MCRD San Diego -- When Marine leaders defend the Corps ... at all times beyond the hallway leading to the bathroom and showers. "It wasn't hard, right?" Col. Matt Palma, commander of Recruit ...

MCRD SAN DIEGO -- It's been almost a week since the Crucible, the legendary two-and-a-half-day physical and mental torture fest that culminates in recruits earning the coveted title of Marines.