Questions & Answers to Marine Basic Training

The Marines' basic training is about a month longer then the Army's.

The Marine Corps is the smallest of the United States armed forces, with about 205,000 officers and enlisted men and women. The main mission of the Marine Corps is to quickly provide United States military force anywhere in the world. Other functions of the Marines include guarding American embassies, guarding the president, and providing honor guards for ceremonial events. The Marine's basic training is 13 weeks long, and is well-known for being physically and mentally demanding.

What Is the Receiving Period of Basic Training?

Most of the first week is spent in Receiving, where recruits are processed, evaluated for physical fitness, and learn the basic articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice pertaining to discipline. During the Receiving period, the Initial Strength Test is given. Any recruit who fails this test is sent to the Physical Conditioning Platoon. Recruits in the platoon undergo a strenuous exercise regimen for as long as is necessary until they are able to pass the strength test and continue with basic training.

What Is Learned During the Basic Learning Phase?

The first phase of Marine Corps basic training is Basic Learning. During this period, the recruit learns how to march, learns the correct terminology and lingo, and learns how to maintain her rifle. Basic fighting skills such as bayonet and pugil stick training occur during this phase. During this period, as well as rest of basic training, there is extensive physical fitness training. There are also classes about the history, culture and ethos of the Marine Corps.

What Are Rifle Training and Team Week?

All recruits must qualify as a rifle marksman. During the Rifle Training phase of basic training, recruits learn to accurately fire their rifle from a variety of positions and in different conditions. Recruits are also trained in the use of other weapons such as hand-grenades. Team Week occurs after qualifying as a rifle marksman. During Team Week recruits spend the week in various jobs such as the mess hall, maintenance or yard work.

What Are Basic Warrior Training and the Crucible?

During Basic Warrior Training, recruits learn how to fight in actual combat. Combat conditions are simulated as closely as is possible during these war games. Recruits must go through obstacles, use maps, master camouflage, and are exposed to tear gas. After Basic Warrior Training is the Crucible, the final and ultimate test. The Crucible is a contest where teams of recruits compete for 54 hours of marching, obstacle courses and tasks that require teamwork, adaptability, and problem solving. During the Crucible, recruits are given little food and only four hours of sleep each night. The crucible ends with the Emblem Ceremony, where the recruit receives the eagle, globe and anchor emblem signifying that she is now a marine.

References

• U.S. Marine Corps