After earning the title United States Marine at boot camp, every new Marine begins the next phase of their journey: MOS School. This stage of training determines the Marine’s job, their career path, their assignment locations, and their day-to-day responsibilities in the Fleet Marine Force.
Whether your Marine trained at Parris Island or San Diego, this guide explains:
- What MCT (Marine Combat Training) is
- The difference between MCT East and MCT West
- What ITB (School of Infantry Infantry Training Battalion) is
- Where MOS schools are located
- How long training lasts
- Liberty rules
- What families should expect
- How to support your Marine through this stage
This is one of the most important transitions in a Marine’s early career — and one of the most confusing for families. This guide makes it simple.
The Post-Boot Camp Path: MCT or ITB
Every new Marine goes through a second phase of training immediately after graduating from boot camp:
They will either attend:
1. MCT (Marine Combat Training)
for NON-infantry Marines
or
2. ITB (Infantry Training Battalion)
for Infantry Marines (03XX MOS)
Both take place at the School of Infantry (SOI), but the location depends on where they completed boot camp.
School of Infantry Locations
SOI-East (Camp Geiger, North Carolina)
Boot Camp Source: Parris Island graduates
Home to:
- MCT-East
- ITB-East
SOI-West (Camp Pendleton, California)
Boot Camp Source: San Diego graduates
Home to:
- MCT-West
- ITB-West
What Is MCT?
Marine Combat Training (MCT) is required for every NON-infantry Marine.
Training Length: Approximately 29 days
Purpose:
- Teach every Marine how to fight
- Build weapons confidence
- Establish combat survival skills
- Prepare for field operations
- Build physical conditioning
Training Includes:
- Marksmanship
- Grenades
- Patrolling
- Land navigation
- Defensive positions
- Combat conditioning
- Tactical movements
Even non-infantry Marines must be combat-ready — MCT ensures they are.
What Is ITB? (Infantry Training Battalion)
Infantry Marines (03XX) attend ITB, a much longer and more intense program.
Training Length:
- 14 weeks on average (varies slightly between East/West)
Purpose:
- Train the infantry Marine
- Teach advanced weapons systems
- Prepare Marines for deployment-level field operations
- Build leadership and team proficiency
Training Includes:
- M240 & M249 weapons
- Mortars
- Anti-armor weapons
- Urban combat
- Platoon-level tactics
- Patrol operations
- Extensive field exercises
- Live-fire ranges
ITB is one of the most demanding early training experiences in the Marine Corps.
After MCT/ITB: MOS School Assignments
Once MCT or ITB is complete, Marines head to their MOS-specific school. These schools are spread across the country depending on the Marine’s job field.
Below are major examples (not exhaustive, but the ones families encounter most):
Major Marine Corps MOS School Locations
Camp Johnson (North Carolina)
Common MOS schools include:
- Logistics
- Personnel & administration
- Supply
- Motor transport
- Maintenance
- Communications support
- Food services
Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri)
Joint-service environment.
Marine MOS examples:
- Military Police (MP)
- Engineering (combat engineer, heavy equipment)
- CBRN defense
Pensacola, Florida
Marine Aviation Training Support Groups host:
- Aviation mechanic schools
- Aviation electronics
- Aircrew candidate prep
- Aviation ordnance
29 Palms, California
Home to:
- Communications electronics
- Data systems
- Cyber/electronic warfare
- Tactical communications
Dam Neck, Virginia
Home to:
- Intelligence
- Surveillance
- Reconnaissance schools
Goodfellow AFB, Texas
Joint intelligence schoolhouse.
Common Marine pathways:
- Firefighting
- Intelligence analysts
- Signals intelligence
Other MOS School Locations
Depending on MOS, Marines may train at:
- Aberdeen Proving Ground (Maryland)
- Sheppard AFB (Texas)
- Fort Lee (Virginia)
- Various Navy or joint bases
Every Marine’s path is unique — but all lead to the fleet.
How Long Is MOS School?
Durations vary by MOS:
- Shortest: 4–6 weeks
- Typical: 2–4 months
- Aviation & technical: 6–12 months
- Intel, cyber, communications: often several months
- Specialized MOS: can extend based on qualification levels
Your Marine will receive:
- training schedule
- expected graduation timeline
- their first duty station orders (sometimes before school ends)
Living Conditions & Liberty Rules
These vary by base, but generally:
Living Conditions
Most Marines:
- live in barracks
- have roommates
- maintain inspections
- follow curfews
- use personal phones when allowed
- have structured daily routines
Liberty Phases
Typically include:
- Phase 1: on-base liberty
- Phase 2: limited off-base
- Phase 3: more freedom on weekends
ITB Marines have less liberty due to field training intensity.
Can Families Attend MOS School Graduations?
There are rarely formal ceremonies.
Most MOS schools:
- have no formal graduation
- do not host family days
- simply release Marines to liberty or orders once training is complete
The best time to visit is typically:
- a full liberty weekend
- the end of training
- before the Marine ships to their first duty station
What Families Should Wear When Visiting or Taking Photos
Families often choose:
- Marine Family shirts
- Proud Marine Mom / Dad
- Eagle, Globe & Anchor designs
- Marine aviation or infantry–themed apparel
Best colors for photos:
- red
- black
- gold
- olive green
Great for pictures near:
- base signs
- training schoolhouses
- static aircraft
- waterfront areas (Pensacola, Camp Pendleton)
How to Support Your Marine During MOS School
Training at this stage can be stressful and intense. The best support includes:
- Encouragement during tough academics
- Understanding long field days (especially ITB)
- Patience with limited communication
- Sending practical items if allowed
- Celebrating milestones
- Helping them stay motivated through the pipeline
Many Marines say MOS School is where confidence really develops.
Marine MOS School FAQs
Can Marines take leave after MCT or ITB?
Sometimes — it depends on orders and school availability.
Can families visit?
Yes, but liberty restrictions vary widely.
Do Marines get weekends off?
Often yes — but ITB frequently has field ops that span weekends.
Can they have a vehicle?
Sometimes, depending on location and phase.
Will Marines get their first duty station during MOS school?
Often yes — especially in longer MOS pipelines.
Celebrate Your Marine’s Journey With Apparel That Honors Their Commitment
Every step after boot camp is another achievement — MCT, ITB, MOS School, and finally the fleet. Families love showing their pride with apparel that captures the moment and supports their Marine throughout the journey.
Explore Marine family apparel, graduation shirts, and meaningful keepsakes
Oak & Liberty proudly supports Marine families at every phase of training — from the Yellow Footprints to the Fleet Marine Force.