Marine Corps Boot Camp: What is it?

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Marine Corps Basic Training turns civilians into Marines through daily exercise and memorization of policies and creeds. There are two bases, Parris Island and San Diego, where recruits can train for 12 weeks. Physical training prior to enlistment is recommended, and recruits who do not meet standards will be placed in a special platoon. Upon arrival, all civilian items are confiscated, and recruits are issued with Marine Corps-issued clothing and property. The training includes marching, combat tactics, and rifle shooting, and strict physical encouragement is used to enforce proper terminology and principles.

Marine Corps Basic Training is where civilians are made into Marines. Exercise and memorization of Marine Corps policy and creed are practiced on a daily basis. There are two bases where recruits can undertake basic training. Parris Island, South Carolina is perhaps the more famous and romantically known of the two, while San Diego, California is referred to as the home base of “Hollywood.” The basic training consists of 12 weeks of training.

While the Parris Island base is best known to many people, the lineup is the same in San Diego. Those living in the eastern United States are most often placed on Parris Island, while those from the western states are generally posted to San Diego. A request for both bases can be made at enlistment; however, it may not be recognized. Ultimately, the Marine Corps will make what it sees as the best option for the corps.

For those wishing to join the Marine Corps, physical training is recommended prior to enlistment. Recruits who do not meet corps standards during basic training will be placed in a special platoon. This platoon will emphasize physical fitness and the recruit will not be permitted to leave the platoon until full physical fitness requirements are met. Marine Corps basic training is considered by many to be the toughest of all military services in the United States.

Upon entering the welcome station at the base the recruit is assigned to, all civilian clothing and personal items are confiscated. The recruit will be authorized to own only Marine Corps-issued property and clothing. These garments will be delivered upon arrival and the recruit’s hair will also be cut. The recruit will be issued with everything needed to complete basic training. Military prescription eyewear will also replace contact lenses and civilian eyewear for the duration of the training.

Marching, hand-to-hand combat tactics, and rifle shooting will be taught in Marine Corps Basic Training. You will learn the correct terminology for common elements. For example, the words wc, wall and window are replaced with head, bulkhead and porthole. Strict physical encouragement will accompany any misuse of proper terminology. Instructors are not allowed to physically punish recruits; however, punishment in the form of physical training is permitted to motivate those unable to readily grasp the concept of Marine Corps principles.




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