Where Do Marines Go After Boot Camp? (The Ultimate Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

Marines Boot Camp: Where Do You Go Next?

After graduating from Marine Corps boot camp, new Marines are faced with a new challenge: choosing where to go next. With so many different options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different post-boot camp training options available to Marines, and we’ll discuss the factors you should consider when making your decision. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prepare for your next assignment.

So if you’re a soon-to-be graduate of Marine Corps boot camp, read on for all the information you need to know about your next steps!

Location Purpose Timeframe
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Basic Marine Corps training 13 weeks
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Basic Marine Corps training 13 weeks
Marine Corps Recruit Depot East Coast Basic Marine Corps training 13 weeks
Marine Corps Combat Training (MCT) Advanced infantry training 5 weeks
School of Infantry (SOI) Advanced training for specific military occupational specialties Varies by MOS

The Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces that is responsible for amphibious operations, expeditionary warfare, and littoral operations. Marine Corps training is designed to prepare recruits for the rigors of Marine Corps service.

After boot camp, Marines attend advanced training in their specific military occupational specialty (MOS). MOS training can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Marines learn the skills they need to perform their jobs in the Marine Corps, such as infantry, artillery, or aviation.

Basic Marine Training

The first few weeks of Marine Corps training are known as boot camp. During boot camp, recruits learn the basics of Marine Corps life, including discipline, teamwork, and how to handle weapons. Recruits also undergo physical training to prepare them for the rigors of Marine Corps service.

Boot camp is held at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, or Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Recruits typically spend 13 weeks at boot camp.

Discipline

One of the most important things that recruits learn during boot camp is discipline. Marine Corps discipline is based on the principles of obedience, respect, and teamwork. Recruits are taught to follow orders without question and to respect their superiors. They are also taught to work together as a team and to help each other succeed.

Teamwork

Teamwork is essential in the Marine Corps. Recruits are taught to work together as a team and to help each other succeed. They learn to rely on each other and to trust their fellow Marines. Teamwork is essential for success in combat and in other operations.

Weapons Handling

Recruits learn how to handle a variety of weapons during boot camp. They learn how to shoot rifles, machine guns, and other weapons. They also learn how to maintain and clean their weapons. Weapons handling is an essential skill for Marines, as they may be called upon to use their weapons in combat or in other operations.

Physical Training

Marines undergo rigorous physical training during boot camp. They run, swim, do push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises. They also learn how to march and how to perform other military drills. Physical training is essential for Marines, as they need to be physically fit to perform their duties.

Advanced Marine Training

After boot camp, Marines attend advanced training in their specific military occupational specialty (MOS). MOS training can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Marines learn the skills they need to perform their jobs in the Marine Corps, such as infantry, artillery, or aviation.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

A Marine’s MOS is the job that they will perform in the Marine Corps. There are over 200 different MOSs in the Marine Corps, ranging from infantry to aviation to logistics. Marines choose their MOS based on their interests and abilities.

Advanced Training

Advanced training for Marines is conducted at various Marine Corps bases around the world. Marines attend schools that teach them the skills they need to perform their jobs. They learn how to use weapons, how to operate vehicles, and how to perform other tasks related to their MOS.

Marine Corps training is designed to prepare recruits for the rigors of Marine Corps service. Boot camp teaches recruits the basics of Marine Corps life, including discipline, teamwork, and weapons handling. Advanced training teaches Marines the skills they need to perform their jobs in the Marine Corps.

Marine Corps training is challenging, but it is also rewarding. Marines who complete training are prepared to serve their country and to defend the United States of America.

3. Marine Corps Schools

Marines who want to advance in rank or become specialized in a particular field of study may attend Marine Corps schools. Marine Corps schools offer a variety of courses, from leadership training to technical training. Marines who attend Marine Corps schools learn the skills they need to be successful in their careers.

Leadership Training

Marine Corps leadership training is designed to develop Marines who are capable of leading Marines in combat and other operations. Leadership training courses cover a wide range of topics, including:

  • Leadership principles
  • Decision-making
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Ethics

Marines who complete leadership training are prepared to lead Marines at all levels, from squad leader to battalion commander.

Technical Training

Marine Corps technical training is designed to develop Marines with the skills they need to perform specific jobs in the Marine Corps. Technical training courses cover a wide range of topics, including:

  • Infantry
  • Artillery
  • Aviation
  • Logistics
  • Intelligence

Marines who complete technical training are prepared to perform their jobs effectively in a combat environment.

Other Marine Corps Schools

In addition to leadership and technical training, Marine Corps schools also offer a variety of other courses, including:

  • Drill and ceremonies
  • Marksmanship
  • Physical fitness
  • Marine Corps history

These courses help Marines develop the skills they need to be successful in the Marine Corps.

Marine Corps schools play an important role in developing Marines who are capable of leading and fighting in combat. Marines who attend Marine Corps schools learn the skills they need to be successful in their careers.

Where Do You Go After Boot Camp In The Marines?

Answer: After graduating from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD San Diego), new Marines attend Marine Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Pendleton, California. MCT is a seven-week course that teaches Marines the basic skills they need to be effective in combat. Marines learn how to shoot, move, communicate, and survive in austere environments. They also learn how to work together as a team and how to follow orders.

What happens after Marine Combat Training?

Answer: After completing MCT, Marines attend their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) school. MOS school is where Marines learn the specific skills they need to perform their job in the Marine Corps. MOS schools can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Where do Marines go after MOS school?

Answer: After completing MOS school, Marines are assigned to their first duty station. Duty stations can be located anywhere in the world. Marines may be stationed on a ship, at a Marine Corps base, or in a foreign country.

What is the difference between a Marine and a soldier?

Answer: Marines and soldiers are both members of the United States Armed Forces, but there are some key differences between the two. Marines are part of the Department of the Navy, while soldiers are part of the Department of the Army. Marines are trained to be amphibious warriors, while soldiers are trained to fight on land. Marines are also more likely to be deployed to expeditionary operations, while soldiers are more likely to be deployed to large-scale ground wars.

What is the best way to become a Marine?

Answer: The best way to become a Marine is to meet the following requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident
  • Be at least 17 years old and no older than 35
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be physically and mentally fit
  • Pass a medical exam
  • Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

Once you have met the requirements, you can apply to become a Marine by visiting a recruiting station. The recruiter will help you through the enlistment process and prepare you for boot camp.

Marine Corps boot camp is a challenging but rewarding experience that prepares Marines for the rigors of military life. After boot camp, Marines attend a variety of schools and training courses to learn the skills they need to be successful in their new roles. The Marine Corps is a demanding but rewarding career, and those who complete boot camp and the follow-on training will be well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.