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MCAS Cherry Point News

 

Photo Information

Sgt. Maj. Michael Johnson maneuvers through obstacles in the tree line while participating in the Devil Dog Dare at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 10, 2015. The Devil Dog Dare is a part of Operation Adrenaline Rush, a Marine Corps-wide program designed to teach Marines how to deal with every day stress in positive ways.Johnson is the sergeant major of Marine Attack Training Squadron 203. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas

Marines soar through trees during Operation Adrenaline Rush

14 Jul 2015 | Cpl. N.W. Huertas Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Senior leaders descended from the trees during a hands-on demonstration at the Devil Dog Dare in support of Operation Adrenalin Rush here, July 9.

Commanding officers and sergeants majors from various units aboard the air station participated in the Operation Adrenaline Rush obstacle course as a way to understand the purpose of the course and to experience first-hand the activities available for their Marines.

Participants worked together to maneuver through a zip-line course and completed their day with a high obstacle course within the trees. The course tested their ability to conquer their fears and move forward as a team.



“Operation Adrenaline Rush was designed to help Marines cope with stress in a positive way,” said Larry Harrington, a recreational specialist with Marine Corps Community Services. “Marines often return from deployments and need a way to decompress after living in such a high stress environment. This is our way of giving those Marines a break from their every day job and allowing them the opportunity to come together with other members of their units.”

According to Harrington, Operation Adrenaline Rush is a Marine Corps-wide program which started as a way to ensure Marines find ways to thrill themselves in a safe environment while interacting with other Marines outside of their work space.

 “It challenges participants mentally and physically.” explained Harrington. “Several participants use the experience to bond and encourage each other.”

The Marines receive a class prior to endeavoring the obstacles. The class focuses on how to manage stress in and out of the work place. It is designed to help Marines find ways to cope with every day stress while maintaining a positive lifestyle. Following completion of the events, participants take part in an after action session to reflect on what they have learned from their experience.

“Opportunities such as these are unique and beneficial not only to individual Marines, but to the squadron’s unit cohesion,” said Lt. Col. Ginger Beals, the commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 271. “This experience allows us to learn more about ourselves and the Marines we work with on a daily basis.”

According to Beals, the operation is a great asset that should be taken advantage of as often as possible. Beals constantly sends Marines from her squadron to the course, crediting the opportunity with the Marines higher productivity level and positive behavior following the course.

“It is a great way to challenge yourself and the Marines around you,” said Beals. “I recommend the use of this program to anyone who is interested in pushing their limits and learning how to motivate themselves and others find positive ways to unwind in their spare time.”



Units interested in or looking to partake in the course can reserve a time for Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, contact MCCS at (252)466-3850.


Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point