DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE
CORPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20380-0001
Ms. Willie Mae Jenkins
June 25, 1997
Dear Ms. Jenkins:
I would like to tell you of recent changes to Marine Corps recruit training
and how the deeds of your late son,
Private
First Class Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. continue to inspire a new generation
of Marines.
Some time ago, I envisioned a culminating event that would be the defining
moment in a new Marine's life at recruit training. This vision materialized
in what the Marine Corps now calls the Crucible. The Crucible is an extremely
demanding, 54 hour long evolution that allows a recruit only 8 hours of
sleep and 2 and 1/2 meals in order to simulate the sleep and food deprivation
that can be experienced in combat. It consists of several hikes, 2 night
events, and 6 major day events. Included in this are 12 Warrior Stations
where the recruits must accomplish certain tasks. The Crucible ends with
a stirring colors ceremony where each recruit is presented
the
Eagle, Globe and Anchor insignia by a drill instructor.
To pay tribute to your son, we have named one of the Warrior Stations
after him. Each week the traditions and values of the Marines Corps are
passed on to our recruits as they learn of your son's selfless actions
while they, themselves, meet the challenge of successfully completing
the station.
The Warrior Station named after your son is called PFC Jenkin's Pinnacle.
At this station, the recruits are paired off to traverse an obstacle.
The mission of each pair of recruits is to get themselves and their gear
over 2 beams, suspended by wire, that are unstable and moving. Although
this station at first appears easy, the recruits soon discover that it
takes teamwork to get over the top beam without losing their balance.
When all of the recruits have successfully traversed the obstacle, a critique
is conducted by the drill instructor followed by the reading of your son's
Medal of Honor citation and a discussion of his heroic actions.
I
have enclosed some photographs of this station.
The selfless acts of your son reflect the values we are trying to instill
in our recruits. He will always be remembered in the history of the Corps
and
will assist us in making new Marines through the example of his courage.
Sincerely,
C.
Krulak
General,
U.S. Marine Corps
Commandant
of the Marine Corps
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