Brother in Arms

Brian Plonka

The Spokesman-Review

Marine recruit Matt Shipp takes a moment to cool down and eat rations during day one of the infamous “Crucible” at Camp Pendleton during the eighth week of basic training. The Crucible is the hardest test at Marine basic training consisting of several days in the field marching and taking part in extraneous physical activities for 20 hours each day. Matt lost nearly 20 pounds during boot camp and was put on double rations.

Brian Plonka, "Brother in Arms," in POYi Archive, Item #45579, http://archive.poy.org/items/show/45579 (accessed June 15, 2025).