Where Marine Corps Graduates Go After Boot Camp: Advanced Training and Deployment

After graduating from boot camp, Marine Corps recruits go through a series of advanced training programs designed to prepare them for their future roles in the Marine Corps. Most Marines begin their advanced training at the School of Infantry (SOI).

Advanced Training Programs at SOI

The School of Infantry offers courses that prepare Marines for different roles within the Marine Corps. Recruits will attend either the Infantry Marine Course at Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) or Marine Combat Training (MCT) for non-infantry personnel. During these training programs, Marines receive specialized skills and training to become proficient in their areas of expertise and prepared for their first assignments.

Infantry Training at ITB and MCT

The Infantry Marine Course at ITB is a rigorous and highly specialized program that focuses on teaching Marines the necessary skills to become proficient infantrymen. This 36-week program covers a wide range of topics, including marksmanship, advanced tactics, and leadership. Non-infantry Marines attend Marine Combat Training (MCT), a 28-day course that provides basic combat and tactical training.

Deployment to Various Locations

Upon completion of basic training and their advanced training, Marines are assigned to various locations based on the needs of the Marine Corps. Common destinations include:

In some cases, Marine units are assigned to other locations around the world, including embassies and combat zones. The Marine Corps aims to concentrate its forces in key areas, but flexibility is key, as some Marines may be deployed to less common locations or to embassies in various countries.

Historical Context and Notable Assignments

The training and deployment of Marines have a rich history, with many notable assignments and missions. For example:

3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment

My experience was to be assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment (3rd Bn. 1st Marines), 1st Marine Division. After graduating from boot camp, I attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, where I received advanced Infantry Marine training. Following the “Gulf of Tonkin” incident, my unit, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment (1st Bn. 9th Marines), was deployed to Vietnam in 1965.

On June 8, 1965, our battalion conducted an amphibious landing on Red Beach One, Danang, making us the first offensive Marine Corps battalion to land in what would become the Vietnam War. We earned the nickname “Dee-boh-shay” or “Di Bo Chet,” meaning “The Walking Dead,” due to the intense and grueling conditions we faced during the war.

Challenge and Flexibility in Assignments

Marine Corps recruits may not be assigned to infantry battalions alone but can also join engineering units, artillery units, air wing units, or tank units. The key factor in any assignment is ensuring that the Marine Corps has the most capable and prepared personnel in the most critical locations. This flexibility allows the Marine Corps to respond to a wide range of operational needs.

Conclusion

After completing boot camp and advanced training, Marine Corps graduates are crucial in shaping the future of the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps emphasizes the importance of readiness and deployment to various locations based on the evolving needs of the organization. Understanding the full range of training and deployment processes is essential for those joining and serving in the Marine Corps.

Key Takeaways

1. Advanced Training: Marine Corps graduates attend the School of Infantry for specialized training.

2. Deployment and Flexibility: Assignments are determined by the needs of the Marine Corps, with common destinations including Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, Okinawa, and Hawaii.

3. Historical Significance: Notable assignments and missions have played a significant role in the history of the Marine Corps, such as the 1st Bn. 9th Marines' deployment to Vietnam.

4. Continuity and Readiness: The Marine Corps ensures that its units are continually ready to respond to any mission, from domestic defense to international peacekeeping.