Navy
Female US Marine Recruits Get Gassed On Basic Training
In the United States, a recent decision from the Department of Defense has allowed women to apply for any combat role, providing they meet the requirements.
In the second of our special reports from the US Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, we follow female recruits as they progress through basic training.
Yesterday, we met the new arrivals to Parris Island, today, we take a look at what's in store for them over the next few months.
That includes a mixture of marksmanship, close combat skills, fitness testing, obstacle courses and field exercises, as well as a demanding gas chamber exercise.
In the exercise, recruits must breach their masks with their fingers, allowing themselves to be exposed to gas that will irritate their eyes, nose, and throat.
It's meant to prepare them for the tough realities of combat once they've finished basic training.
The recruits are first given the chance to practice new skills in a more relaxed environment, before being expected to perform these skills under more stressful and demanding conditions.
They also have a chance to hone teamwork skills through exercise scenarios.
Many of the female recruits, such as Chelsea Villela, feel letting them into combat roles is a no-brainer:
"If you can do the same thing, if you can do it, why not?... If I can do the pull ups or the run and keep up with the boys - in fact, I sometimes beat the boys - so, if I can do it, then why not?"
Basic training will certainly test many of these girls' limits, but many are sure to pass through basic training regardless.
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