The Crucible is the final challenge in the US Marines bootcamp that recruits must complete in order to become a Marine. It’s is the culmination of 12 weeks of physical, marksmanship, firing range, and combat water survival training over 12 weeks. The Crucible consists of drills and training with 60 lbs. of gear over 48 miles within 54 hours, given only two meals and six hours total of sleep. It’s a brutal mental and physical challenge that marks a young man’s transformation into a Marine.

As part of the Midwest Marines Educator Workshop in February, WGN Radio was given rare, unbridled access to the emotional Eagle, Globe and Anchor pinning ceremony atop the Reaper, the steep 700 ft-tall mountain that signifies the accomplishment of the Crucible.

Join WGN Radio in celebrating Memorial Day and watch the entire Marine Week series at wgnradio.com.