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There are two boot camp locations that train civilians to become Marines: the Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, and the Recruit Training Depot at San Diego, California. Where a person participates in Marine boot camp is determined by the geographical location of where they sign their enlistment papers. Those who enlist west of the Mississippi will likely go through boot camp in San Diego, while those in the East will attend at Parris Island.

Boot camp for females that enlist into The Corps only train at one location, and that is at Parris Island.

Other than geographical differences, such as the lack of sand fleas and better outdoor exercise weather for “Hollywood Marines,” the training is virtually identical at both locations.  The Marine Corps Basic training schedule will vary very little, if at all from one recruit depot to the other.

Parris Island graduates more than 17,000 Marines per year. On any given day the male recruit population is 3,786 while the  the average daily female recruit population is 600. San Diego graduates more than 21,000 Marines per year. The average age of male recruits is 19.1, and female recruits is 19.3.

The Marine Corps basic training program is the toughest of any of the boot camps in The United States.  This is not to say it is the toughest military training because there are other programs that are much more challenging.  It mst be remembered that the toughness referred to is in the comparison of only the BASIC TRAINING of the different branches of the military.

Without doubt, Marine boot camp is more challenging, both physically and mentally, than the basic training programs of any of the other military services. Not only are the physical requirements much higher, but recruits are required to learn and memorize a startling amount of information. There are more than 70 “training days” in a period a little longer than 12 weeks (but don’t let that fool you. There is lots of “training” going on on the “non-training days,” such as the time in Reception, (known as the forming platoon) the time spent in “forming,” and on Sundays and Holidays. 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.

The more a person prepares for Marine Boot Camp, the better their chances of surviving long enough to graduate.

It’s important that you get into some semblance of physical shape. Concentrate on running three miles and long marches (up to 10 miles). Sit-ups and pull-ups are also important. If you are unable to perform basic exercises, you may spend a significant amount of time in PCP (the Physical Conditioning Platoon). PCP is tough: PCP’s objective is physical fitness, and that’s what you’ll be concentrating in while in the program. Individual remain in PCP until they can While it is normally a 21 day program, once you’re in, you don’t get out until you can do 3 pull ups, 40 sit ups in 2 minutes, and run 3 miles in 28:00 minutes.

The Marine Corps has very precise weight standards and you better be ready when you step off the bus onto the yellow foot prints.  If you arrive overweight, your Drill Instructor will put you on a “Diet Tray” for your meals. (On the other hand, if you arrive underweight, you may be put on “double-rations.”)

In Marine boot camp, you’ll start drill almost immediately. A few hours studying basic drill and ceremony will help immensely. As with the other services, you should memorize U.S. Marine Corps Rank. (Officer Ranks / Enlisted Ranks / Warrant Officer Ranks)

Additionally, your recruiter should have told you to memorize the 11 General Orders for a Sentry. While not mandatory, the Marine Rifle Creed is nice to know. You should also memorize the Marine’s Hymn, all of it, if possible, but at least the first verse.

Wait — that’s not all (I told you it was tough). You’ll need to memorize the USMC Core Values, study Marine Corps history, and commit the characteristics of the M16A4 Rifle to memory. Round all of this out by memorizing the Code of Conduct.

If you don’t know how to swim, try to learn before you leave for boot camp. Before you graduate, you’ll have to demonstrate basic swimming skills.

The other services have lists of what you should or should not bring with you. The Marines make it simple: Don’t bring anything except your important papers (such as driver’s license, social security card, and banking information), except the clothes on your back. Everything you need will be issued to you. For non-issue items, it will be issued, and the cost taken out of your pay.

Medication. Over-the-counter medication is not allowed in basic training. If you bring any with you, it will be taken away. All prescription medication will be re-evaluated by a military doctor upon arrival. If the doctor determines that the prescription is necessary, the civilian medication will be taken away, and the recruit will be re-issued the medication by the military pharmacy. This includes birth control pills (for women). Women are usually encouraged to continue taking birth control pills during basic training, if they took them before going to basic, to ensure that their systems maintain their regular cycle.

The more you can prepare in advance, the better off you will be.

You cannot wear contact lenses during basic training. You also cannot wear your civilian glasses, once you have been issued your official government-issue glasses. GI glasses are not pretty to look at. In fact, most people call them “BC Glasses,” or “birth control glasses,” on the basis that nobody has ever been known to “get lucky” while wearing them. During your first couple of days of basic training, you’ll undergo a complete eye examination. If you require glasses to have 20/20 vision, you will be issued BC Glasses (takes a few days after the examination to get them). BC Glasses have thick, hard-plastic frames, with thick, hard-plastic lenses (very hard to break). Think of the movie, Revenge of the Nerds.Once you receive them, they are the only glasses you are allowed to wear, while at basic training. However, if you don’t really need glasses to see, you won’t be required to wear them. Once you graduate basic training, you can wear your civilian glasses again, as long as they conform to military dress and appearance regulations. Generally, that means their color must be conservative (no green, glow-in-the-dark frames), no designs or decorations on the frames, and no tinted lenses when indoors, or outdoors when in military formation (ie, when lined up for marching). Of course, this only applies when wearing a military uniform. In civilian clothes (after basic training) you can pretty much wear whatever kind of glasses you want.

However, you ain’t seen nothing yet. After your stint in Receiving, you’ll be transported to your new home to meet your Senior Drill Instructor and his/her two assistants.

How Much Do Marines Get Paid?

Direct Deposit is mandatory for military pay. Unlike the other services, which allow members to have their pay during basic direct-deposited into any bank account, the Corps require new recruits to open up a bank account in the on-base bank or credit union to receive their pay during basic training. This is done during in-processing at basic. Following graduation from basic, recruits can then change their “direct deposit” to any bank account of their choosing.

During your in-processing, you will complete paperwork to begin your military pay. Military personnel are paid on the 1st and 15th of each month. If those days fall on a non-duty day, you are paid on the duty day, preceding. Your pay is direct-deposited into your bank account.

So, when will you receive your first paycheck? Good question, and one that can’t be answered accurately. In general, if your military pay information is entered into the Finance Computer System prior to the 7th of the month, you’ll receive your first paycheck on the following 15th. If the information is entered into the Finance Computer System after the 7th of the month, but prior to the 23rd of the month, you’ll receive your first paycheck on the following 1st. However, please note that the date you fill out the paperwork during in-processing and the date the information is input into the Finance Computer System are not the same dates. A Finance Clerk is going to take the paperwork you filled out, and enter it into the Computer. However, the clerk is entering the information of hundreds of other recruits at the same time, so it may take several days before yours gets entered. I always advise people to estimate that the first paycheck won’t be deposited until a full 30 days after arrival. That way, if you’re paid before that, it’s an unexpected surprise, and if it takes the entire 30 days, it’s what you were expecting anyway.

In any case, your first paycheck will contain all the pay you have coming to you at that point. For recruits without dependents, that means base pay, only. For those with dependents, it means base pay and housing allowance. Your first paycheck will be “pro-rated” to the number of days you’ve been on active duty. For example, if you receive your first paycheck 30 days after arrival, you will receive the full-rate of the monthly basic pay in that paycheck, and (if you have dependents), the full rate for the monthly housing allowance. If, however, you receive your first paycheck two weeks after arrival, it will contain 1/2 of the monthly base pay, and 1/2 of the monthly housing allowance (for those with dependents). Of course, taxes and other deductions (such as deductions for non-issue items, such as running shoes, soap, shampoo, laundery, ect.) are taken out.

Basic Training is broken down into three basic phases: The First Phase is Basic Learning; physical and mental. The Second Phase is Rifle Training and the Third Phase is Field Training.

The first part of week one is called “forming.” The Drill Instructors “form” new recruits by a process known as “total immersion.”

Almost every single day of Marine boot camp you’ll experience Physical Training (P.T.). This normally consist of six limbering exercises, followed by the “daily dozen” (side-startle hops, bends & thrusts, rowing exercise, side benders, leg lifts, toe touches, mountain climbing, trunk twisters, push-ups, bend and reach, body twists, and squat benders), up to 15 reps each, and up to three sets of each. This is in addition to required runs and long-distance marches.

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.

Most nights you’ll get a full 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. However, the Marine Corps Recruit Training Regulation allows the Basic Training Commanding General to reduce this requirement to 7 hours. The above does not apply when a recruit is required to perform guard duty, fire/security watch, mess duty, or when the series/company is engaged in scheduled night events. Under such circumstances, the hours of sleep may be reduced to a minimum of six hours. When such a deviation is authorized, the eight-hour sleep regimen will be restored as soon as possible after the event/circumstances no longer exist. During the Crucible Event, recruits will normally receive four hours of sleep per night.

In addition to 8 hours of sleep, you’ll get some “free time” each day. The purpose of free time is to allow recruits to read, write letters, watch instructional television (ITV), and to take care of other personal needs. It is a period when no training is received by recruits and no instruction is conducted by Drill Instructors. Free Time is intended to be a relief period from close, constant association for both recruits and DI’s and to take care of personal hygiene and other personal needs. The Marine Corps Recruit Training Regulation requires the DIs to give you one hour of uninterrupted free time each evening, beginning on the first training day, while in garrison (ie, not out in the field), Monday through Saturday, and four hours on Sundays and holidays while in garrison. Company commanders may authorize two hours of free time on Saturdays. However, company commanders may also suspend free time for recruits as a result of punishment imposed by administrative or legal proceedings. Mail is passed out each day by the DI’s prior to free time.

You may not think you have any rights in boot camp, but you would be mistaken. The Marine Corps Recruit Training Regulation lists the following “recruit rights:”
(a) Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, except under the conditions mentioned earlier in this article

(b) One hour of free time daily, unless removed for punishment, and during processing, forming, weapons and field/combat training, and the Crucible
Event.

(c) 20 minutes to consume each meal.

(d) Attend sick call.

(e) Attend scheduled religious services.

(f) Request mast via the chain-of-command.

(g) Make and receive emergency phone calls.

(h) Receive mail on the day it is received by the parent company except for Sundays, holidays, and during the Crucible Event.

(i) Send mail without fear of censorship.

(j) Make head calls.

(k) Use medication prescribed by a certified military medical officer.

The Marine Corps has recently increased emphasis on close combat training, and you’ll begin this training during week one with an introduction to bayonet fighting. You’ll also experience your first 1.5 mile formation run, and be introduced to your closest buddy in boot camp: your M16 rifle.

The Marine Corps has added martial arts to its Boot Camp program in November 2000 – the biggest change to boot camp since the Crucible was added four years before that. Recruits l get about 15 hours of martial-arts training at boot camp and will receive another six hours of training during the Marine Combat Training. Only then will qualified Marines earn their first belt, which is tan. Ultimately, Marines can work toward a gray, green, brown or black belt throughout their careers.)

No information on Marine boot camp would be complete without mentioning this very important aspect. During your 13 weeks, you will spend countless hours taking this rifle apart, cleaning it thoroughly, and putting it back together. Your rifle will simply become an extension of yourself.

The remaining hours of week 1 will be comprised of various academic classes.  As you move away from the first week, you’ll continue learning the basics of close combat skills, including the infamous “pugil sticks.” Many recruits are somewhat apprehensive about this phase of training, but then find out how much fun it really is. It’s almost impossible to get hurt. The recruits are protected by a football helmet and mask, rubber neck roll and crotch cup, and only two kinds of blows are permitted: the slash and the horizontal butt stroke, both to the well-protected head and neck. A clean shot ends the bout. The secret is aggression — this is not a defensive sport.

A word here about competition. Marine platoons compete against each other in almost every aspect of training, from drills to inspections to pugil sticks to P.T. to academics. For each and every event, trophies are won and displayed prominently in the barracks on the award’s table. This is no small matter — the competition is stiff and the D.I.s (and recruits!) take victories and defeats very seriously.

You’ll learn field first aid, attend classes on core values (as well as other academic classes), and receive several hours on basic weapon handling.

Around week 3, in addition to more re pugil sticks and close combat training, additional classes on first aid and core values, you’ll participate in a 3 mile march (with packs).

The Marine Corps Confidence Course consists of eleven obstacles, designed so that each obstacle is more physically challenging then the last. The obstacles are: (1) Dirty name (2) Run, Jump & Swing (3) The Inclining Wall (4) The Confidence Climb (5) Monkey Bridge (6) The Tough One (7) Reverse Climb (8) Slide for Life (9) the Hand Walk (10) The Arm Stretcher, and (11) The Sky Scraper. While these names sound daunting, the course is designed so the average platoon can run it in 45 minutes. Like pugil sticks, the Confidence Course is a great morale builder, as most of the recruits find out they can negotiate the obstacles with ease (after a little practice and “encouragement” from ever-vigilant D.I.s).

During the fourth week, there will be even more training with pugil sticks and additional training in close combat skills (I told you there was increased emphasis on this). In addition to the daily P.T., there will be further academic classes (including more core values training).

The most important aspect of week 4 is the individual drill evaluation. Your platoon will be evaluated, graded, and compared to the other platoons. The winning platoon, of course, receives a trophy for the trophy table. The losing platoons receive the wrath of their respective D.I.s.

The highlight event of week 5 is Combat Water Survival. All Marines must pass basic water survival skills in order to graduate from boot camp (those who don’t pass will receive extensive remedial training until they do). 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.
Also this week will be a 5 mile hike a test on Marine Customs & Courtesies, more training in first aid, a full-blown inspection (uniforms, rifles, questions, etc.), and (of course) more classes on core values.

Weapons Training will be completed in great detail for all recruits because EVERY Marine is infantry first. . Marksmanship training teaches recruits the fundamentals of marksmanship with their M-16 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.

Before you actually get to fire however, you will practice aiming and dry-firing your rifle until you simply can’t stand it anymore. By the time you fire that first actual shot, you’ll have dry-fired your rifle in every conceivable position thousands of times.  This portion of training really becomes a very boring and mundane, yet essential training evolution.

In addition to rifle training, during these two weeks, you’ll receive basic training on grenades and other types of weapons.

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.

During week 7, you’ll also experience a 6 mile night march, and get another chance at the Confidence Course.

Week 8 is called “Team Week,” which means you get to spend all of your time working at the “mess hall” or some other glamorous detail.

This is much better than it sounds, however; for an entire week, you’ll be free of the incessant presence of the D.I.s (to be replaced with the relatively gentler attitudes of the mess sergeants). Additionally, you’ll enjoy using your status as a “senior recruit” to help, um…..motivate brand new recruits as they stumble throw the chow hall lines. (BTW, the best way to tell “senior” recruits from the newbies is to look at their haircuts. Bald heads indicates new recruits, while stubble, or “high & tights” indicate more senior recruits).

One word of warning. Enjoy it while it lasts……when you return to your platoon at the end of this week, you’ll more likely than not discover that your D.I. thinks you’ve grown sloppy and undisciplined during the week, and will expend extra effort for the next few days in returning you and the rest of the platoon to his/her version of disciplined recruits. This “re-transformation” will most likely require several applications of “quarter-decking.”

The ninth week will consist almost entirely of the fundamentals of field firing, in preparation for field training during the tenth week. There will also be a 10 mile march (with packs) during week 9. If you havn’t experienced blisters yet during your time in boot camp, you most likely will experience it during week 9.

During week 10, you’ll start putting all of your training together during field training. “Field Training” is “practice war.” You’ll operate and live in a simulated combat environment, and learn the fundamentals of patrolling, firing, setting up camp, and more. 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.

During week 11, you get a chance to put everything you’ve learned in boot camp to the test. The week starts with the biggest competition of all: The Company Commander’s Inspection. Not only are you being judged here, but your D.I. is being judged as well. It will behoove you to give this inspection every single thing you’ve got (hint: to don your trousers without breaking the crease, stand on your foot-locker).

Once you’ve gotten the Company Commander’s Inspection out of the way, you’ll experience the event to top all events: The Crucible. The Crucible is the final test every recruit must go through to become a Marine. It will test you 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 (only four hours of sleep per night)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 Crucible Event is designed around Core Value Stations, Warrior Stations, the Confidence Course, Reaction Course, and Movement Course as well as other various mentally and physically challenging events. A final foot march will conclude with a Morning Colors Ceremony and a “Warriors” Breakfast.”

The famed “Eagle, Globe and Anchor Ceremony” is conducted immediately after the Cruicible. The Eagle, Globe and Anchor is the Marine Corps Emblem — It signifies that you are a member, always and forever, of the few and the proud.

The ceremony is the most emotional time of basic training, even more so than the graduation parade. Ever seen a grown Marine cry? Try to find a dry eye during this ceremony. The event used to be held on “family day,” the day before the graduation parade. However, this life-changing event is now a private (Marines only) ceremony, held immediately after the Cruicible.

Week 11 is also known as “Transformation Week.” During this week the new Marines are given 1 hour extra free time each evening and wear the rank insignia of the grade to which they were either guaranteed upon enlistment, or earned during recruit training. Also during this week, more responsibility is given to the privates and privates first class and the supervision from the drill instructors is decreased. In fact, drill instructors don’t wear their duty belts during this time and many of the Drill Instructors will allow the new Marines call them by their rank, not as “sir” or “ma’am.” This week helps these new Marines adjust from being a recruit to being a Marine. (One should note that after boot camp, one should never call enlisted “sir” or “ma’am” again, as some senior enlisted hate that. One should also never use the “third person” when speaking after boot camp.)
The final week. D.I.s are no longer yelling (as much). You’ll spend this last week learning about the Heroes of the Corps, a class or two on financial management, the relatively easy Battalion Commander’s Inspection, more (of course) core value classes, and finally, graduation practice and graduation.

The minimum (core) graduation requirements are:

(1) Pass the physical fitness test and be within prescribed weight standards

(2) Qualify for Combat Water Survival at level 4 or higher

(3) Qualify with the service rifle

(4) Pass the batallion commander’s inspection

(5) Pass the written tests

(6) Complete the Crucible

If you fail in any of the above areas, you are subject to be “recycled” (sent backwards in time to another platoon), or may possibly bedischarged.

Do not think for one moment that the training in United States marine Corps boot camp is easy…because it is not! This is how your training will be broken down in actual hours spent on the various subjects.  This is how your 13 weeks breaks down in actual hours:
• Instructional Time (The Crucible / Combat Water Survival / Weapons and Field Training): 279.5 hours
• Core Values / Academics / Values Reinforcement: 41.5
• Physical Fitness: 59
• Close Order Drill: 54.5
• Field Training: 31
• Close Combat Training: 27
• Conditioning Marches: 13
• Administration: 60
• Senior DI Time (nightly free time): 55.5
• Movement Time: 60
• Sleep: 479
• Basic Daily Routine: 210
• Chow: 179
• Total: 1518 hours

Still do not think it will be difficult? Se for yourself, the tasks you will be required to know and be tested on that knowledge.

If you excell, you just might get promoted while in basic training. Based on the recommendations of the Senior Drill Instructor, the Commanding General can meritoriously promote recruits who have consistently demonstrated superior performance in the following areas and have no nonjudicial punishment infractions.
a. Physical Fitness
b. Marksmanship
c. Leadership
d. Motivation
e. Academics
f. Field Skills

All Marines are authorized 10 days of leave, immediately following graduation from boot camp. You’ll need the rest, however because boot camp is just the start. You’re training is not finished. Following your leave, you’ll go on to further your training at the School of Infantry (East) which is located at Camp Geiger, MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (for those who attended basic at Parris Island), or the School of Infantry (West), at Camp Pendleton, CA, for those who attended basic training at San Diego.

Marines who are designated as infantry Marines are assigned to Infantry Training Battalion at the school of infantry for infantry-specialized training. All Marines, entering the Military Occupation Specialties (MOS) of 0311 Rifleman, 0331 Machinegunner, 0341 Mortarman, 0351 Assaultman, or 0352 Anti-Tank Guided Missleman, attend this 51 day course. The course is broken down into two phases, starting with a 14-day common skills course, which must be completed by all infantry Marines regardless of specific MOS. Upon completion of the common skills portion, all Marines will then continue to train in their particular infantry MOS for an additional 26 days in the specific technical and live fire qualification skills required of their particular MOS prior to graduation. After graduating from there, these Marines will be assigned to their first permanent duty station.

All other Marines (male and female) are assigned to the School of Infantry to attend the Marine Combat Training (MCT) course. MCT consists of 22 days of battle skills training which enables Marines, regardless of MOS, to operate in a combat environment. Following MCT, Marines attend their MOS schools to learn the trade they are expected to perform for the Marine Corps. The length of MOS training varies, depending on the job. Following MOS training, Marines are assigned to their first permament duty station.

We have spent a great deal of time on this site and looking back on all the time discussing getting ready for Marine Corps Basic training, it is highly suggested you spend the few bucks on what we consider to be the best course available on the subject.  If you are looking to join the Marine Corps do not let yourself show up for training ill prepared.  In simple terms…get the following course and study your ass off to learn the “secrets” of what you can expect when you stand on those yellow footprints.

The more you know about what is going to happen, the better off you will be.  Knowledge is power and the course is very powerfull!

Click here for the BEST e-course available about Marine Corps Boot Camp.