MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, met at Riseley Field June 5, 2015 for the first installment of the Warrior Games before departing for their unit deployment program to the Pacific.
The Warrior Games consist of various team and individual events, such as the tug of war and the “Cindy,” an event which requires Marines to do as many pushups, pull-ups and air squats as they can and a 15-kilometer relay race. Weapons Company is currently in the lead with the most points.
According to Pfc. Gregory Lovick Jr., a rifleman with Echo Co., 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, the team building event provides Marines, who may deploy in the future, a chance to test their physical and mental capabilities.
“This shows which companies have the most physically and mentally strong Marines,” the Detroit native said. “It’s a good time and it shows which Marines are willing to (persevere).”
Although Lovick didn’t do as well as he wanted to, he said he enjoyed himself and understands that while each person excels in a particular skill, collectively, Marines can achieve a lot.
“I don’t feel too good (about) this event,” Lovick said of the one he was participating in. I didn’t volunteer for it, and would have preferred to do an event I am more capable in, like running or sports events. Upper body strength isn’t my strong point, but I am having fun and this builds unit morale. It forces (our units) to push each other and allows for us to get used to each other before we go on deployment.”
The Warrior Games will be going on through 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines’ deployment, and will vary in events.
“This is the first installment of the games,” said Cpl. Cody Negrette, the operations chief for Golf Co., 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines. “It includes events ranging from pugil sticks and basketball to chess, to see who may be the most intelligent team.”
Negrette, a Phoenix native, also competed in the “Cindy” and tug of war.
“We are doing this to decide who has the best strength, endurance and unit morale,” he said. “We are (slated) to go to a lot of Asian Pacific countries. This is good for the units because it increases morale, and gives (the winner) bragging rights.”