The Crucible

Please keep Reed in your prayers this week as he begins "The Crucible" Thursday morning at 2 a.m. This is it...the final test...the tests of all tests at Marine bootcamp. (The following is from the Marines' website. It describes what Reed will go through Wednesday through Saturday). "The Crucible tests every recruit physically, mentally and morally and is the defining moment in recruit training. The Crucible takes place over 54-hours and includes food and sleep deprivation during 45-miles of marching. The Crucible pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together to solve problems, overcome obstacles and help each other along the way. The obstacles range from long marches, combat assault courses, the leadership reaction course, and team-building warrior stations. At the end of the march the recruits participate in the Emblem Ceremony. This is the moment when the legacy is handed down, they earn the title “Marine,” and the newest Marines are presented with the Corps’ emblem, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, by their drill instructors."