Becoming a United States Marine is one of the most demanding and respected transformations in the U.S. military. But for families, the training journey can feel confusing — especially with terms like MCRD, Crucible, MCT, SOI, and MOS School often mentioned without explanation.
This guide breaks down the entire Marine Corps training pipeline in clear, simple language so families can follow every stage of their Marine’s journey — from the day they step on the yellow footprints to the day they join their first unit.
This applies to both Marine Corps training locations:
- MCRD Parris Island, SC
- MCRD San Diego, CA
The Marine Corps Training Journey at a Glance
Every enlisted Marine goes through three stages:
- Boot Camp (13 weeks)
- MCT or SOI (Marine Combat Training or Infantry School)
- MOS School (Job training)
Then they join:
- Their first duty station (fleet Marine force, support unit, aviation unit, or specialty command)
Let’s break down each phase.
1. Marine Corps Boot Camp (MCRD Parris Island or San Diego)
Duration: 13 weeks
Purpose: Transform civilians into basically trained Marines.
Boot Camp is split into phases:
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1–4)
Recruits learn:
- discipline
- Marine Corps history
- drill
- physical training
- rifle fundamentals (dry fire / weapons handling)
This is often the toughest emotional period for families.
Phase 2: Rifle Range (Weeks 5–7)
Recruits conduct:
- marksmanship training
- live fire
- qualification shooting
This is a major milestone — Marines take marksmanship seriously.
Phase 3: Field Training & Crucible (Weeks 8–11)
Includes:
- field exercises
- combat conditioning
- confidence courses
- The 54-hour Crucible
The Crucible is the defining event of Marine boot camp.
At the end, recruits earn the Eagle, Globe & Anchor (EGA) and officially become Marines.
Phase 4: Marine Week (Weeks 12–13)
New Marines prepare for:
- uniform wear
- administrative processing
- next steps in training
This leads directly into graduation — one of the most emotional ceremonies in the military.
2. MCT or SOI — What Happens After Boot Camp
After graduation, Marines head to Camp Lejeune (East Coast) or Camp Pendleton (West Coast).
Their next step depends entirely on their MOS:
Infantry Marines (03XX MOS)
Go to:
School of Infantry – Infantry Training Battalion (ITB)
Duration: 59 days
Location:
- Camp Geiger (East, at Camp Lejeune)
- Camp Pendleton (West)
Infantry Marines learn:
- patrol tactics
- weapons systems
- squad-level infantry operations
- machine guns, mortars, rockets
- combat marksmanship
- land navigation
This is full-time infantry instruction — very demanding physically and mentally.
Non-Infantry Marines
Go to:
Marine Combat Training (MCT)
Duration: 29 days
Locations:
- Camp Geiger
- Camp Pendleton
MCT ensures every Marine — regardless of MOS — is trained as a basic combat-capable rifleman.
Training includes:
- marksmanship
- small-unit tactics
- patrolling
- defensive operations
- land navigation
- weapons handling (machine guns, grenade launchers, rockets)
Families often underestimate how tough MCT is — it’s physically intense but shorter than ITB.
3. MOS School — Learning Their Military Job
After completing MCT or SOI, Marines head to MOS School, where they learn the specific job they will perform in the fleet.
MOS School locations include:
- Camp Lejeune / Camp Pendleton (infantry & combat jobs)
- Fort Leonard Wood (engineers, MPs)
- Pensacola (aviation)
- 29 Palms (communications & artillery)
- Goodfellow AFB (intel)
- MCAS New River (aviation support)
- Parris Island (admin, supply, logistics)
- Various Navy/DoD schools depending on specialty
MOS School Length Varies
- Some MOS schools are 4–6 weeks
- Some last 3–6 months
- Aviation, intel, and communications schools may last 6–12 months
During MOS School, Marines usually gain:
- more freedom
- regular phone access
- weekend liberty
- predictable schedules
This is a major relief period for families.
4. First Duty Station — Joining the Fleet
After MOS School, Marines receive orders to their first unit.
This is known as joining the Fleet Marine Force (FMF).
Duty stations may include:
East Coast
- Camp Lejeune
- Cherry Point
- New River
West Coast
- Camp Pendleton
- Miramar
- 29 Palms
Overseas
- Okinawa, Japan (very common)
- Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay)
Specialty Assignments
- Marine Barracks Washington
- Security Forces Regiment (FAST)
- Embassy security (MSG program)
- Aviation wings
This is where they will live, train, deploy, and grow professionally.
Common Family Questions
Do Marines get leave after Boot Camp?
Sometimes — especially around Holiday Block Leave — but not always. Often leave comes after MCT/SOI.
Can families attend events at SOI or MCT?
Usually not. Graduation events are limited or may not exist.
Do Marines get phones during MCT/SOI?
Very limited at MCT; more access during ITB; regular access at MOS School.
Can Marines choose their first duty station?
Not typically — assignments are based on needs of the Marine Corps.
Are deployments mandatory?
Deployments depend on the unit and global operations, but availability is expected.
Final Thoughts for Families
The Marine Corps training pipeline is one of the toughest and most respected in the world. Understanding each stage helps families support their Marine with confidence and pride.
From the Crucible to combat training to MOS School and their first unit, every step shapes them into a disciplined, capable, and resilient Marine.
This guide gives you everything you need to understand the journey — and to stand proudly behind them as they take each step forward.