MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Marines and Sailors assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command (MARCENT) at MacDill Air Force Base Fla., participated in a 12-mile conditioning hike to honor the Marine Corps birthday Nov. 10, 2016.
The mission of the event was to celebrate the 241st birthday of the Marine Corps by developing individual self-confidence, physical fitness, and communication within the unit thereby enhancing organizational discipline, morale and esprit de corps.
“This hike was organized as a way to honor the Marine Corps Birthday,” said Master Sgt. William Price, public affairs chief assigned to MARCENT. “It also allows us to maintain a linkage with forward deployed forces and to never forget the hardships endured by our forward deployed Marines and Sailors.”
The morning started with a 5:00 a.m. show time for all MARCENT Marines and Sailors to check in. After they were checked in, everyone was required to do a maximum set of ammo can lifts before lining up in formation.
As soon as everyone was checked in, worked out and in formation, they began their march in full Marine uniforms with their packs weighing between 17-24 pounds. to honor their brothers and sisters and celebrate the rich heritage of the Marine Corps.
At a 3.4-mile-per-hour pace, they marched in 50 minute increments stopping for a 10-minute break in between in order to check for blisters, change socks, and hydrate.
“It’s important that we stop every 50 minutes to allow Marines to adjust their gear, so they can minimize injuries,” said Price. “This also allows them a break to rally and get ready for the next part of the hike.”
The march allowed Marines to enjoy comradery through shared physical and mental exertion.
At the end of the hike everyone gathered around to hear closing remarks from key leadership.
“Some people would think we are crazy for doing this on our birthday,” said Sgt. Maj William T. Thurber, Sergeant Major for MARCENT. “But, there’s nothing I would rather be doing than spending time with these guys, sharing this experience.”