Recruits Boot Camp Ready

The United States Marine Corp hosted an event Saturday to be sure recruits are boot camp ready.  Some of the men and women there have been waiting their whole lives to be Marines even if it means going to great measures.

"I lost 26lb in 3 weeks " said recruit Cory Hoson.

Everyone has a different reason for joining. For some it is for themselves, but also for their families. 

"My brother wanted to do it he passed away before he had the chance to and my dad thinks it’s the best thing for me and I think it’s the best thing for me too" said Kevin Distelhorst.

Those who have been in the Marines feel it creates a family. When away at boot camp or other places they ban together.

"We are a brotherhood and this is what we do day in and day out so if I’m working – you’re working and if you need my help I am going to be there for you " said Sgt. Armand Johnson.
 

Saturday was about making sure recruits are ready for boot camp. If they are not the day they leave will be pushed back and if they pass it could be moved forward.

Recruits will go through a series of tests including seeing how many sit-ups they can do in 2 minutes, pull-ups, a mile and a half run and push-ups. Beside these tests, recruits will go through mental training. The Marines say they break them down to build them back up.

" We give them some TLC some tender love and care. We actually give them an introduction to what happens at boot camp. We’ll yell at them pretty much get them a mindset of what’s to be expected " said Johnson.

Of those at the event, two had just returned from boot camp. They say it gave them more confidence.

"Challenging every thing down there is a challenge from the time you wake up " said Joshua Hickman.
 

Those who pass could leave as early as February 7.