INSIDE QUANTICO — How Marine Corps Officers Survive The Basic School | Boot Camp | Business Insider

Business Insider29 minutes read

Marine Corps officers undergo rigorous training at the Basic School in preparation for potential conflicts with China and the ongoing battles in the Middle East. The training includes decision-making exercises, physical fitness tests, firearm proficiency, land navigation, and obstacle courses, reflecting the dedication and readiness required for new officers to join the fleet and respond to global crises.

Insights

  • The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia provides essential training to new Marine Corps officers, including decision-making in life-and-death scenarios, physical fitness tests, proficiency in firearms, land navigation, and obstacle course challenges, with scores determining their MOS assignments.
  • The text underscores the significance of humility, respect, and continuous training in the Marine Corps, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of officers, including international trainees and prior enlisted officers, as they prepare to join Marine Expeditionary units worldwide to respond to crises, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and dedication in military service.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of the Basic School training?

    To prepare Marine Corps officers for combat scenarios.

  • How do officers prepare for training at the Basic School?

    By gathering necessary clothing and equipment.

  • What is the significance of land navigation training at the Basic School?

    To assess officers' ability to navigate without GPS.

  • How are students graded in the obstacle course at the Basic School?

    Based on their performance.

  • What is the representation of females in the Marine Corps?

    Around 9% for active duty Marines and 10% for officers.

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Summary

00:00

Marine Corps Officers Train for Combat

  • Marine Corps officers are training in a simulated combat scenario at the basic School, a crucial event for their training.
  • The training is vital as tensions rise with China in the Indo-Pacific theater and battles against Houthis in the Middle East.
  • New officers must make life-and-death decisions, stepping into the shoes of the Marines they will command.
  • The basic School is located at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, offering 1100 hours of instruction to about 1,700 officers annually.
  • Officers from various sources like Officer Candidate School and Naval Academy go through the basic School before joining the fleet.
  • International officers also train at the basic School, fostering international relations and camaraderie.
  • Bravo Company prepares for training by gathering necessary clothing and equipment under the guidance of their instructors.
  • Officers share their motivations for joining the Marine Corps, often inspired by family members who served.
  • Physical fitness tests, including pull-ups, planks, and a run, are conducted to assess the officers' readiness.
  • Proficiency in handling firearms, including the M16 rifle and Sig Sauer M18 pistol, is a crucial aspect of training at the basic School.

17:37

Basic School Land Nav Test and Obstacle Course

  • Land navigation training at the Basic School involves using a protractor, military topographic map, compass, and map pens without GPS.
  • Students must find a minimum of six points to pass the land nav test; failure leads to remediation.
  • Scores on various subjects at the Basic School determine students' MOS assignment.
  • In 2018, six students were expelled for cheating on the land nav test.
  • Completing the obstacle course at the Basic School is a significant challenge for students.
  • The obstacle course includes various elements like vaults, parallel bars, wall climbs, and rope climbs.
  • Students are graded based on their performance in the obstacle course.
  • Female representation in the Marine Corps is around 9% for active duty Marines and 10% for officers.
  • Offensive defense exercises involve simulated combat scenarios for training.
  • Prior enlisted officers bring valuable experience to the Basic School, enhancing their understanding of enlisted roles.

37:55

"Marines Emphasize Humility in Training Victory"

  • The text discusses a military training exercise where one team is congratulated for their victory in a war simulation, emphasizing the importance of humility and respect towards the opposing team who also put in hard work. The new class of second lieutenants is highlighted, who will soon join Marine Expeditionary units on ships, ready to respond to crises worldwide, showcasing the continuous training and dedication required in the Marines.
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