What Happens After Boot Camp for a Marine?
Boot camp is a challenging and transformative experience for new Marine recruits. After completing the 13-week training period, Marines are ready to take on the next phase of their training and transition into their military careers. But what happens after boot camp for a Marine?
The School of Infantry (SOI)
Immediately after boot camp, Marines attend the School of Infantry (SOI) for an additional 10-12 weeks of training. SOI is designed to teach Marines the skills they need to become effective combatants. The training focuses on:
- Basic Infantry Skills: Marines learn basic combat skills, including marksmanship, patrolling, and combat tactics.
- Warrior Skills: Marines learn how to use and maintain their personal weapons, as well as how to employ them in combat.
- First Aid and Medical Skills: Marines learn basic first aid techniques and how to treat common injuries.
During SOI, Marines are assigned to either the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) or the Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion, depending on their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Infantry Training Battalion (ITB)
The Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) is designed to teach Marines the skills they need to become effective infantrymen. The training includes:
- Infantry Skills: Marines learn how to conduct patrols, set up defensive positions, and engage enemy forces.
- Combat Skills: Marines learn how to use and employ their personal weapons, as well as how to conduct combat operations.
- Leadership Skills: Marines learn how to lead and communicate with their fellow Marines.
Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion
The Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion is designed to teach Marines the skills they need to become effective reconnaissance Marines. The training includes:
- Reconnaissance Skills: Marines learn how to conduct reconnaissance missions, including patrolling, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
- Armored Skills: Marines learn how to operate and maintain light armored vehicles, such as the LAV-25.
- Combat Skills: Marines learn how to use and employ their personal weapons, as well as how to conduct combat operations.
After SOI
After completing SOI, Marines are assigned to their permanent duty stations and begin their careers as full-fledged Marines. Here are some of the next steps:
- Duty Station: Marines are assigned to various duty stations around the world, including bases in the United States, Japan, and the Middle East.
- MOS Training: Marines attend additional training to specialize in their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
- Deployment: Marines may be deployed to combat zones, such as Afghanistan or Iraq, to conduct combat operations.
- Unit Training: Marines attend unit training to learn how to work with their fellow Marines and to develop unit cohesion.
Table: Marine Corps Career Path
| Phase | Duration | Training | Assignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boot Camp | 13 weeks | Basic training | Recruit Training Command |
| School of Infantry (SOI) | 10-12 weeks | Infantry or LAR training | Infantry Training Battalion or Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion |
| Duty Station | Varies | MOS training and unit training | Permanent duty station |
| Deployment | Varies | Combat operations | Combat zone |
| Unit Training | Varies | Unit training and operations | Unit assignment |
Conclusion
After boot camp, Marines attend the School of Infantry (SOI) for an additional 10-12 weeks of training. SOI teaches Marines the skills they need to become effective combatants, including basic infantry skills, warrior skills, and first aid and medical skills. After SOI, Marines are assigned to their permanent duty stations and begin their careers as full-fledged Marines.
