Making Marines...

[TeufelHunden]

Marine Corps recruits are trained not only physically and mentally, but morally as well. Forming the bedrock of any Marine's character are the Core Values -- Honor, Courage and Commitment. Marines in training are not permitted to use tobacco, alcohol products, or demonstrate any of the physical training courses. Marines in training are required to stay in uniform during liberty.

It has been said time and time again by former Marines that Marine Corps recruit training was the most difficult thing they ever had to do in their entire lives. In order to train the world's most elite fighting force, it has to be that way. Upon arrival at MCRD, a new recruit begins a virtually non-stop journey, the end of which results in the transformation of that recruit into a new Marine.

The first stop is at Recruit Receiving, where new recruits spend the first few days of their recruit training experience. Here they will receive their first haircut and their initial gear issue, which includes items like uniforms, toiletries and letter writing supplies. During this time recruits will also be given a full medical and dental screening, and take the Initial Strength Test. This test consists of a one and a half mile run, sit-ups and pull-ups to test recruits to see if they're in shape to begin training.

Forming is the period when recruits are taken to their training companies and they "meet" their drill instructors for the first time. During Forming's 3-5 days, recruits learn the basics: how to march, how to wear their uniform, how to secure their weapon, etc. This period of time allows recruits to adjust to the recruit training way of life before the first actual training day.

Drill is the basic way in which platoons march and move from place to place. At first, recruits will practice just staying in step with the rest of the platoon and the drill instructor. However, as training continues, the platoon becomes a well-oiled machine performing synchronous, complex drill movements. During recruit training, platoons will also compete in two drill competitions. Drill is mainly used to instill discipline, team pride and unit cohesion.

Physical Training, or "PT" as it is often called, comes in many forms aboard MCRD. Recruit training uses a progressive physical training program, which builds up recruits to Marine Corps standards. Recruits will experience Table PT, a period of training in which a drill instructor leads several platoons through a series of demanding exercises while he stands on a table. Recruits will also run, either individually or as a platoon or squad. Other PT consists of obstacle courses, circuit courses, or 3-, 5- or 10-mile conditioning marches.

Recruits will also exercise their minds through academics training in subjects ranging from Marine Corps history, Marine customs and courtesies, and basic lifesaving procedures. Recruits will also take an academic test while in recruit training.

The Corps' Core Values are Honor, Courage and Commitment. These values make up the bedrock of a Marine's character. During recruit training, recruits are taught these Core Values and the numerous others attached to them, such as integrity, discipline, teamwork, duty and esprit de Corps. Drill instructors, recruit training officers and Navy chaplains teach specific Core Values classes, but drill instructors also talk one-on-one with recruits after other training events to see what values were learned and how they affect the recruits. For example, a drill instructor might talk about overcoming fears after rappelling or not giving up after a long march.

The 32nd Commandant, Gen. James L. Jones, envisioned a program to enable every Marine to realize their full potential as a warrior. Drawing upon our rich legacy of leadership and heritage of innovation, the Marine Corps developed the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. It is a martial art whose roots reach back from the boarding parties of the Continental Marines, extend through the Raiders of World War II and include the modern complexities of the three-block war.

The Confidence Course is an 11-station obstacle course that helps recruits build confidence as well as upper-body strength. Recruits will tackle this course twice while aboard MCRD. Training in Combat Water Survival develops a recruit's confidence in the water. All recruits must pass the minimum requirement level of Combat Water Survival-4, which requires recruits to perform a variety of water survival and swimming techniques. If a recruit meets the CWS-4 requirements, he may upgrade to a higher level. All recruits train in the camouflage utility uniform, but those upgrading may be required to train in full combat gear, which includes a rifle, helmet, flak jacket and pack.

Basic Warrior Training introduces recruits to field living conditions. The majority of a Marine's field training is conducted after recruit training at the School of Infantry. During the 3-day Basic Warrior Training conducted during boot camp, recruits will learn basic field skills like setting up a tent, field sanitation and camouflage. It is also during this training that recruits go through the gas chamber.

Field Training introduces recruits to field living and conditions. During the 3-day field training evolution, recruits will learn basic field skills from setting up a tent to field sanitation and camouflage. It is also during this training that recruits go through the gas chamber.

Marksmanship training teaches recruits the fundamentals of marksmanship with their M-16A2 service rifle. This training takes place over two weeks, the first of which is called Snap-In Week. During this week, recruits are introduced to the four shooting positions (standing, kneeling, sitting and prone) and a Primary Marksmanship Instructor shows recruits how to fire, how to adjust their sights, how to take into account the effects of the weather, etc. Recruits also have the opportunity to fire on the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Training machine. During the second week of marksmanship training, recruits actually fire a known-distance course with ranges of 200, 300 and 500 yards. Recruits prepare for rifle qualification on Friday of that week.

FFR is a portion of training devoted to firing weapons in a field condition. During marksmanship training, recruits learn how to fire at a single target while in a stationary position. During FFR recruits learn how to fire at moving and multiple targets, while under low-light conditions and wearing their field protective (gas) mask.

The field meet is a chance for recruits to have some fun and compete against other platoons in their company in a variety of physical events, such as the tug-of-war and relay races. This event also helps build teamwork and unit cohesion.

The Crucible is a test every recruit must go through to become a Marine. It tests every recruit physically, mentally and morally and is the defining moment in recruit training. The Crucible is no walk in the park, unless your idea of a walk in the park takes place over 54-hours and includes food and sleep deprivation and approximately 40 miles of marching. The entire Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together solving problems, overcoming obstacles and helping each other along. The obstacles they face range from long marches, combat assault courses, the problem-solving reaction course, and the team-building Warrior Stations. Each Warrior Station is named for a Marine hero whose actions epitomize the values we want recruits to espouse.

The Crucible is a rite of passage that, through shared sacrifice, recruits will never forget. With that memory and their Core Values learned in recruit training, they can draw upon the experience to face any challenge in their path.

The last two weeks of training are spent aboard MCRD and are filled with final required events such as the Practical Examination, Physical Fitness Test, Battalion Commander’s Inspection and Company Drill. This is also the period in which the recruits begin to transition from the role of recruit to Marine. The culmination of this is the presentation of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, signifying the new Marine’s successful completion of recruit training.

Family Day and Graduation take place on the last two days while on MCRD. Family Day occurs on Thursday and gives new Marines a chance to see their family and friends for the first time during on-base liberty. Graduation is conducted on Friday at the completion of the Transition Phase. It is a formal ceremony and parade, attended by family and friends and executed on the Shepard Field Parade Deck.

Following recruit training and graduation, the new Marines will go on to further their training. To do this, the Marines will report to the School of Infantry which is located at Camp Pendleton, Ca. -or- Camp Lejeune, NC. Marines who are designated as infantry Marines are assigned to the Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry for military occupational specialty training. After graduating, these Marines will be assigned to their first permanent duty station. All non-infantry Marines are assigned to Marine Combat Training (MCT) Battalion, School of Infantry for training. MCT reinforces and expands on the basic Marine-combat skills learned in recruit training. Following MCT, Marines attend their MOS schools to learn the trade they are expected to perform for the Marine Corps.

[thedrifter]

You said it all in your post Ron. These Future Marines have it better than we did. They are lucky, we have Marines from WW II to the present. A lot of History here.

Sempers,

Roger

[JAMarine]

AMEN Bro!

[Sixguns]

You obviously saved us all the time to locate, cut and paste and compose a snapshot of recruit training. Thanks for your post! Now if we could just figure out how to do the enlistment package online!

Sixguns

[futuremarine]

I really like this thread and it gives me a lot of information that I did not know about and I wanted to know. I have been interested in the Corps all of my life and have been looking for some great information on Boot Camp, so I know what I have in store for me. I have talked to one or two recruiters and that was a few years ago, I just haven't really had the time to do it again and this right here answered a lot of my questions. I want to thank "ALL" of the marines in the past who have paved us future marines a great way to train and become marines. If it weren't for all of you (past and present), the marines wouldn't be what it is today. Thanks again!

[thedrifter]

PRIDE OF BELONGING: Become part of an elite team with a proud history and a title that stays with you for a lifetime.
CHALLENGE: Test yourself by experiencing mental and physical challenges...that's what makes life exciting.
COURAGE, POISE, SELF-CONFIDENCE: Learn to control your fears, develop "grace under pressure", and become a master of your own destiny.
SELF-RELIANCE, SELF-DIRECTION, SELF-DISCIPLINE: Learn to count on yourself, set personal and professional goals and develop the inner strength to do anything you set your mind to.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Become a self-starter, take on important responsibilities, and develop the ability to supervise and train others.
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS: Learn to lead yourself as well as others and develop the ability to manage your time, materials and resources.

Sempers,

Roger

[TeufelHunden]

...And will not claim authorship of information in initial post. It's something I Copied and Pasted from MCRD Parris Island's official site.

MCRDSD

MCRDPI

[wrbones]

http://www.mcrdsd.usmc.mil/RTR/trainingDS.htm

Description of Recruit Training

Recruit Training

Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego is one of the birthplaces of basically trained Marines. It is here where America's young men are transformed into Marines. We believe that Marines are forged in a furnace of shared hardship and tough training. This shared, intense experience creates bonds of comradeship and standards of conduct so strong that Marines will let nothing stand in their way. This belief will continue to be the basis upon which we make Marines.







Holding on to the high character of the Marines of the past, we look for ways to inculcate the strong values that have become synonymous with the Marine Corps. Through MCRD’s challenging recruit training the Marine Corps is preparing its Marines for the 21st century.

Marine Corps recruits are trained not only physically and mentally, but morally as well. Forming the bedrock of any Marine's character are the Core Values -- Honor, Courage and Commitment. By incorporating these values into recruit training, the Marine created is not just a basically trained, morally conscious Marine, but also a better American citizen who will return to society following his or her service to this country.

Taking Up The Challenge

It has been said time and time again by former Marines that Marine Corps recruit training was the most difficult thing they ever had to do in their entire lives. In order to train the world's most elite fighting force, it has to be that way.

Upon arrival at MCRD, a new recruit begins a virtually non-stop journey, the end of which results in the transformation of that recruit into a new Marine.

Recruit Receiving

The first stop is at Recruit Receiving, where new recruits spend the first few days of their recruit training experience. Here they will receive their first haircut and their initial gear issue, which includes items like uniforms, toiletries and letter writing supplies. During this time recruits will also be given a full medical and dental screening, and take the Initial Strength Test. This test consists of a one and a half mile run, sit-ups and pull-ups to test recruits to see if they're in shape to begin training.

Forming

Forming is the period when recruits are taken to their training companies and they "meet" their drill instructors for the first time. During Forming's 3-5 days, recruits learn the basics: how to march, how to wear their uniform, how to secure their weapon, etc. This period of time allows recruits to adjust to the recruit training way of life before the first actual training day.









Drill

Drill is the basic way in which platoons march and move from place to place. At first, recruits will practice just staying in step with the rest of the platoon and the drill instructor. However, as training continues, the platoon becomes a well-oiled machine performing synchronous, complex drill movements. During recruit training, platoons will also compete in two drill competitions. Drill is mainly used to instill discipline, team pride and unit cohesion.

Physical Training

Physical Training, or "PT" as it is often called, comes in many forms aboard MCRD. Recruit training uses a progressive physical training program, which builds up recruits to Marine Corps standards. Recruits will experience Table PT, a period of training in which a drill instructor leads several platoons through a series of demanding exercises while he stands on a table. Recruits will also run, either individually or as a platoon or squad. Other PT consists of obstacle courses, circuit courses, or 3-, 5- or 10-mile conditioning marches.

Academic Training

Recruits will also exercise their minds through academics training in subjects ranging from Marine Corps history, Marine customs and courtesies, and basic lifesaving procedures. Recruits will also take an academic test while in recruit training.

Core Values

The Corps' Core Values are Honor, Courage and Commitment. These values make up the bedrock of a Marine's character. During recruit training, recruits are taught these Core Values and the numerous others attached to them, such as integrity, discipline, teamwork, duty and esprit de Corps. Drill instructors, recruit training officers and Navy chaplains teach specific Core Values classes, but drill instructors also talk one-on-one with recruits after other training events to see what values were learned and how they affect the recruits. For example, a drill instructor might talk about overcoming fears after rappelling or not giving up after a long march. For more on core values, please visit Marine Corps Core Values.

continued

[wrbones]

Marine Corps Martial Arts Program

Our 32nd Commandant, Gen. James L. Jones, envisioned a program to enable every Marine to realize their full potential as a warrior. Drawing upon our rich legacy of leadership and heritage of innovation, the Marine Corps developed the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. It is a martial art whose roots reach back from the boarding parties of the Continental Marines, extend through the Raiders of World War II and include the modern complexities of the three-block war.

Confidence Course

The Confidence Course is an 11-station obstacle course that helps recruits build confidence as well as upper-body strength. Recruits will tackle this course twice while aboard MCRD.

Combat Water Survival

Training in Combat Water Survival develops a recruit's confidence in the water. All recruits must pass the minimum requirement level of
Combat Water Survival-4, which requires recruits to perform a variety of water survival and swimming techniques. If a recruit meets the CWS-4 requirements, he may upgrade to a higher level. All recruits train in the camouflage utility uniform, but those upgrading may be required to train in full combat gear, which includes a rifle, helmet, flak jacket and pack.

Basic Warrior Training

Basic Warrior Training introduces recruits to field living conditions. The majority of a Marine's field training is conducted after recruit training at the School of Infantry. During the 3-day Basic Warrior Training conducted during boot camp, recruits will learn basic field skills like setting up a tent, field sanitation and camouflage. It is also during this training that recruits go through the gas chamber.

Field Training

Field Training introduces recruits to field living and conditions. During the 3-day field training evolution, recruits will learn basic field skills from setting up a tent to field sanitation and camouflage. It is also during this training that recruits go through the gas chamber.

Marksmanship Training

Marksmanship training teaches recruits the fundamentals of marksmanship with their M-16A2 service rifle. This training takes place over two weeks, the first of which is called Snap-In Week. During this week, recruits are introduced to the four shooting positions (standing, kneeling, sitting and prone) and a Primary Marksmanship Instructor shows recruits how to fire, how to adjust their sights, how to take into account the effects of the weather, etc. Recruits also have the opportunity to fire on the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Training machine. During the second week of marksmanship training, recruits actually fire a known-distance course with ranges of 200, 300 and 500 yards. Recruits prepare for rifle qualification on Friday of that week.

Field Firing Range (FFR)

FFR is a portion of training devoted to firing weapons in a field condition. During marksmanship training, recruits learn how to fire at a single target while in a stationary position. During FFR recruits learn how to fire at moving and multiple targets, while under low-light conditions and wearing their field protective (gas) mask.

Field Meet

The field meet is a chance for recruits to have some fun and compete against other platoons in their company in a variety of physical events, such as the tug-of-war and relay races. This event also helps build teamwork and unit cohesion.

The Crucible -- Recruit Training's Defining Moment

The Crucible is a test every recruit must go through to become a Marine. It tests every recruit physically, mentally and morally and is the defining moment in recruit training.

The Crucible is no walk in the park, unless your idea of a walk in the park takes place over 54-hours and includes food and sleep deprivation and approximately 40 miles of marching.

The entire Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together solving problems, overcoming obstacles and helping each other along.

The obstacles they face range from long marches, combat assault courses, the problem-solving reaction course, and the team-building Warrior Stations. Each Warrior Station is named for a Marine hero whose actions epitomize the values we want recruits to espouse.

Bottom line -- The Crucible is a rite of passage that, through shared sacrifice, recruits will never forget. With that memory and their Core Values learned in recruit training, they can draw upon the experience to face any challenge in their path.

Transition Phase

The last two weeks of training are spent aboard MCRD and are filled with final required events such as the Practical Examination, Physical Fitness Test, Battalion Commander’s Inspection and Company Drill. This is also the period in which the recruits begin to transition from the role of recruit to Marine. The culmination of this is the presentation of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, signifying the new Marine’s successful completion of recruit training.

Family Day & Graduation

Family Day and Graduation take place on the last two days while on MCRD. Family Day occurs on Thursday and gives new Marines a chance to see their family and friends for the first time during on-base liberty. Graduation is conducted on Friday at the completion of the Transition Phase. It is a formal ceremony and parade, attended by family and friends and executed on the Shepard Field Parade Deck.

Recruit Training Day by Day

What's Next?

After Recruit Training

Following recruit training and graduation, the new Marines will go on to further their training.

To do this, the Marines will report to the School of Infantry which is located at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marines who are designated as infantry Marines are assigned to the Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry for military occupational specialty training. After graduating, these Marines will be assigned to their first permanent duty station.

All non-infantry Marines are assigned to Marine Combat Training (MCT) Battalion, School of Infantry for training. MCT reinforces and expands on the basic Marine-combat skills learned in recruit training. Following MCT, Marines attend their MOS schools to learn the trade they are expected to perform for the Marine Corps.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ya know, kids. I found this old post by puttin' "boot camp" in the site search engine. Then I went to the last post and worked my up to this one. Took less than five minutes to find it and post more info on it. Wasn't hard at all.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

And to think, I thought I was being original when I found that site yesterday! Someday I am going to come across a site you all don't already know about!

[wrbones]

How do ya think I got that extra stripe! LMAO. Hadda stay ahead of the Corporals! When I was active duty, you bastards worked me to death tryin' to keep one step ahead of ya!

[wrbones]

Seriously. We hadda post as much of the info as we could find in an effort to keep the whole site from bein' full of the same two or three questions! I ain't just a ****tin'!

This way, nearly everything you can find is already posted here. Now it's just a matter of gettin' the wannabes and POOL-ees to read it before they start askin' the exact same questions the previous couple hundred have alread asked. I've only seen three new questions asked in the last six months by the POOL-ees and wannabes, and two of those were just twists on what had already been asked by others before. The answer to nearly all of the questions they're gonna have are already posted here, or links to the info are already posted.

If ya see anything we didn't think of, or ya have a different source, or more information on the subject, go for it. A lot of the active duty stuff hasn't been posted yet. For example, we have descriptions of the basic MOS's posted here, but we don't have anything individually broke down on describin' the MOS's school course work for MOS's or the requirements for individual MOS's. There's a lot of details we haven't gotten around to yet.

Most stuff can be found pretty easily on the site search engine. A few things are a bit more difficult to locate. If ya don't see it, post it!

and honestly. I'd a been lost without my Corporals and they covered my ass for me more times than I like to admit!

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

That is why we exist! Corporals do nothing but make the Sgts look better! If it is wrong, its our fault, but if it is right, you can thank a Sgt for it!

Really, this is a great site. I like to pop in and see if I can help these future hard chargers, because not everyone is fortunate enough to have the same help from Marines as I did. Still wish the internet would have been around back in 95, this site would have helped!!

[wrbones]

Taking the hit when ya do somethin' wrong is just leadership training after all.....

I know what ya mean, E4B. All I had to go on were old John Wayne movies and some silly rumor that the Marines were the best! LOL.

The recruiter only has a few hours a week to spend with their POOL-ees. If a POOL-ee spends some time on this site, in addition to the time they spend with their recruiter, they have six months to a year or more to get the same as a college degree on Marine Corps history and general knowledge before they go to MCRD OR OCS! Some of these kids who're startin' a bit early are gonna have two years and more to study and get ready!!

We're hoping to have an impact on the Corps that will not soon be forgotten. From what little I have been able to gather, that hope is starting to be fulfilled!