Where Do You Go After Marine Boot Camp?
Congratulations on completing Marine boot camp! This is a significant milestone in your journey to becoming a United States Marine. Now that you’ve earned the title of "boot" and mastered the basics of Marine Corps training, it’s time to find out where you’ll be heading next. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the possible destinations for newly-minted Marines after boot camp.
The First Few Weeks
Immediately after completing boot camp, you’ll typically spend a few weeks at the School of Infantry (SOI), also known as Individual Replacement. This phase is designed to help you transition from a basic-level Marine to a more skilled and specialized warrior. At SOI, you’ll receive training in:
- Warfare tactics and procedures
- First aid and trauma care
- Firearms and combat skills
- Obstacle course and combat simulation
This training is intense and challenging, but it’s crucial in preparing you for the demands of a Marine infantry unit.
Job Assignments
Once you’ve completed SOI, you’ll receive your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) assignment. This will determine your primary job and responsibilities within the Marine Corps. Some common MOSs for newly-graduated Marines include:
- Infantry
- Intelligence
- Communications
- Logistics
- Aviation
- Artillery
- Engineering
Your MOS will have a significant impact on where you’ll be stationed and what your responsibilities will be.
Training and Deployment
After receiving your MOS assignment, you’ll undergo additional training specific to your job. This may include:
- Advanced Infantry Training (AIT)
- Technical Training School (TTS)
- Operational Training Command (OTC)
- Combat Skills Training (CST)
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be assigned to a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), which is the largest deployable unit in the Marine Corps. As a Marine, you can expect to deploy multiple times throughout your career, and your first deployment is usually within a year or two of graduation.
Deployments
Deployments can take several months to over a year, and your specific role will determine the length and location of your deployment. Some common deployment locations for Marines include:
- Middle East (Iraq, Afghanistan)
- Asia (South Korea, Japan)
- Europe (Various countries)
- Africa (Various countries)
Schools and Units
In addition to deployment, you may also attend various schools and units within the Marine Corps. Some examples include:
- The Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC): A 10-week course designed for officers-to-be.
- The Officer Candidate School (OCS): A 10-week course for college graduates to become commissioned officers.
- The School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW): A 10-week course for non-commissioned officers to develop advanced combat skills.
- Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs): Short-term deployable units focused on maritime operations.
- Battalions: Units that operate under a higher-level headquarters and are focused on specific military operations.
Conclusion
After Marine boot camp, you can expect to receive additional training, receive a job assignment, and eventually deploy with your unit. The specific path you’ll take will depend on your MOS, training, and the needs of the Marine Corps. As a Marine, you’ll have many opportunities to develop your skills, see the world, and serve your country.
Additional Resources
For more information on Marine boot camp, training, and deployment, check out these resources:
- USMC Recruit Training
| Training Phase | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Camp | 13 weeks | Basic-level training for all Marines |
| School of Infantry (SOI) | 2-4 weeks | Transition training after boot camp |
| Individual Replacement | 2-4 weeks | Transition training after SOI |
| Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) | 2-4 weeks | Job-specific training for Infantry Marines |
| Technical Training School (TTS) | 12-16 weeks | Job-specific training for non-Infantry Marines |
Note: Duration and description are approximate and may vary depending on MOS and other factors.
