Aspiring Marine, 18, dies during initial strength test: report
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A would-be Marine recruit died last week while undergoing a fitness test in Maryland, according to a report.
Poolee Jose Rodriguez, 18, died Friday after completing the run portion of the initial strength test. According to the Marine Corps Times, the initial strength test is a modified version of the Marine Corps’ physical fitness test and includes pullups, crunches and a 1.5-mile run.
Male Marine poolees are expected to complete the run at least 13 minutes and 30 seconds.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}MILLENNIALS CARE LESS ABOUT PATRIOTISM, RELIGION AND FAMILY THAN PREVIOUS GENERATIONS, STUDY SAYS
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jose Rodriguez, a young man who recently enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program," said 1st Lt. William H. Tunney, a spokesman with the 4th Marine Corps Recruiting District, told the news outlet. “We respect the Rodriguez family’s right to privacy and their decision whether to release further information regarding the incident."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rodriguez enlisted out of the Marine recruiting substation in Rockville, Md., Tunney said. He joined the Delayed Entry Program in March and was scheduled to begin boot camp at the Parris Island, S.C. recruit depot in September.