Devil Pups Take the Plunge During 35-Foot Tower Jump

Dressed in standard-issued red swim trunks and shaking from equal parts cold rain and nervousness, a Devil Pups participant approached the edge of a concrete and metal diving platform, peering straight down to the pool 35 feet below him. The Devil Pup immediately turned back, unsure of whether he could make the jump or not.

Also on this platform was Marine 1st Sgt. James Zinn, who is stern but encouraging to each participant who steps up to the edge.

“Get some courage,” Zinn said to the frightened Devil Pup, who was now holding his head in his hands.  “I have faith in you. … Have faith in yourself,” he said.

The Devil Pup took the plunge.    

For this Devil Pup and 350 of his fellow participants, Thursday morning brought one of the more mentally challenging events of the 10-day program held at Camp Pendleton. Known as the 35-foot tower jump, the activity is one of many during the Devil Pups program that is designed to build self-confidence, self-discipline and personal integrity in teenagers between 14 and 17 years old.

“The reputation of Devil Pups speaks for itself,” said Col. Trace Deneke, the Devil Pups commander.  “[The participants] are going to earn everything they get and that in itself is really a cultural shift for kids."

From daily physical training to Thursday’s tower jump, Devil Pups must overcome various mental and physical obstacles to achieve their goals. 

“You have to learn to deal with those things, whether it is a physical discomfort, an emotional discomfort or sometimes just a social discomfort,” said Deneke. 

Shant Ghazarian, who went through the program in 2009, can attest to the challenges of the camp but also the ability of the program to change lives. 

“If I could do this, I could do anything,” said Ghazarian, who also credits the program with helping him overcome his fear of public speaking. “It changed me as a person."

Although Thursday’s 35-foot tower jump is not a mandatory activity, Deneke said over 90 percent of participants end up jumping. 

“There is no pressure like peer pressure,” Deneke said.  “In this case, it is positive.” 

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