JD Vance takes on Marine Corps obstacle course with his son in playful video

JD Vance served in the US Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007 as a combat correspondent with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Vice President JD Vance posted a video on social media showing himself and his young son tackling a US Marine Corps obstacle course (@EricLDaugh/X)
Vice President JD Vance posted a video on social media showing himself and his young son tackling a US Marine Corps obstacle course (@EricLDaugh/X)


WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance gave social media users a different look at himself as he took on a Marine Corps obstacle course in a new TikTok video.

Vance shared footage of him and his son attempting the course while joking that he was trying “not to bust my a**.”

JD Vance takes on Marine Corps obstacle course

The video shows Vance navigating the obstacle course as he appears determined to make it through without taking a tumble.

His own description of the attempt keeps the tone playful, with Vance saying he was trying “not to bust my a**” while taking on the challenge.

Vice President JD Vance speaks at an event marking 250 years of the American military at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (Ken Cedenoe/Pool Photo via AP)
Vice President JD Vance speaks at an event marking 250 years of the American military at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va, Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (Ken Cedenoe/Pool Photo via AP)

For a vice president better known for political appearances and speeches, the TikTok offers a more casual glimpse at Vance outside the usual White House setting.

The moment also has a personal connection for Vance, who previously served in the Marine Corps as a combat correspondent with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

JD Vance has written about his Marine Corps experience

Vance served in the Marines from 2003 to 2007 and was deployed as a combat correspondent.

He has also written about his military experience, including in his bestselling book Hillbilly Elegy, where he reflected on what his time in the Marine Corps taught him.

Vice President JD Vance walks with his son Vivek as Vance participates in the International Naval Review aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Madison Swart/The New York Times via AP, Pool)
Vice President JD Vance walks with his son Vivek as Vance participates in the International Naval Review aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, Saturday, July 4, 2026 (Madison Swart/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

“The Marine Corps taught me how to live like an adult,” Vance wrote.

He also described his experience serving in Iraq in a public relations role, saying he was “lucky to escape any real fighting” but that the experience affected him deeply.

JD Vance’s Marine challenge comes after Pete Hegseth’s stunt

Vance’s obstacle course appearance also comes after Pete Hegseth took part in a similar military-themed challenge earlier this year.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks during a September 11th observance event in the courtyard of the Pentagon September 11, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Today marks the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks during a September 11th observance event in the courtyard of the Pentagon, September 11, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia (Getty Images)

In early June, footage showed Hegseth, the Secretary of War, taking part in light calisthenics alongside Marines.

He was seen wearing a shirt reading “This is War” as he moved through the training area.

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