—Night Fire Team Satellite Patrol C-20-1

ƒ Tab A—Course Diagram & Instructor Guidance C-20-A-1

ƒ Tab B—Team Leader’s Patrol Order C-20-B-1

9 Appendix 21—Night Infiltration Course C-21-1

9 Appendix 22—Reaper 10-Mile Hike C-22-1

ƒ Tab A-Edson Raider PME C-22-A-1

ƒ Tab B-Hike Checkpoints and Route Overlays C-22-B-1

¾ Annex D—Logistics D-1

9 Appendix 1—Recruit Gear List D-1-1

9 Appendix 2—Subsistence D-2-1

9 Appendix 3—Sanitation D-3-1

9 Appendix 4—Ammunition Delivery Matrix D-4-1

9 Appendix 5—Billeting D-5-1

9 Appendix 6—Vehicles D-6-1

9 Appendix 7—Supply D-7-1

¾ Annex E—Maintenance E-1

9 Appendix 1—Concept and Relations E-1-1

ƒ Tab A—Inspection Worksheets E-1-A-1

¾ Annex F— Dangerous and Inclement Weather SOPs F-1

9 Appendix 1—Hot Weather SOP F-1-1

9 Appendix 2—Thunderstorm & Lightening SOP F-2-1

9 Appendix 3-Cold and/or Wet Weather SOP F-3-1

¾ Annex H—Medical H-1

9 Appendix 1—MEDEVAC Procedures H-1-1

9 Appendix 2-Sick Call; Referral Criterion; ATC Protocols H-2-1

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA 92055-5181

P1513.8 FWTCO 24 Jul 06

CRUCIBLE & EDSON RANGE TRAINING AREA SOPS (U)

(U) REFERENCES:

(a) Marine Corps Order 1510.32D (Recruit Training)

(b) Marine Corps Order 1553.2A (Formal Schools Management)

(c) Marine Corps Order 1510.89B (MCCS Volume 1)

(d) Recruit Training (Male) Program of Instruction

(e) CG, TECOM ITS Conference Implementation MSG dtd R211600ZJUL06

(f) Army Training Circular 25-10: Leaders Guide to Lane Training

(g) MCRD San Diego DepO P1510.30L (Recruit Training SOP)

(h) Camp Pendleton Base Range Regulations (BO P3500.1M)

(i) Camp Pendleton Contingency Plan for Range and Training Area

Accidents and Injuries (BO 3040.1D)

(j) Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) Order MCO 1500.54A

(k) Weapons & Field Training Battalion/31 Cantonment Area Force Protection-05 (31A FP PLAN 05)

(l) MCRD Parris Island Operations Order 01-01 (Crucible SOP)

(U) TIME ZONE: Uniform

1. (U) Purpose. The purpose of this order is to provide policy and

instructions for the conduct of the Crucible and Field Skills range operations aboard Edson Range, MCB Camp Pendleton. The Crucible is a pivotal graduation requirement in Marine Corps recruit training that brings together and tests all the discipline and field skills that recruits have learned during the previous weeks of boot camp. It is a grueling, 54-hour field training exercise and evaluation which is highlighted by food and sleep deprivation, over forty miles of forced marches, and an operational tempo that presents continuous physical and mental challenges. Designed to emphasize the importance of selflessness and teamwork in overcoming adversity, it is truly a

defining moment in recruit training. The Crucible is also a challenge to the leadership of the Recruit Training Regiment, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, and the Branch Medical Clinic as they strive to reinforce training standards through proper repetition of skill sets and ensure that the safest possible conditions exist for the conduct of this rigorous exercise. The contents of this SOP will be adhered to in order to enhance the training value of the Crucible while minimizing the risks to our recruits.

2. (U) Task Organization. See Annex A.

running of the Crucible is unique. Each recruit, each platoon, each training event and each training day is unique. Weather and the physical condition of both recruits and recruit trainers are not the same during any two Crucibles. There must be sound judgment and proactive leadership prior to, and throughout, the conduct of the event. Recruit training company commanders must complete detailed planning prior to the Crucible. Further, face-to-face coordination with all instructors involved in the Crucible, from both the training company and Field and Weapons Training Company, must be made before commencement of this exercise. Proactive small unit leadership by the Drill Instructor(s) assigned to lead each Crucible Squad is the key to success. Throughout the Crucible, and even after its completion, critiques will be conducted to address problems and to provide solutions to the leaders of both companies to avoid reoccurrence.

b. (U) Terrain and Weather.

(1) (U) Terrain. Lesson ID 1200 (Hazardous Local Wildlife) of

reference (d) shall be given to all recruits prior to Field Training aboard Edson Range. This class describes hazardous wildlife, terrain, and vegetation.

(2) (U) Weather. Edson Range is a coastal area, located in a

temperate, semi-arid climate. The following statistical data is provided:

(1) (U) Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. This headquarters provides direction and guidance relative to recruit training.

Reference (a) outlines the Commandant's intent regarding the role of recruit training in producing the premier guardians of our nation’s freedom. It also provides guidance on the role of the Crucible in the “Transformation” process.

(2) (U) Training and Education Command (TECOM). TECOM, through Ground Training Branch, Training Command, has oversight of recruit training; maintains the Program of Instruction for recruit training, to include the Crucible; and ensures standardization of recruit

training between MCRD Parris Island and MCRD San Diego, references (a) through (d). Reference (d) is the Recruit Training (Male) Program of Instruction. Reference (e) authorizes replacement of specific

Crucible events in order to provide evaluation of recruit learning and proper repetition of field skills as taught in accordance with

references (a) through (f). Such evaluations are critical as they supply feedback on the efficacy of instruction which, in turn, becomes the catalyst for continuous improvement of our training and

preparation of recruits for service in the operating forces.

(3) (U) Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina (MCRD PISC). MCRD PISC conducts the Crucible in accordance with references (a) through (f), (j) and (l). They coordinate with MCRD San Diego, California to ensure standardization in the execution of the Crucible.

(4) (U) 31 Area Branch Medical Clinic, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (31 ABMC). 31 ABMC provides medical support for the

Crucible as outlined in Annexes A (Task Organization) and H (Medical) to this SOP.

(5) (U) U.S. Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (USARIEM). USARIEM conducts evaluations of training as requested, and provides recommendations concerning the impact of environmental and nutritional factors on the execution of the Crucible and the health and well-being of recruits.

3. (U) MISSION. Conduct the Crucible in accordance with the

references and instructions outlined herein in order to better prepare recruits for service to their country and Corps as a United States Marine.

4. (U) EXECUTION

.

Recruit Training Companies from MCRD San Diego will conduct the Crucible in accordance with the references and guidance outlined herein.

(1) (U) Commander's Intent. It is my intent that every aspect and detail of each Crucible be carefully assessed, planned, and executed. This begins with the events outlined in the milestones leading up to the Crucible, to medical pre-screening of recruits, to proper

maintenance of obstacles and observance of safety considerations, to expert repetition of Marine Corps Common Skills during the conduct of the Crucible, and culminating in a well-deserved and professionally-presented Warrior’s Breakfast. I expect constant vigilance, forward thinking, good judgment and professionalism from all hands—commanders, Drill Instructors, Field Instructors, and corpsmen. The end state of each Crucible is for every recruit to have been physically and

mentally challenged; that they have demonstrated competency in the requisite Marine Corps Common Skills as taught up to that point in the recruit training POI; that they have completed the Crucible safely, imbued with our Core Values and Warrior Ethos; and that they are ready to report to the School of Infantry and Marine Combat Training upon successful completion of the final phase of boot camp.

(2) (U) Training philosophy. We will zealously apply the acronym SERES in our training philosophy: We will train recruits to uniform and consistent Standards in accordance with the appropriate

references; we will strive to ensure that all recruit trainers are Experts in this SOP and the skills that we teach recruits; we believe that recruits learn through proper Repetition of the skills they are taught; we, as trainers, will Evaluate recruits to ensure that

learning has taken place and to ensure that we continually improve the quality of our instruction; and every commander will Support training through resourcing valid requirements and ensuring that all recruit trainers are in fact experts, thoroughly indoctrinated in the contents of this SOP and the Recruit Training Program of Instruction.

(3) (U) Concept of Operations. See, Annex C (Crucible Operations).

b. (U) Tasks.

(1) (U) Commanding Officer, Recruit Training Company

(a) (U) You are the supported commander for the planning and execution of the Crucible.

(b) (U) Ensure that the Crucible is conducted in accordance with provisions herein.

(c) (U) Ensure that subordinate commanders are properly supported and that they conduct face-to-face coordination with Field and Weapons Training Company leadership prior to each execution of the

buddy team and fire team integrity throughout the Crucible as

established NLT T-17 in accordance with paragraph 12009 of reference (g). The exceptions to this requirement occurs when a recruit is dropped from training or is picked-up and when specifically authorized under Annex C (Crucible Operations) of this order.

(e) (U) Conduct a debrief and make appropriate recommendations for improvement.

(f) (U) Provide periodic Crucible SOP training to Drill Instructors to ensure the integrity and safe execution of this event.

(2) (U) Field Training Platoon Leader, Field & Weapons Training Company (FWTCO)

(a) (U) You are the supporting commander for the planning and execution of the Crucible.

(b) (U) Ensure that all safety mechanisms are in place and that all Field Instructors involved in the execution of this event are thoroughly familiar with the provisions of this SOP.

(c) (U) Ensure that recruit training company commanders are properly supported and that they conduct face-to-face coordination with FWTCO leadership prior to each execution of the Crucible.

(3) (U) Director, 31 Area Branch Medical Clinic

(a) (U) Provide medical support to the Crucible in accordance with your Table of Organization mission statement and the personnel provided therein to support WFTBN, Edson Range.

(b) (U) Ensure medical planning and execution are conducted in accordance with the provisions herein.

c. (U) Coordinating Instructions.

(1) (U) Crucible Preparation. Preparation for the Crucible starts in Phase 1 of recruit training. After arrival at Edson Range, a

separate and distinct coordination meeting will be held prior to the Crucible. It will not be conducted on a "by exception" basis, nor will it assume a "pro forma" mindset. Appropriate representatives from Weapons and Field Training Battalion, 31 Area Branch Medical Clinic, and the participating recruit training company will attend.

(2) (U) Debriefs. A summary "hot wash" will be conducted daily during the conduct of the Crucible in order to evaluate the conduct of the day's training, and to coordinate upcoming events. At a minimum, this meeting will be held at Range 501 or the Field and Weapons

Chiefs and FWTCO SNCOIC in attendance. During winter months, this meeting will occur after the night events; during the summer months, it may occur between the Operational Pause (1900 and EENT).

Additionally, a detailed "hot wash" will be conducted following the completion of the entire Crucible event with Weapons and Field Training Battalion S-3, the recruit training company commander, the FWTCO commander, and senior enlisted representatives from both

companies. Appropriate representatives from other staff sections may attend when deemed necessary. The purpose of this detailed meeting is not to embarrass any particular personality or unit but rather to continuously improve the training value of the Crucible.

(3) (U) Safety. The safety of recruits and trainers is paramount. The Crucible will be conducted in strict compliance with references (f) through (k). In the event of a conflict between these references, reference (h) shall take precedence on matters pertaining to Base Range Operations, see also Annex B (Crucible Range and Training Area Operations) to this order. Annex C (Crucible Operations) provides detailed operational risk management assessments associated with each Crucible event; it also outlines the controls necessary to mitigate the risks connected with Crucible training.

(4) (U) Contingency Plans. Weather conditions at Edson Range may, on occasion, present significant threats to the safety of recruits and recruit trainers. Annex F (Dangerous and Inclement Weather) provides detailed procedures to minimize the risks associate with both hot and cold weather and even lightning storms. Because the Crucible is a graduation requirement entailing 54 consecutive hours of execution, it will be conducted during all flag conditions subject to the risk

mitigation procedures outlined in Annex F. The Crucible will,

however, be paused during periods of lightning, or when thunderstorms endanger recruits. Reference (k) provides detailed instructions relating to force protection measures.

(5) (U) SOP Review and Recommendations for Changes. This order will be reviewed tri-annually in conjunction with the required Course Curriculum Review Board process listed in reference (b). Recommended changes will be made to the commanding officer, Field & Weapons

Training Company and/or to the Weapons and Field Training Battalion operations officer.

d. (U) Completion Criteria. The Crucible is a graduation

requirement for all recruits. Per references (a), (d), (g) and (l), the following completion criterion for each recruit is provided as information:

(1) (U) Demonstrate integrity in the accomplishment of each event. Any breach of integrity, to include lying or cheating, will result in failure of the Crucible. There will be no second chances to stay with their training company where integrity is involved.

Any refusal to train will result in failing the entire Crucible. Any recruit who refused to train will be immediately counseled by his Series Officer, Company First Sergeant, or Company Commander. If the recruit still refuses to train, he shall fail the Crucible and dropped from the training company.

(3) (U) Physically progress through all stations and events of the Crucible. Should any recruit be injured while conducting the

Crucible, his Senior Drill Instructor and Series Commander shall make recommendations to the Recruit Company Commander for disposition based on that recruit’s performance up to the point of injury. The Company Commander will then determine the disposition of the recruit.

(4) (U) Merit a favorable recommendation by the recruit’s Senior Drill Instructor. Any case that includes actions which compromise the goals of the Crucible as outlined in this order, or actions that

demonstrate a lack of understanding with regards to our Core Values and/or Warrior Ethos, shall be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and may result in failure of the Crucible.

(5) (U) Recruits who fail Field Skills Performance Evaluations will be remediated and retested.

4. (U) ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS.

a. (U) Equipment. Appendix 1 (Recruit Gear List) to Annex D (Logistics).

b. (U) Subsistence. Appendix 2 (Subsistence) to Annex D (Logistics).

c. (U) Sanitation. Appendix 3 (Sanitation) to Annex D

(Logistics).

d. (U) Ammunition and Pyrotechnics. Appendix 4 (Ammunition Delivery Matrix) to Annex D (Logistics).

e. (U) Billeting. During the conduct of the Crucible, Recruits will be bivouacked at Range 501. After the Crucible, recruits will return to their assigned barracks and checkout of the barracks in accordance with the procedures listed in Appendix 5 (Billeting) to Annex D (Logistics).

f. (U) Transportation. Appendix 6 (Vehicles) to Annex D (Logistics).

g. (U) Supply. Appendix 7 (Supply) to Annex D (Logistics).

h. (U) Maintenance of Crucible Obstacles, Media, and Training Areas. Annex E (Maintenance).

5. (U) COMMAND AND SIGNAL.

a. (U) Command Relationships. The Recruit Training Company Commanders are the supported unit commanders and are responsible for the training of recruits during the Crucible. The Field & Weapons Training Company Commander is the supporting unit commander and is responsible for the support, structure, and facilitation of the Crucible.

b. (U) Signal. Annex K (Communications).

c. (U) Command Post. A command post, designated the Crucible Operations Center (COC), will be established and staffed in

accordance with Annex A at the FWTCO office during the conduct of the Crucible day events.

ANNEXES:

A- Task Organization

B- Range and Training Area Operations C- Crucible Operations

D- Logistics E- Maintenance

F- Dangerous and Inclement Weather SOPs H- Medical

K- Communications

ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT

R. B. RICHARDSON Major, U. S. Marine Corps

Commanding

DISTRIBUTION: All recruit trainers involved with Crucible training aboard Edson Range; WFTBn S-3; MCRD San Diego (G-3); Recruit Training Regiment (S-3); Director, DI School MCRD San Diego; and WFTBN, MCRD Parris Island.

ANNEX A (TASK ORGANIZATION) TO MCRD SAN DIEGO CRUCIBLE SOP (U)

(U) REFERENCES:

(a) MCRD San Diego Recruit Training SOP

(b) Field & Weapons Training Company’s 2005 Table of Organization

(c) Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Base Range Regulations (BO

P3500.1M)

(U) TIME ZONE: Uniform

1. (U) Purpose. The purpose of this annex is to provide guidance for the task organization required to support the command and control of the Crucible aboard Edson Range (MCRD San Diego) in accordance with the references. This annex provides specific details on the

organization of recruit Crucible Squads and the minimum number of support personnel (Drill Instructors, Field Instructors, and corpsmen) required to safely conduct the Crucible at each event.

2. (U) General. The Crucible is comprised of nineteen (19) day events, two (2) night events, and a 10-mile “Reaper Hike.” The daytime events generally consist of two stations each, see Annex C and/or paragraph 7 below. During the daytime events, two Crucible Squads are normally paired together so that they may travel collectively to each event and then rotate the conduct of each event’s stations in the time allotted per Appendix 23 (Crucible Route Matrix/Timeline) to Annex C

(Operations). Night events are conducted by an entire series. 3. (U) Recruit Crucible Squads. Recruits will be assigned to their Crucible Squads by their permanent fire teams. Therefore, Crucible

Squads shall consist of four teams (16 recruits), five teams (20 recruits), or a maximum of six teams (24 recruits). The number of

fire teams assigned to each Crucible Squad shall be determined by the recruit series staff based on total series’ strength. The recruit

fire team leader shall remain in-charge of his assigned fire team at all tactical events—the exceptions are Leadership Reaction

Course-style stations (e.g. “Twelve Stall”).

4. (U) Drill Instructor Leadership. Each Crucible Squad will be led by a Drill Instructor assigned to the Recruit Training Company conducting the Crucible. Crucible Squads may be paired up so that the two

Crucible Squads, each led by at least one Drill Instructor from the training company, will travel together to each daytime event. Additionally, the Recruit Training Company has minimum command and control-manning requirements as outlined in the table under paragraph 7 below.

5. (U) Field Instructor Safety Oversight. Field instructors will ensure the proper conduct of all specified Crucible events and stations in order to ensure equipment accountability and recruit safety. Field Instructors will also provide technical assistance to

the Drill Instructor(s) supervising his recruits at specified

stations. The table in paragraph 7 below highlights the minimum field instructor-manning requirements when the Field Training Platoon is under T/O strength (36 Marines). (Note that the Sky Scraper and Gonzalez’s Crossing lists a range for Field Instructors. If Field Instructors are not available to assist at these stations, then the Series Chiefs will have to sign out and in equipment at the Sky Scraper and Gonzalez’s Crossing (i.e. one “Fred” Dummy and 24 Field Protective Masks, respectively) each day and night of the Crucible.) 6. (U) Corpsman Support. Medical support for the Crucible comes from the 31 Area Branch Medical Clinic, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. The 31 Area Branch Medical Clinic maintains the corpsmen assigned to

Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Edson Range.

a. Range 501. In accordance with reference (c), all live-fire training events aboard Camp Pendleton require a dedicated non-training corpsman and safety vehicle. Therefore, “Day’s

Defense/Team Shoot,” Event 1A, requires one dedicated corpsman to support it when the range is in a “hot status.”

b. Oscar-1 and 31 Area Cantonment. All non-live-fire training for the Crucible aboard Edson Range takes place within the Oscar-1 Training Area and 31-Area Cantonment. Reference (c) states that at least one non-training corpsman and a safety vehicle will be present to support non-live fire training events. The Range Safety Officer and/or Officer-in-Charge shall dispatch this corpsman throughout the training area as needed. However, as a matter of routine, the 31-Area Branch Medical Clinic normally staffs the non-training events of the Crucible with three (3) corpsmen: the first corpsman is usually posted at the “12-Stall” to conduct foot checks, the second at R505, and the third at the Confidence Course.

7. (U) Minimum Command and Control (C2) Manning Requirements.

MINIMUM CRUCIBLE MANNING REQUIREMENTS C2 Responsibility

RTR

Company FWTCo

Commissioned Officer @ R501/Team Shoot per Recruit SOP 1 OFFICER NA

Range Officer-In-Charge (Entire Crucible) 1 SNCO/OFF NA

FWTCO SNCOIC (Entire Crucible) NA 1 SNCO/OFF

Range Safety Officer: Team Shoot/R501 NA

1 SGT or Above

Assistant Range Safety Officer: Non-Live Fire/Oscar-1 NA

1 SGT or Above

Crucible Operations Center 1 SNCO/OFF (Ops Chief or CI)

Corpsman Support

R501 Live Fire: Non-training Corpsman NA 1

Event/Station

# Station Name DI FI

LEAD

1A DAY'S DEFENSE/TEAM SHOOT 1 3

1B BALLARD'S SUCCESS 1 0

2 IAMS’ DRIVE 2 2

3 NIGHT PATROL REHERSAL 2 1

4A SKY SCRAPER 1 0-1 4B TWO-LINE BRIDGE 1 0 5A STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN 1 1 5B BAPTISTA'S WEAVER 1 0 6 HANSEN'S ENCOUNTER 2 1 7 COMPASS COURSE 2 1 8A HOWARD'S ASSAULT 2

8B FIRE TEAM OBSTACLE COURSE 2 1

9A BORDELONE'S ASSAULT 2

9B

PE STATION 1 (H&A SIGNALS, FORMATIONS,

& INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENT) 2

1

10 WEAPONS MAINTENANCE 2 0

11 3-MILE HIKE/FOOT CHECK 2 0

FOLLOW

12 COPELAND’S ASSAULT/FIRE TEAM ASLT CR 2 2

13A PE STATION 2 (IA DRILLS) 2 1

13B CORE VALUES “ISMs” 1 OR 2 0

14

PE STATION 3 (MAP READING AND CAMMO,

COVER, & CONCEALMENT) 2 1

15A NOONAN'S CASUALTY EVAC 1 0

15B JENKINS'S PINNACLE 1 0

16 12-STALL & CORE VALUES 2 1

17A GARCIA'S ENGAGEMENT 1 0

17B BASILONE’S CHALLENGE 1 1

18A CUKELA'S WALL 1 0

18B GONZALEZ'S CROSSING 1 0-1

19 JANSEN'S (BAC) & CORE VALUES 2 1

20 NIGHT FIRE TEAM PATROL 9 Total 10 Total

20A Review Circles 2 1

20B LOD 0 1

20C Route Green 1 1

20D Checkpoint 8 0 1

20E IA Drill Box 1 2

20F Near Ambush 0 2

20G Near Ambush Bunker Operator 2 0

20H LOA (Gravel Road) 2 1

20I Line Out on R501 Road 1 1

21 NIGHT INFILTRATION: R505 9 Total 8 Total

21A AAVs 2 1

21B Between AAVs and Wire 0 1

21C Wire 0 1

21E Wall 0 1

21F Crawl Under Wire 1 1

21G Berm 1 1

21H Culverts 1 1

21I Trench 1 0

21J Between Logs and Obj 1 0

21K Line Out/Bleachers 1 0

21L Tower NCO 0 1

22 REAPER HIKE ALL 0

*Notes:

1) The Recruit Company Commander and FWTCo Commander will be notified if the minimum manning requirements above are not met IOT recommend options to the WFTBn CO.

2) CamPen Range Regs state that a non-training corpsman must be present at all live fire events. Non-live fire events may have a single corpsman for the entire Training Area; therefore, at a minimum, one corpsman can support both Field and Crucible Week training companies in the Oscar-1 TA. However, SOP is to have one corpsman for each training company in the Oscar-1 TA.

3) Not all events/stations are necessary active at the same time.

ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT

R. B. RICHARDSON Major, U. S. Marine Corps

SOP (U)

(U) REFERENCES:

(a) Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton BO P3500.1M (Base Range

Regulations)

(b) MCRD San Diego DepO P1510.30L (Recruit Training SOP), Ch 12

(c) MCB Camp Pendleton Facility Directive 10-06 dated 28 April

2006

(d) MCO 1500.54A (MCMAP)

(U) TIME ZONE: Uniform

1. (U) Purpose. The purpose of this annex is to provide policy for the assignment of Range Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Range Safety

Officer (RSO) responsibilities during Field and Crucible Week training aboard Edson Range.

2. (U) Background. Reference (a) defines the role of the Range OIC and RSO and lists the requirements for these duties. As stated in the Recruit Training SOP, reference (b), a series officer must be

physically present when any training is conducted. Supported units do not abdicate command to the supporting unit when receiving training; the recruit training company commander is still ultimately responsible for everything that happens or fails to happen within his command.

Except in cases representing an unwarranted risk to recruit safety, changes to the training schedule require coordination with the Field & Weapons Training Company Commander; Weapons & Field Training Battalion (WFTBN), Operations Officer; and ultimate approval from the Commanding Officer, WFTBN.

3. (U) OIC/RSO Policy. The Range OIC responsibilities for all

training rest solely with the recruit training company conducting it. Field and Weapons Training Company (FWTCO) will provide the RSOs for all Field and Crucible Week training. All Range OICs and RSOs shall be governed by the references in the performance of their duties.

a. (U) The Range OIC and RSOs must be located in the same

training area as the training event they are supervising and they must be thoroughly familiar with the conduct of training. This means that they must “shadow” an experienced OIC/RSO before being assigned to these duties.

b. (U) Both the Range OIC and RSOs shall maintain radio communications with each other and also Longrifle and WFTBN S-3. During Crucible training, they will also maintain contact with the Crucible Operations Center (COC), see Annex K to this SOP.

4. (U) Training Facilities. MCB Camp Pendleton has published

the administrative call-in procedures and associated OIC/RSO

requirements during Field and Crucible Weeks by defining each of these weeks as a “Facility” and managing them accordingly in the Range

Facility Management Information System (RFMIS). The only exception to

this “facility system” is the AT-4 Tracer-Trainer and SAW live fire on Range 501 which will be called in as a normal range with its own OIC and RSO, separate from the following requirements and procedures:

a. (U) Field Week, “Edson Field.”

(1) (U) This training facility consists of TA Oscar 1, R505, R505A & R505B.

(2) (U) This training facility requires a single OIC & RSO. (3) (U) This training facility includes the following

munitions: A080 (5.56MM Blanks), G982 Smoke Grenades on R505 burn pits and/or TA Oscar-1 upper shelf. It also includes the use of trip flares on R505A and R505B burn pits. All munitions will be used in accordance with the current Fire Danger Rating (FDR).

(4) (U) Proper call-in procedures to conduct training will

be, “Longrifled, this is Edson Range, requesting to go ‘hot’ on Edson Field….”

b. (U) 31 Area NBC Confidence Chamber.

(1) (U) This training facility consists of the gas chamber, located with in the Oscar 1 training area at grid 630 808.

(2) (U) This training facility requires a commissioned officer as Range OIC and an RSO in the grade of E-6 or above.

(3) (U) An NBC specialist, MOS 5711, must be present at the NBC Chamber to conduct training.

(4) (U) This training facility includes the following munition: K765 Riot Control Agent (CS).

(5) (U) Proper call-in procedures to conduct training will be,

“Longrifled, this is Edson Range, requesting to go ‘hot’ in the 31 Area Gas Chamber….”

c. (U) Crucible Week, “Edson Crucible.”

(1) (U) This training facility consists of TA Oscar 1, R501, R505, R505A and R505B.

(2) (U) This training facility requires a Range OIC & RSO at R501 and an Assistant Range Safety Officer (A-RSO) (RSO certified

Range OIC is permitted to rove R501, R505, and the TA Oscar 1 during this event in order to properly supervise all aspects of Crucible training. (NOTE: In accordance with reference (b), the recruit training company must also ensure that at least one commissioned officer observes all live fire training—this is separate from Range OIC duties as required by MCB Camp Pendleton.)

(3) (U) The OIC/RSO will provide Range Control with the OIC and RSO’s information, and maintain the A-RSO in TA Oscar-1. However, the A-RSO information does not need to be identified to Range Control except in the case of an emergency and/or MEDEVAC.

(4) (U) This training facility includes the following

munitions: A080 (5.56MM Blanks), G982 Smoke Grenades on R505 burn pits. During night evolutions, B535 WSP will be used in the Oscar-1 training area near R501. All munitions will be used in accordance with the current Fire Danger Rating (FDR).

(5) (U) The COC shall be staffed by the recruit training

company. The COC shall keep the FWTCO Company Gunnery Sergeant and/or Chief Instructor apprised of the status of training and notify them in the event of any injuries or unusual events. The COC shall keep

constant radio communications with both the OIC and the RSOs (Non-live fire Crucible stations and the Team Shoot at R501) and shall have an updated list of the recruit company leaderships’ cell phone numbers posted on the board at the COC at all times.

(6) (U) Proper call-in procedures to conduct Crucible training

will be, “Longrifled, this is Edson Range, requesting to go ‘hot’ on Edson Crucible….”

d. (U) Conditioning Hikes, “Edson Hikes.”

(1) (U) All hikes are conducted in Oscar 1 and/or Oscar 2 training areas.

(2) (U) The recruit training company will provide both the OIC and RSO for all conditioning hikes.

(3) (U) Proper call-in procedures to conduct conditioning

hikes will be, “Longrifled, this is Edson Range, requesting to go ‘hot’ for a conditioning hike in the Oscar __ TA using route____....”

(Training companies will use only the approved routes as listed in the WFTBN S-3 and/or Appendix 22 of Annex C to this SOP.)

5. (U) Coordinating Instructions.

a. (U) The OIC and RSO shall both have two SABRE radios and maintain communications per Annex K of this SOP. A cell phone may be used as a backup. All cell phone numbers shall be given to the

recruit training company in Crucible Week shall sign out their radios from the S-4 prior to the start of training. There is a SABRE re-charger in the COC.

b. (U) Reference (d) is the Marine Corps Order on the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). To mitigate risk of recruit injury, the MCMAP instruction/bouts at both Iam’s Drive and Hansen’s Encounter will be officiated by at least one Green-belt Instructor certified Marine provided by FWTCO. (NOTE: A second Green-belt Instructor or SNCO/Officer must be on-hand as a safety observer when any pugil stick training is conducted.)

c. (U) When FWTCO sponsored training is complete each day and recruits return to the bivouac area, the recruit company commander shall ensure that Base Range Control and the WFTBN S-3 are notified of the bivouac status and that the bivouac area is signed out from Range Control accordingly.

d. (U) At 0540 each morning of the Crucible, the recruit training company Range OIC and FWTCO A-RSO will meet at the COC with at least one Series Chief Drill Instructor, the COC watch stander(s), and the FWTCO Company Gunnery Sergeant (or Chief Instructor) to confirm that all safety requirements are in place, radio communications checks are made, PE Grading Sheets are given to the appropriate stations, and all recruit trainers are ready to commence Crucible operations. (Since the R501 RSO will be at Range 501 to sign for ammunition, he will call the COC by radio/phone to confirm his readiness to go “hot.”) The Range OIC and RSOs shall confirm that a copy of the Crucible SOP is available to all recruit trainers associated with the Crucible and that the controls listed in the ORM assessments of Annex C are in place (e.g. Green Belt Instructor qualified Marines at MCMAP stations, all recruits having mouth guards, read-boards in place, and corpsmen are posted with their Unit Ones and backboards/head-braces per Annex

A). The Range OIC, Series officers, RSOs, and corpsmen will

disseminate cell phone numbers to each other at this time and ensure that the COC posts these important phone numbers on the board. After this is done, the COC will be stood up. The Crucible will not begin

unless the Range OIC and A-RSO are physically present for this meeting at the COC and the Range 501 RSO calls in to the COC by phone/radio.

(Note: Administrative foot movement from the Range 501 bivouac site to the Crucible start points inside the Oscar-1 training area is

authorized before officially starting the Crucible but only after the recruit training company conducts internal radio checks with all of their Crucible squads.)

e. (U) The Range OIC/RSO for pre-Crucible training (42 and T-43) will checkout the appropriate Training Area, Range, or Confidence Course, as necessary per the procedures noted above for “Edson

from Base Range Control and be on the WFTBN master RSO qualification roster to stand duty. As a consequence, recruit training companies will verify their RSO qualification rosters with WFTBN S-3 during Grass Week training. When the RSO/OIC contacts Range Control for a hot time they are acknowledging, through their possession of a valid Camp Pendleton RSO card, that:

(1) (U) RSO and OIC are on deck and have good communications with each other.

(2) (U) The Duty Corpsman is on deck, his name is verified, and radio communications have been established.

(3) (U) A safety vehicle is on deck.

(4) (U) The RSO/OIC understands all applicable range regulations and the content of the Crucible SOP in its entirety, especially the operational risk assessments contained in Annex C.

6. (U) Admin and Logistics. See Annexes D (Logistics) and H (Medical) for detailed information on health services and casualty evacuation procedures. Medical support for the Field and Crucible Week training comes from the 31 Area Branch Medical Clinic, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. As it pertains to Range RSO/OIC duties, the following overview applies:

a. (U) Medical Support at Range 501. In accordance with reference (a), all live-fire training events aboard Camp Pendleton require a dedicated non-training corpsman and safety vehicle. Therefore, “Day’s Defense/Team Shoot,” Event 1A, requires one dedicated corpsman to support it when the range is in a “hot status.” This corpsman shall have a backboard and neck-brace on hand in case of a MCMAP injury at Iam’s Drive

b. (U) Medical Support for Oscar-1 and 31 Area Cantonment. All non-live-fire training aboard Edson Range takes place within the Oscar-1 Training Area and 31 Cantonment Area. Reference (a) states that at least one non-training corpsman and a safety vehicle will be present to support non-live fire training events. The Range Safety Officer and/or Officer-in-Charge shall dispatch this corpsman

throughout the training area as needed. However, the 31-Area Branch Medical Clinic normally staffs the non-training events of the Crucible with three (3) corpsmen: the first corpsman is usually posted at the “12-Stall” to conduct foot checks, the second at R505, and the third at the Confidence Course.

7. (U) Safety. The RSO and Range OIC will review the Crucible SOP in its entirety before each Crucible event. Particular attention will be

paid to the safety requirements in this Annex, Annex C, and Appendix 2 to Annex C (Iam’s Drive MCMAP sustainment training). The RSOs and

receive a safety brief the night prior to its execution using Appendix (a) to this Annex. This safety brief will be given again to each Crucible Squad before they conduct the live-fire station (“Team Shoot”) at Range 501. Appendices (1) through (4) to this annex are

provided.

8. (U) Signal. See Annex K (Communications) to this Crucible SOP.

APPENDICES:

1-Range Safety Brief

2-Ammunition Handling Procedures 3-Range Checklist

4-SAW and AT-4 Tracer-Trainer Safety Protocol

ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT

R. B. RICHARDSON Major, U. S. Marine Corps

OPERATIONS) TO MCRD SAN DIGEO CRUCIBLE SOP (U)

SAFETY BRIEF

Good morning, I am ______________________, and I will be the

Range Safety Officer for today’s event. The OIC for today’s

event is __________________. Additionally, everyone out here is

a Safety Officer. Safety is paramount in conducting these

operations. We do not want anyone injured. If at any time you

witness an unsafe act or see one developing, call for a safety

timeout and operations will cease until the situation is

corrected and can continue in a safe manner. You will not be

punished for calling a safety timeout.

I will be located at: _______________

1. WEAPONS HANDLING

Ensure that you follow all standard Weapons Handling Safety

Rules:

1. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.

2. Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

4. Do not point your weapon at anything you do not intend to

shoot.

2. SAFETY GEAR

All 782 gear will be worn while conducting training.

Dummy-corded 782 gear consists of flak, Kevlar, and LBV.

(Soft cover may be worn if prescribed by both the RSO and OIC)

3. PYROTECHNICS/SMOKE GRENADES

No pyrotechnics will be used without first consulting with

Range control. Pyrotechnics will only be used in a burn barrel

designed for that specific purpose. When the FDR is 81 extreme

or higher and Range Control may prohibit use of ammunition. In

such cases, notify the Chief Instructor, XO, or CO FWTCO in

order for them to enact appropriate waivers with Range Control.

If existing waivers don’t apply, the OIC/RSO will get approval

from Chief Instructor, XO, or CO FWTCO before notifying the ammo

techs not to bring specific types of ammunition to the training

area/range.

Do not employ smoke grenades within a confined space. The

live smoke grenade must be placed on a hard surface or an open,

andy/dirt area.

s

4. CASUALTY HANDLING

Casualties will be evacuated from the training area during

a MEDEVAC. The RSO (or OIC) will first radio Range Control

(“Longrifle” Channel 12) to request casualty evacuation. Once

the MEDEVAC request has been made to Range Control, the RSO will

use the Operations Net (Channel 1) to notify WFTBN staff.

Company Corpsmen will be in the area during all events. The RSO

(or OIC) will direct them to the desired location in the event

of a MEDEVAC. (For Land Navigation exercises, ensure recruits

know that if an injury occurs, to stay in their buddy teams and

send the other buddy team for help.) (All recruit trainers will

be thoroughly familiar with the MEDEVAC procedures contained in

Annex H to the Crucible SOP.)

5. VEHICLE SAFETY

Maximum speed is 15 MPH for tactical vehicles and not to

exceed safe operations in light of road and weather conditions.

A safety vehicle will always be present during training.

6. COMMUNICATIONS

All OIC’s and RSO's will carry two (2) radios and be in

contact with S-3 and Range Control.

ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT

R. B. RICHARDSON Major, U. S. Marine Corps

TRAINING AREA OPERATIONS) TO MCRD SAN DIGEO CRUCIBLE SOP (U) AMMUNITION HANDLING PROCEDURES

1. Ammunition must be strictly accounted for using NAVMC 11381, AND DD Form 1348-1A.

2. Ammunition will only be used in the manner for which it was designed.

3. No ammunition crate or box will be opened until it is ready to be expended.

4. Ammunition will be stored off the deck and protected from the elements. (There must be 12 inches from the ammunition and the protection.)

5. All ammunition will be unopened boxes/crates or repacked with original packing materials.

6. No expended or unexpended ammunition will be left on the range.

7. All ordnance items will be turned into WFTBN Ordnance (Call-sign, “Alpha Six”) when firing is complete.

8. Individuals will personally check their weapons, pockets, magazines, and equipment pouches for loose ammunition prior to being inspected by the RSO or representative.

9. Ammunition will be issued from a single issue point.

10. All filling of magazines will be done in a designated area. 11. No ammunition will be loaded or unloaded in waiting or rest areas set aside for those waiting to fire.

12. Weapons will be kept in Condition 4 until the shooter is on the firing line and receives a command from a recruit training instructor to load. (Applies to live-fire events only)

13. All malfunctions will be cleared in an expedient manner. 14. The OIC/ RSO will verify that no recruit leaves the range with ammunition. The RSO will supervise and ensure a thorough shake down is conducted by the Drill Instructors.

15. All donnage and brass will be police called.

ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT

R. B. RICHARDSON Major, U. S. Marine Corps

APPENDIX 3 (RANGE CHECKLIST) TO ANNEX B (RANGE AND TRAINING AREA OPERATIONS) TO MCRD SAN DIGEO CRUCIBLE SOP (U)

RANGE CHECKLIST

1. READ/REVIEW ALL RANGE REGULATIONS. Have a copy present with you at the range.

2. Range signed out with range control. 3. Range flag posted at entrance to range.

4. Corpsman or other medical personnel present, with appropriate medical equipment, see Annex A to the Crucible SOP.

5. Safety vehicle with driver present.

6. Proper communication with Range Control and WFTBN Operations (or the 31 Area Guard after-hours, call sign “Phoenix”).

7. Required Safety Personnel and AI’s in place.

8. Fire fighting equipment available and in place near burn pits and blank firing stations.

9. Call in to go "HOT" once everything is in place. 10. While firing, ensure RSO is maintaining positive communication with range control.

11. Ensure clear redundant cease fire signals are understood by all personnel on range (i.e., whistles and bull horns).

12. Upon termination of firing call in "COLD" to Range Control. Ensure that strict accountability is made of all fired and saved ammunition.

13. Get accountability of all personnel, equipment, and ammunition.

14. Conduct a detailed shake-down before securing any personnel. 15. Conduct a detailed police call of range.

16. Recruit training companies will sign out with Range Control and Phoenix when going into their bivouac status and maintain radio communications as required.

17. When the FDR is 81 extreme or higher and Range Control may prohibit use of ammunition. In such cases, notify the Chief Instructor, XO, or CO FWTCO in order for them to enact

appropriate waivers with range control. If existing waivers

don’t apply, the OIC/RSO will get approval from Chief Instructor, XO, or CO FWTCO before notifying the ammo techs not to bring specific types of ammunition to the training area/range.

18. For any Land Navigation Practical Application, ensure recruits know that if an injury occurs, to stay in their buddy teams and send the other buddy team for help.

19. Ensure that a red smoke is available on Range 501 to be used by the RSO to mark an LZ in case of MEDEVAC or to wave-off

wayward aircraft and make a cease fire. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT

R. B. RICHARDSON Major, U. S. Marine Corps

B (RANGE AND TRAINING AREA OPERATIONS) TO MCRD SAN DIGEO CRUCIBLE SOP (U)

(U) REFERENCES:

(a) FM 23-14 M249 Light Machine Gun in the Automatic Rifle Role,

(b) TM 08671A-10/1, Operator’s Manual, Machine Gun, 5.56mm, M249,

FMFM 23-31

(c) FM 23-25, pages 3-1 through 6-9, A-1 through A-4, B-6 through

B-12, and C-1 through C-8 (U) TIME ZONE: Uniform

1. (U) Purpose. This appendix provides policy for the safety procedures that will be followed when handling the M249 SAW and AT-4 Tracer-Trainer at Range 501.

2. M249 SAW.

a. All SAWs will be designated with appropriate armory tags. The tags identify them as having received a PFI/LTI for use on the firing line or as SAWs designated only for weapons handling. Weapons that have not received a PFI/LTI will not be fired.

b. Field instructors will clear and inspect all SAWs before and after transporting the weapons to the firing line or to the weapons handling tables. Every SAW will be cleared by conducting a Five-Point Safety Check and punching the barrel with four

cleaning rods.

(1) Check the feed pawl assembly under the feed cover. (2) Check the feed tray assembly.

(3) Lift the feed tray assembly and inspects the chamber.

(4) Check the space between the bolt assembly and the chamber.

(5) Insert two fingers of the left hand in the magazine well to extract any ammunition or brass.

c. The RSO will personally perform a secondary check of each SAW before it is moved to/from the firing line, weapons handling tables, returned to the armorer, or placed on the truck. He will complete each safety check with a functions check.

hearing protection, flack, and helmets. NO EXCEPTIONS.

e. SAWs will only be fired from the prone position and with bipods supported by half-full sandbags in order to prevent

inadvertently being kicked into an unsafe direction.

f. Strict accountability and control of all ammunition will be maintained by the RSO and instructors on the firing line. Ammunition will only be issued to the recruits when they are in position to fire. Ammunition will not be transported by recruits to or from the firing line.

g. Recruits will only move to or from the firing line when told to do so by an instructor on the line.

h. There will be a minimum of one instructor for every two firing points.

i. Once the recruit assumes a prone position behind a

Condition 4 SAW, the instructor shall give the recruit a belt of 20 rounds and give the command, “Shooter, with a belt of 20 rounds, make a Condition 1 weapon.” When the shooter is ready, the instructor shall give the command, “With 5-7 round bursts, engage _____ -colored targets to your direct front.” Once the shooter has finished shooting, he will put the weapon in

Condition 4 and wait to be told to move by his instructor. The new shooter will not load until told to do so by the instructor.

j. Recruits will not conduct barrel changes.

k. Before recruits exit the training area, a complete shakedown of all gear and personnel will be conducted by Drill Instructors.

l. SAWs will be turned-in to the armorers in Condition 4 with the buttstock first. The ejection port cover will be shown to the armorer to verify the bolt is forward.

3. AT-4 Tracer-Trainers.

a. Field instructors will clear and inspect all AT-4 Tracer-Trainers before and after transporting the weapons to the firing line.

b. Recruits will only move to or from the firing line when told to do so by an instructor on the line. Recruits will prepare the tracer-trainer in the sitting position.

will personally load each round into the tracer-trainer with the arming-key. Instructors will closely supervise recruits handling the tracer-trainer; the weapon will only be fired from the

sitting position.

e. Tracer-trainers will always be pointed down range, especially during loading.

f. Instructors will instruct the recruits to visually check the back blast area and give the appropriate warning.

g. After all live fire training is complete, a thorough gear and personal shakedown will be conducted by the Drill Instructors.

h. After training, all AT-4 Tracer-Trainers will be cleared by field instructors and then double-checked by the RSO before being turned over to armory personnel.

4. Coordinating Instructions.

a. Ammunition will be issued from a single issue point.

b. Ammunition will not be broken out until the recruits have started their SAW and AT-4 weapons handling examinations.

c. All malfunctions will be cleared under the direct supervision of an instructor.

d. An armorer will be at R501 during the conduct of this training to assist with any malfunctions and/or properly tag weapons needing repair.

e. The RSO will ensure that Red Smoke is on-hand at R501 in case of emergency. Smoke may be used to mark an LZ for an urgent MEDEVAC, signal a “Cease Fire,” or to wave-off wayward aircraft. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT

R. B. RICHARDSON Major, U. S. Marine Corps

C - 1

ANNEX C (CRUCIBLE OPERATIONS) TO MCRD SAN DIGEO CRUCIBLE SOP (U)

(U) REFERENCES:

(a) Marine Corps Order 1510.32D (Recruit Training)

(b) Marine Corps Order 1553.2A (Formal Schools Management)

(c) Marine Corps Order 1510.89B (MCCS Volume 1)

(d) Recruit Training (Male) Program of Instruction

(e) CG, TECOM ITS Conference Implementation MSG dtd R211600ZJUL06

(f) Army Training Circular 25-10: Leaders Guide to Lane Training

(g) MCRD San Diego DepO P1510.30L (Recruit Training SOP)

(h) Camp Pendleton Base Range Regulations (BO P3500.1M)

(i) Camp Pendleton Contingency Plan for Range and Training Area

Accidents and Injuries (BO 3040.1D)

(j) Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) Order MCO 1500.54A

(k) Weapons & Field Training Battalion/31 Cantonment Area Force Protection-05 (31A FP PLAN 05)

(l) MCRD Parris Island Operations Order 01-01 (Crucible SOP) (m) MCO 1500.54B (MCMAP)

(U) TIME ZONE: Uniform

1. (U) Purpose. This annex provides instruction for the proper

conduct of each Crucible event and station.

2. (U) Situation. Recruits have completed Field Skills training in

accordance with the references and are now ready to start their Crucible with their established fire teams. Recruit trainers

responsible for the conduct of the Crucible are thoroughly familiar with the contents of this SOP and references (c) and (d) as it relates to the proper performance of Marine Corps Common Skills that are

reinforced during the Crucible.

a. (U) Area of Operations. Edson Range is located in the southwest

portion of Camp Pendleton and includes the 31 Cantonment Area, the Edson Range Impact Area, and the Oscar-One Training Area (which includes Ranges 501, 502, 503, 505, 505A, 505B and an NBC Chamber). The Edson Range area is bordered by Stuart Mesa Road to the west, MASS-3 Road and the 32 Area to the east and south. Aliso Canyon Road is Edson Range’s northern boundary. Notable structures in the Edson Range area include three command posts, a chapel, mess facility,

several recruit barracks that house up to 640 recruits each, an armory and four ammunition bunkers.

3. (U) Mission. Conduct the Crucible in accordance with the references and instructions outlined in this SOP to better prepare recruits for service to their country and Corps as a United States Marine.

C - 2 4. (U) Execution.

a. (U) Concept of Operations.

(1) (U) Crucible Squads shall be organized and led according

to the instructions contained in Annex A (Task Organization) of this Crucible SOP and the references above. The provisions of this SOP shall govern the conduct of the Crucible.

(2) (U) The Crucible is comprised of nine-teen (19) day

events and two (2) night events plus a 10-mile “Reaper Hike” at the conclusion of the Crucible. During the day events, two Crucible Squads are normally paired together so that these squads may travel together to each event and then rotate the conduct of each event’s stations in the time allotted per Appendix 23 (Crucible Route

Matrix/Timeline) to Annex C (Crucible Operations). Night events are conducted by the whole recruit series, or when not on a “Series Track,” by the entire company.

(3) (U) Operational Graphic. The following graphic

illustrates the general location of Crucible Events at Edson Range:

C M R C B D PARADE DECK

3,5,8 MILE HIKE START POINT PISTOL RANGE CONFIDENCE COURSE H RANGE 501 RANGES BARRACKS DAY/NIGHT PATROL F IR E T E A M A S S C O U R S E ( R 5 0 5 ) H O W A R D S A S S A U L T BORDELON’S ASLT O’COURSE CO M P AS S C RS

CRUCIBLE

EDSON RANGE

DAY’S DEFENSE ( TEAM SHOOT) IAM’ S DRI VE BLEACHERS BLEACHERS B AL LA_R D ’S _S U_C C ESS T W O - L IN E B R D G BAPTISTA’S WEAVER _{STAIRWAY TO} HEAVEN SKY SCRAPER H AN SO N ’S EN_CO UN_TE RS BN CP S N C O B A R R A C K S CR UCI B L E CP CONFIDENCE CHAMBER PE STATION 2: IA DRILLS JANSEN’S THRUST BAC J E N K IN ’S P IN N A C L E NOONAN’S EVAC

PE 3: MAP READING & C3 12 STALL G A R C IA ’S E N G A G E M E N T C_U K EL A ’S W_A L_L GONZALES X’ING BA SIL ON E CH AL LE NG E CRUCIBLE 3-MILE HIKE START&WPN MAINT CRUCIBLE 3-MILE HIKE END HIKE ROUTE LEGEND BAS BIVOUAC SITE HIKE STRT PNTS H HELO PAD MIN I R EA PE R B R A V O D R A W C H E C K P O IN T 8 MED EVAC PTS 31 61 4 31 61 3 31 61 2 31 61 1 M E_D E_V A_C P T #1 MED EVAC PT #2 MED EVAC PT #3 MED EVAC PT #6 M E D E V A C P T # 7 M C T S S A B C H A C C E S S MED EVAC PT #5 MED EVAC P T #12 MED EVAC PT #9 RANGE 131 MED EVAC PT #21 EDSON’S RIDGE PE STATION 1: H/A + FORMATIONS+ DAY&NIGHT IND MVMNT

C - 3

b. (U) Conduct of Operations.

(1) (U) Preparation.

(a) (U) Field & Weapons Training Company. FWTCO shall ensure

that read-boards, bivouac areas, ranges and obstacles are all clean and serviceable prior to each Crucible. Moreover, the Commanding Officer of Field & Weapons Training Company shall ensure that all of his instructors are thoroughly trained and versed in all matters

pertaining to this SOP. FWTCO will also provide one SNCOIC or officer aboard Edson Range and in the training area during all FWTCO sponsored events to act as a direct liaison to the recruit training company and supervise the proper conduct of events.

(b) (U) Drill Instructors and Series Officers. Drill

Instructors and Series Officers will be provided with a Crucible orientation during their respective schools at the Depot. However, Drill Instructors and Series Officers must shadow an experienced Drill Instructor or another Officer before leading a Crucible Squad on his own or be assigned to Range OIC duties. Exceptions to this policy will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Commanding Officer, Weapons and Field Training Battalion. In any case, recruit training companies shall ensure that Drill Instructors are familiar with each station, MOH citations, and Core Values before being assigned to lead a Crucible Squad.

(c) (U) Recruit Training Companies. Recruit Training

Companies will ensure that all of their recruit trainers are

thoroughly familiar and comply with the contents of this SOP. Recruit Companies are authorized to establish a bivouac the night prior to the Crucible at Range 501.

(2) (U) Crucible Event Execution.

(a) (U) General. Each Crucible Event (and their

sub-stations) will be executed in strict compliance with this SOP;

Appendixes 1 - 23 to this annex provide specific instructions to all recruit trainers on the proper conduct of each Crucible Event/Station.

(b) (U) Sleep and Food Deprivation. By design, the Crucible

is a difficult exercise meant to challenge recruits physically and mentally. Part of this physical test is induced by sleep and food deprivation as authorized by references (a), (d), (g) and (l).

Accordingly, recruits will only be authorized four (4) hours of sleep each night of the Crucible and one (1) MRE per day to be eaten

concurrent with training. As authorized by reference (g), recruits will also be allowed seasonal food supplements under the special conditions set forth in this SOP.

C - 4

1 (U) Bivouacking at R501/Guardian Angel. The recruit

company will bivouac at Range 501 during the Crucible. During the bivouac status, designated recruits will still maintain their security watch in accordance with reference (d), (e), and (g). This security watch shall include practical application of the Guardian Angel Concept and Introduction to Fighting Positions, as prescribed by

reference (d). The two-man fighting positions are located at grids 6024 8193, 6067 8021, and 6067 8208 and the Guardian Angel is located at the R501 Tower. The two-man Guardian Angel position shall post the three two-man fighting

positions with watch standers as prescribed by the recruit training company NOT TO EXCEED 30 MINUTES. All two-man positions will be manned by assigned buddy teams in

accordance with Chapter 12 of reference (g). The Guardian Angel at the tower will stay on the second rung of the

stairwell—they will not climb the ladder to the control box. (See Annex K (Communications) for the communications diagram that supports the Guardian Angel requirement during

bivouacking at Range 501. The FWTCO SNCOIC or designated representative will sign out I-COM radios to the Series Chiefs each night of the Crucible to support this

requirement.)

2 (U) Hot/Cold Wets. During cold/wet weather (60 degrees

Fahrenheit or less), “hot wets” will be provided to recruits conducting the Crucible twice during the day events and once while waiting for the night event to commence, per reference (g). The recruit company will coordinate with the WFTBN S-4 and 31 Area Mess Hall for hot wets. During Red or Black Flag conditions in hot weather, Gatorade supplements may be

provided as deemed appropriate by the recruit company

commander and coordinated with the WFTBN S-4 and 31 Area Mess Hall.

(3) (U) Event Timelines and Training Schedules. Appendix 23

(Training Timeline/Crucible Squad Route Matrix) to this annex provides detailed training timelines/schedules for each Crucible Squad.

(a) (U) Crucible Start and End Times. When seasonal daylight

permits, the day events of the Crucible will run between 0600 and 1900. The night events will occur only after it is visually dark; recruits will be seated in their respective bleachers for their night event briefs at sunset (colors) during the summer months. During winter months, the Crucible start time may be delayed until 0700 in order to allow enough sunlight to fill the sky and safely conduct the daylight events. Also during winter months, the day events will end at sunset (evening colors) and the Crucible Squads will have 45 minutes to be seated in their respective bleachers for their night event briefs.

C - 5

(4) (U) Warrior Breakfast/Edson Raider Field Skills Award.

Following the Reaper 10-Mile Hike, recruit companies will conduct a foot check on the 31 Area parade deck with the support of corpsmen from the Branch Medical Clinic. While on the parade deck, the Edson Raider Field Skills Award may be presented to the recruit platoon who obtained the best overall average in field skills performance

evaluations at the discretion of the recruit training company

commander as coordinated with FWTCO. After the foot checks and any award presentation by FWTCO, the recruit training company will proceed to the 31 Area Mess Hall for their “Warriors’ Breakfast” in accordance with Annex D of this SOP.

c. (U) Coordinating Instructions.

(1) (U) Crucible Route Markings. The Crucible is clearly marked

on the ground with reflective red signs in accordance with the operational graphic above. These signs include:

(a) (U) Award Citation Read-boards. These read-boards

contain a photo of the award recipient along with his/her citation for the Core Value discussions contained in the appendixes to this annex.

(b) (U) Crucible Route Direction. Red reflective signs are

posted throughout the training area to aid Crucible Squads in navigating to their next event.

(c) (U) Stars. Throughout the Crucible, signs with white

star(s) are posted. These signs signal the Drill Instructor leading his Crucible Squad to have the recruits execute one of the five Immediate Action (IA) Drills as taught during Field Week. Prior to the Crucible, Drill Instructors will discuss/rehearse the following drills with the recruits so that they know what to expect. The IA Drills are:

1 (U) Establish a Hasty Ambush. Drill Instructors will give the appropriate verbal command, “Hasty Ambush Left (OR

Right)!” The recruit team leaders, acting independently of each other, will then take charge of their teams. For

example, Hasty Ambush Left—the recruit fire teams traveling behind the Drill Instructor would immediately give the

appropriate hand-and-arm signals, face to the left, maintain their proper dispersion, and lay down in the prone behind available cover and/or concealment. In other words, on order from the DI (“HASTY AMBUSH _____!”), the team leaders, acting independently of the other teams, will give the

signal for Halt, Enemy in Sight, and Hasty Ambush _____. Once the team is in the prone facing the threat, the team leader will then initiate the ambush (BANG, BANG, BANG!). When the drill is over, the Crucible Squad will continue its tactical movement to the next Crucible event.