<P> Third phase begins with A-line, where recruits learn to fire their rifle under more realistic combat conditions, including firing at moving targets and from a "combat stance", rather than the competition - type positions used during Firing Week . The next week sees recruits at Basic Warrior Training (BWT), where they learn the fundamentals of combat and will sleep in the field and eat MREs . Skills taught include camouflage, low crawling, land navigation, basic squad tactics and other foundations of military skills . </P> <P> After this week, recruits return to garrison for the final drill competition, take the final PFT and take the final written test (which covers all the information covered in classes in all three phases); each event has a trophy for the highest - scoring platoon . Recruits then prepare for the Crucible . </P> <P> The Crucible is the final test in recruit training, and represents the culmination of all of the skills and knowledge a Marine should possess . Designed in 1996 to emphasize the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity, the Crucible is a rigorous 54 - hour field training exercise demanding the application of everything a recruit has learned until that point in recruit training and includes a total of 48 miles of marching . It simulates typical combat situations with strenuous testing, hardship and the deprivation of food and sleep . Two recruits are given three MREs (a self - contained, individual field ration), each usually taking one, then splitting the third up how ever is agreeable between the two . The recruits are only allowed six hours of sleep through the entire 54 - hour event . Recruits are broken into squad - sized teams (possibly smaller) and placed under the charge of one drill instructor . West Coast recruits are returned to Edson Range for the Crucible . Parris Island recruits will conduct the Crucible in the derelict Page Airfield on the south end of the depot . </P> <P> Throughout the Crucible, recruits are faced with physical and mental challenges that must be accomplished before advancing further . Teamwork is stressed, as the majority of tasks are impossible without it--each group must succeed or fail as a whole . The others will fail unless every recruit passes through together, requiring the team to aid their fellow recruit (s) who struggle in the accomplishment of the given mission . Also stressed are the Corps' core values of "Honor, Courage, and Commitment"--events sometimes present a moral challenge . Many challenge events are named after Marine Medal of Honor recipients or otherwise notable Marines and drill instructors will often take the time to read the citation of the award and hold a guided discussion with the recruits to evaluate their moral development . Drill instructors are also vigilant for those recruits who succeed and fail in leadership positions . </P>

When did the marines start doing the crucible