Marine corps bootcamps | Activities, Schedules, Requirements

It is now common knowledge that Marine corps bootcamps are usually regarded as a 13-week program which involves in and out-processing, of recruit training. The idea is almost always interwoven around the ideology that each recruit must complete in order to serve in the corps.

However, it will be misleading to give oversight to such salient things as the fact that marine corps Bootcamp has like four major phases every purpose-driven enlisted Marine must go through to advance to the next stage and on to the United States Marine.

For the records, these phases are not those short distances you cover when you have a walk in the park, they are rather those rigorous training sessions with vigorous exercises for anybody who wants to be on active duty for the United State Marines.

From the first phase to the fourth phase the idea is to test your mentality, physically and even ethically for as long as you would have to stay in the camp.

As a matter of fact, the part of the Holy Book that states that while gold is tested with fire, the human character is tested by the furnace of humiliation gains an experiential presentation in the Marine corps bootcamps.

Hence, if your central goal in this article is primarily about the activities, schedules and requirements of marine corps bootcamps, kindly scroll down and dig deeper into this resourceful content.

What are the Requirements of Marine Training?

The major requirements for the basic training of Marine corps bootcamps are shortlisted as follows;

High School Diploma
No Felony Convictions
Legal U.S. Residents aged 17 to 28
Able to pass the Initial Strength Test
Able to pass a Criminal Background Check
Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test with a score of at least 31 for high graduates or 50 plus for those with a GED

What is Recruit Training Composed of in the Marine Corps Bootcamps?

The basic constituents of the major things that are packaged in the work curriculum of the Marine corps bootcamps are the following;

Physical Fitness
Close-Order Drill
Swim Qualification
Rifle Marksmanship
Marine Corps History
Marine Corps Knowledge
Marine Corps Rank Structure
Combat Tactical Medical Care

How Long is Marine Corps Bootcamp?

The marine corps Bootcamp lasts for a period of thirteen (13) weeks, which is more or less, seventy (70) training days.

Arguably though, it has been touted to be the longest military basic training. Some say it is the most demanding, while others believe it is rewarding as it is challenging.

The Marine Corps Bootcamp is designed in such a way that you don’t get to leave the base or go for weekends while the training is underway.

What are the Locations for Recruits Attending Marine Corps Bootcamp?

Every recruit will attend Marine Corps Recruit Training at either of the following locations;

Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina
Recruit Training Depot in San Diego, California

What Items to Bring to Marine Corps Bootcamp?

As much as it is important for all recruits to travel light, they would be needing to bring some items like;

Eyeglasses and case
A lock (combo or padlock with two keys)
Haircare items such as combs, brushes and hair elastics
Toiletries such as toothbrush and case, toothpaste, dental floss and antiperspirant
Shower supplies including a washcloth and towel, flip-flops, shampoo, soap, razor and shaving cream
Smart casual wear, with the inclusion of white undies/bras, calf-length white socks and shoes for running.

What are the Basic Training Phases for Marine corps bootcamps?

Phase 1

Recruit receiving
Physical fitness
Introduction to close-order drill
Intro to Marine Corps Martial Arts Program

Phase 2

Swim week
Team week & Interior Guard
Your first written exams.

Phase 3

Field training
Rifle marksmanship
3, 5 and 8-mile hikes

Phase 4

Gas chamber
The Crucible
Marine Week
Gear turn-in & Graduation!

Phase One of Marine Boot Camp, which is the longest, cultivates the physical fitness, fundamental knowledge, and unit cohesion needed of a fundamentally trained Marine.

Phase one includes classes on everything from first aid to rank structure and Marine Corps history, as well as physical conditioning, martial arts, and other topics.

You will be required to learn and regularly apply the terminology used by the Marine Corps. Portholes are now windows. Racks are beds. Additionally, the USMC rank system will be covered.

Distancing yourself from your physical and psychological habits as a civilian is the main objective of phase one. You won’t even be able to address yourself by name; instead, your life will consist of military procedures and performing everyday duties “by the numbers.”

You will refer to other recruits as “those recruits” and yourself as “this recruit.” You will be required to follow the formula “Sir, this recruit would like to talk to Drill Instructor (rank) (last name), Sir!” while addressing a drill instructor.

Everything is taught to recruits from the very beginning, including how to eat, stand up properly, and brush their teeth.

Receiving Week

The next stop is Recruit Receiving, where you can contact home to tell your loved ones that you have made it safely after signing an oath at the yellow footprints. You are then given basic clothing and toiletries after being inspected for contraband.

The Marine Corps will provide you with everything you need when you hand over all of your personal belongings (even your underwear).

Only your civilian ID needs to be brought to boot camp. You will then have your first haircut, which for male recruits will essentially be bald and for female recruits will be close-cropped.

The remaining steps of receiving include completing a ton of paperwork, going through medical and dental screenings, and getting a ton of shots (okay, this part can be nerve-wracking as you stand in line and get five shots at once!

Then comes the Bicillin “peanut butter” shot to prevent infection. You’ll get there, so don’t worry.)

The first night, you won’t sleep at all, and the following, you’ll probably lie in bed wondering why on earth you are in this place. You’ll spend more time than ever before cleaning the bathroom and buffing the floors. The first physical fitness exam will then be administered to you.

Maximum pull-ups, maximum crunches, and a mile-and-a-half run are all part of the initial strength test. To make sure that recruits are prepared to start training, a scaled-down version of the Marine Physical Fitness Test, or PFT, is administered. Increasing your pull-up capacity is one of the simplest methods to get a better score.

Train to higher standards than the bare minimum! Otherwise, getting a good grade will be challenging.

Black Friday

Black Friday is a memoriable day because you will get instructors. The drill instructors in the Marine Corps are tenacious.

Once you are “picked up” into your boot camp platoon, there is no going back. Right now, it is simpler to obtain the title than to be expelled from boot camp.

Few people have ever experienced Black Friday, making it a day you will remember for the rest of your life. At this point, Marine Corps Boot Camp officially starts.

IT, or incentive training, will be covered. The use of incentive training is permitted by drill instructors to promote discipline and repair errors.

Basically, one or more drill instructors take you to a sand pit near the recruit depot (known as IT pits). You will perform constant callisthenics there.

They are only allowed to use IT for five minutes at a time outside. There are no restrictions on the “quarter deck” inside. More jumping jacks, pushups, mountain climbers, and other workouts will be required of you than you ever imagined.

Everything your drill instructors do to make you anxious is intended to mimic the pressure of war and prompt compliance with instructions. I can attest from experience that it works.

Your final opportunity to disclose drug usage and any issues that would prevent you from enlisting will be provided. You will then be forced to join the Marine Corps!

Training Week One

Be prepared for a harsh awakening on Monday. At this phase, the drill instructors are aggressive and will correct any errors a recruit makes. The Marine Corps’ three core values—honour, courage, and commitment—will be explained to you.

Your M16A4 rifle will become your new best friend. You will also study the Rifleman’s Creed. You will practice handling your rifle until it comes naturally by disassembling, cleaning, reassembling, and practising.

You’ll also commit the four weapon safety guidelines to memory. You will be running everywhere. Your voice will “sound off” until it is hoarse. You’ll practice drill in formation with the platoon while you aren’t jogging.

You can anticipate daily physical exercise for the rest of the week. typically running in platoon formation while calling out a cadence. Pull-ups, push-ups, mountain climbers, and other exercises are in abundance.

Additionally, you’ll spend a lot of time in the classroom studying the history of the Marine Corps and combat first aid. The obstacle course will be explained to you on Friday, and you’ll walk through each one before the battalion runs through it.

You will also learn about the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program or MCMAP. It combines jiu-jitsu moves, bayonet combat, and karate attacks.

The Warfare Fitness Test, which is specifically designed to evaluate Marine’s basic physical combat abilities like sprinting, the fireman’s carry, and lugging large ammo cans, is taught to recruits on Saturday.

Fortunately, you’ll have four hours of free time to spend at church, the dining hall, or the PX. The remainder of the day will be spent maintaining your M16 and the squad bay.

Week Two

You’ll resume your work on Monday morning with more MCMAP after taking a day off on Sunday. of course after PT in the morning!

As boot camp gets going, physical training should become more challenging. There will be four 400-meter segments.

First to finish? Exercise is your reward—callisthenics! final place? More callisthenics, please! These are only a few of the games played by drill instructors.

In pugil stick combat, where you’ll apply the skills you honed in MCMAP, you’ll compete against other recruits. Do we suggest?

Act aggressively. Drill Instructors love observing recruits to determine which ones are the true warriors; it’s also an opportunity to vent your anger in a secure environment. That other candidate? The enemy is them.

You’ll feel as though your platoon has been drilling for days on end. One of the main components of Marine Boot Camp is a close-order drill. It fosters discipline and teamwork within the unit. You also get the impression that your weapon is an extension of your body.

Of course, it won’t seem that way at first, but you will get stronger. The obstacle course will be explained to you, and you’ll learn how to navigate it.

Combat Care and Marine Corps History are among the topics covered in class this week. Physical exercise and MCMAP are often scheduled for the morning and classroom instruction is scheduled for the afternoon each day.

To keep alert in class, drink water! If a recruit starts to nod off in class, you may be told to slap the back of their head. And if you doze off, rest certain that you will get IT’d until you drop!

Week Three

The confidence course, the obstacle course you’ve seen on TV and in pictures, will be introduced to you on Monday morning. The A-frame, the ladder to heaven, and other enjoyable things are included.

This week’s physical training will consist of a circuit course, 2400-meter sprints, and additional strength training and callisthenics including military presses, dips, and pull-ups.

This week will involve a lot of administrative documentation and the delivery of your ID cards. During boot camp, you’ll likely visit the dentist at least twice. They will remove your wisdom teeth here if you haven’t already.

Future Marines are strongly encouraged to have their wisdom teeth out prior to boot camp since it will make recuperation much simpler. With only 70 training days available, every day must be closely examined and tested. You’ll be put back if you miss three of them.

This week during the drill, Senior Drill Instructors will inspect their battalion. This is a buildup to the Saturday Initial Drill competition. Successful platoons will receive callisthenics as a reward. Poor-performing platoons will be rewarded with—you guessed it—more callisthenics!

Do you notice any trends developing? You’ll perform a significant strength and endurance run together on Friday. There are strength stations in between the 800-meter (1/2-mile) runs.

Squats, mountain climbers, pull-ups, ammunition can lifts, and push-ups will all be included. For this reason, we advise regularly running before boot camp! The Initial Drill Competition is on Saturday.

Your drill instructors are directly responsible for the performance of your platoon and are evaluated on their own work by more experienced drill instructors. This day will likely be spent primarily in the IT pit and quarterdeck. even when you succeed!

Marine Corps Bootcamp Phase 2

The Swim Qualification and Confidence Course will open in the second Phase in which recruits who did well in the first phase will be revealed in this phase. If they can’t keep up, the recruits who didn’t will probably be moved back a Phase!

Remember that while the Marine Corps Boot Camp pass rate is 80%, recruits frequently get sent back one or two Phases due to ailments or failing to keep up.

Week 4: Swim Week

Recruits can and will be dropped to another platoon for the first time this week. It’s best that you hope this isn’t you since this usually causes a two-week slowdown!

What happened to my Iron Ducks? Who are those people who are scared of the water? You might even say that this week was the worst part of Recruit Training!

Swim Week is the fourth week of USMC Recruit Training. Your drill instructors will be by your side the entire time, walking you through each activity before making you perform it.

The recruits must tread water for 15 minutes while wearing their pyjamas and swimming 50 yards with a ruck. Before engaging in any other activities in the deep end of the pool, recruits who cannot swim will undergo specific instruction there.

Although it is strongly encouraged that you acquire swimming skills before resorting to Boot Camp, the instructors will nevertheless teach you how to swim. The recruits will have their Boot Camp pictures taken at the conclusion of week 4.

There will be more MCMAP and pugil stick fights on Friday. Although fighting someone else could appear nerve-wracking at first, take advantage of the situation to let out some pent-up rage! Use your fellow recruit as a venting mechanism!

The first Physical Fitness Test (PFT) will be finished on Saturday. Run for three miles, perform as many pull-ups as you can, and then perform as many crunches as you can in two minutes.

When taking these fitness tests, it’s crucial to push yourself because your results could later haunt you. However, given your lack of sleep, exhaustion, and worry, this first PFT could not be your finest.

Recruits who don’t perform well on the PFT will be let go. Recruits will participate in the obstacle course on Saturday.

Week 5: Team Week & Interior Guard

During week 5, recruits will engage in rigorous physical training that includes the well-known log drills. During log drills, trainees must cooperate to carry the load. Do not be the weak link because you are only as powerful as your weakest link!

During team week, recruits are dispatched to various parts of the base to help with cleaning, laundry, and other work, albeit not as frequently as it used to be when I was in.

Currently, recruits will keep a discreet guard in place around important areas, and the barracks will be managed like a patrol post.

It’s intended to be more tactical and to teach the recruits how fleet Marines think. There is always someone watching, so if there is one piece of advice I can give you that will hold true for the rest of your military career, it is this.

You represent your platoon, battalion, unit, and the Marine Corps as a whole as a Marine, even as a recruit. You shouldn’t take this lightly. Both holding yourself responsible and to a higher standard are important.

Another Combat Fitness Test (CFT) will be administered as this week comes to a close, so make it count!

The CFT includes an 880-yard sprint, a 30-pound ammo lift from shoulder height to overhead as many times as possible in two minutes, and a manoeuvre under fire run in which recruits pair up and complete a variety of combat-related activities like a buddy drag and a fireman’s carry. You carry out all of this in your pyjamas!

Week 6

Week 6 is an exciting week because you are almost halfway through. Another PFT, the bayonet course, more pugil sticks, MCMAP training, and a real written test on Marine Corps customs, courtesy, and traditions will all be included in this week’s schedule.

All recruits will board buses at this time and travel to Camp Pendleton to report to the Weapons and Field Training Battalion (this is specifically for recruits from San Diego).

Marine Corps Bootcamp Phase 3

Week 7: Grass Week

Physical training will become more demanding, and hikes or “humps” will last longer and need heavier packs, but you’ll notice that drill instructors will ease up a little bit so you can concentrate on mastering the fundamentals of marksmanship.

You will spend endless hours sitting in the grass beside a firing barrel “snapping in” on practice targets as you master the correct firing positions that will be used in week 8 (Firing Week).

Making yourself comfortable with the four shooting positions—Standing, Kneeling, Prone, and Sitting—and dry firing your weapon are the main components of “snapping in.” Recruits will either come to love or despise this week.

Remember that Grass Week is not restricted to Basic Training. Because it is necessary to take part in Grass Week before you can qualify on the rifle range, you will do so every year that you are a Marine.

Grass Week is monotonous, to put it simply. I’m not even going to try to sugarcoat it. The days start when the sun rises and terminate when it sets (just as any day does in recruit training).

You’ll feel uncomfortable, worn out, hungry, and pretty much every other dreadful feeling imaginable, but remember that you’re in week 6 of Basic Training, which means you’re almost done!

Grass Week shouldn’t be taken for granted. Pay close attention to the advice and methods that your professors are giving you. You should practice your shooting during Firing Week (Week 8).

Depending on how well you shoot, you’ll wear a different marksmanship badge on your dress uniform. You don’t want to be that fresh-faced Marine or even an experienced Marine who struts around with a “pizza box” (Marksmanship Badge) on their breast!

An 8-kilometre hike, or the “hump,” as the Marines like to say, will round out week 7. You’ll do this while wearing body armour, a kevlar helmet, a weapon, and a rucksack. The gear you’ll be hauling weighs about 45 pounds.

The drill instructors will make sure your feet are moving and that you are keeping at least one arm’s distance from the recruit in front of you. The range is the focus of week eight.

This portion of recruit training ought to be fun. Finally, recruits will be able to fire rounds from a distance using the techniques they acquired in week 7! Did you know that the Marines must travel the furthest of any other branch of the armed forces to qualify?

Recruits should be accustomed to doing PT first thing in the morning by this point. Additionally, the drill instructors will make the most of any downtime to make sure you’re all getting your IT training in as well! (This doesn’t ever stop, either.)

Three days of live fire and two days of rifle qualification will make up the rifle range.

From the 500, 300, and 200-yard lines, recruits will fire. Recruits will take 10 shots at once beginning at the 500-yard line before being scored. From there, the Recruits advance to the 300 and then the 200-yard lines.

Instead of firing from a seated position, recruits will now always be wearing a flak jacket and kevlar while firing from a barricaded position. At the barricade, recruits are free to choose whichever firing stance they prefer.

On Saturday, recruits will go on their 13-kilometre longest hike (hump) yet (8 miles). A recruit may be dropped if they don’t finish the hike or don’t keep up.

Despite the modest distances, the hikes will be challenging for the recruits because of their extra weight and weariness. In the Fleet Marine Force, these hikes will continue and possibly go much longer.

Week 9: Field Week

This week will mark the beginning of things coming together. Finally, the process of turning you into a full-fledged Marine begins.

At this stage of training, recruits will have completed a significant two months of rigorous physical training, and their platoon will be as cohesive as any other. It will start to feel like all of the effort put in over the past eight weeks has finally paid off.

The endurance of recruits will be far superior to what it was when they first came at Recruit Training, and they will be both mentally and physically stronger. The drill instructors may have been a touch more relaxed the previous week on the rifle range; this is normal.

The last thing you need is a recruit exploding out of control with a loaded weapon on the range, which is already extremely stressful given the additional stress recruits are already experiencing in boot camp.

That is the reality. But don’t worry—your drill instructors will be back in week 9 in full force! On the field courses, recruits will face challenges like combat assault, low crawl, barbed wire, and several other tasks that mimic a fight.

Rifle Qualification will be finished this week with Table II, which focuses more on combat-oriented scenarios, on the final two days of the week. The scores and Table I Rifle Qualification will be added together.

You’ll want to shoot as well as you can on Tables I and II since your performance will be displayed for all to see as a Rifle Qualification pin on the chest of your dress uniforms!

At your first unit, you don’t want to be the one wearing a “pizza box”! We Marines refer to the Marksmanship Rifle Qualification Badge as a “pizza box” (See below).

Be aware that the one up top is a hoax and not the true Marksmanship badge, despite the similarities. Try your hardest to earn the Expert Badge on the range, though. A final written exam and a second Combat Fitness Test will take place on Saturday (CFT).

Week 10: The Crucible

The Crucible, arguably one of the most significant experiences in recruit training, is where you become a United States Marine.

On Monday, recruits will experience the Gas Chamber, also known as the Confidence Chamber. In a practical context, recruits will understand how the gas mask functions. Yes, there will be CS gas present, and yes, you must open that seal.

The scorching gas sensation and the fear of suffocation cause panic in the majority of recruits. Although it might seem impossible, I promise you that you can endure the suffering involved! In order to prepare for The Crucible, Recruits will travel 5 kilometres to their tent at night.

This 54-hour undertaking won’t be simple. Despite being sleep deprived, recruits will work a 24-hour shift. In their teams, they will have to finish a number of team-building exercises.

For the whole 54-hour event, the recruits will receive two and a half MREs (Meal Ready to Eat), and they will march 45 miles in total. Despite being completely worn out, overworked, and fatigued, recruits will still be expected to perform.

Recruits will get their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and be formally referred to as United States Marines for the first time when The Crucible is over.

You will cherish and remember this unfathomably special event for the rest of your life. Reminiscing about the day I received the title more than 12 years ago gives me shivers as I sit here and write this.

You will be given a Warriors Breakfast as new Marines, where you can eat as much of the chow hall as you like. Contrary to popular belief, the cuisine is not what makes the Warriors Breakfast so unique.

It’s finally being able to speak with your drill instructors in person. With your drill instructors, you can finally communicate like a normal person. You can only really appreciate what a surreal sensation it is after having it for yourself.

Phase 4: Being A Marine

Week 11: Marine Week

You have now successfully transitioned into a military lifestyle and obtained the title of United States Marine.

Marine Boot Camp’s sixth and final week. In the Fleet Marine Force, Marines will spend their time becoming Marines.

It is known as Marine Week. You’ll continue with MCMAP and physical training, and you’ll visit a museum to discover more about the Marine Corps. Within the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, you’ll obtain your tan belt.

Finally, you’ll tackle the rappelling and fast-roping tower and acquire confidence in your ability to safely depart a helicopter.

In order to prepare for graduation, the Company Commander will inspect you. Standing at attention on the parade deck for four hours in the heat is uncomfortable.

However, you’re a seasoned Marine by this point, prepared for anything. Graduation for Week 12 has finally arrived. New Marines and their families frequently experience emotional turmoil at this time.

On Monday, graduation practice will begin, and on Tuesday, there will be a liberty brief and “Warrior Preservation.” The history and customs of the Marine Corps are preserved in this seminar.

It discusses embracing the risk involved in becoming a contemporary warrior and acting in accordance with Marine beliefs.

The Battalion Commander’s inspection is on Wednesday, which means it will be a long day of standing at attention. After one final cleaning, weapons will be turned in.

Thursday is family day and the morning moto-run! Your platoon’s final Marine Boot Camp run. Since leaving for boot camp, Marines haven’t seen their family until now.

The Marines who are now being introduced to the family will surprise many of them with their muscular, sleek physiques.

And they’ll be astounded by the boisterous, step-on Marine platoons that are brought before them.

You can hold a “gong show” the night before graduation where you can make jokes with your drill instructors. even if it costs them.

What are the Requirements of Marine Training?

The major requirements for the basic training of Marine corps bootcamps are shortlisted as follows;
High School Diploma
No Felony Convictions
Legal U.S. Residents aged 17 to 28
Able to pass the Initial Strength Test
Able to pass a Criminal Background Check
Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test with a score of at least 31 for high graduates or 50 plus for those with a GED

How Long is Marine Corps Bootcamp?

The marine corps Bootcamp lasts for a period of thirteen (13) weeks, which is more or less, seventy (70) training days.
Arguably though, it has been touted to be the longest military basic training. Some say it is the most demanding, while others believe it is rewarding as it is challenging.
The Marine Corps Bootcamp is designed in such a way that you don’t get to leave the base or go for weekends while the training is underway.

What are the Locations for Recruits Attending Marine Corps Bootcamp?

Every recruit will attend Marine Corps Recruit Training at either of the following locations;
Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina
Recruit Training Depot in San Diego, California

Final Thoughts

On this note, what is central to Marine corps bootcamps is the basic training every recruit must go through. It is equally important to have a comprehensive knowledge of what will be encountered from a Trainee to a member of the United States Marine Corps.

Kindly note, in the words of the renowned writer, Valentine Uchechukwu Ndukwu that tenacity of purpose is required in this field of endeavour.

References

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