The Few, The Proud... Welcome to Marine Corps Boot Camp

April 28, 2009

By Erin O’Neill

The smallest branch within the Armed Forces, the Marine Corps technically falls under the department of the Navy, but don’t let that fool you. Sailors and Marines are very different breeds, as each will proudly tell you.

For basic training, Marine Corps recruits are divided into two groups, and sent to one of two sites, each known as a Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD). Generally, Marines who enlist east of the Mississippi (and all female recruits) are sent to MCRD Parris Island, in South Carolina, and those west of it are sent to MCRD San Diego, where they’re referred to as “Hollywood Marines.” Despite rumors to the contrary, according the Marine Corps, each MCRD consists of essentially the same training cycle and neither is considered “harder” or “better.”

Bye Bye, Baby
As soon as recruits arrive at MCRD, they’re sent to Recruit Receiving where they get their haircuts, uniforms, and complete a series of basic physical fitness, medical and dental evaluations, before beginning “real” boot camp. While in receiving they’ll also make their last phone call to loved ones to let them know they’ve arrived safely, and won’t be calling again until they’re a Marine.

“Boot Camp does an excellent job of isolating someone from the outside world,” recalls Gunnery Sergeant Timothy Grier. “So it’s always good to hear from family, especially one’s spouse.” Separations can be tough, especially for couples used to spending everyday together.  To deal with it, most wives and girlfriends suggest sending letters as soon as possible. 

“Write to your Marine everyday if you can,” recommends Steffani, whose boyfriend became a Marine in 2008. “It made me feel like I was talking to him, and it really helped him to get through the tough days.” Kristie K. Walls, who was engaged to her Marine when he entered the Corps in 2001, also recommends numbering your letters, “so that if they receive them out of order, they don’t get confused about what you’re referring to.”

Ooh-Rah
After receiving, Marine Corps basic training is broken down into three phases, Basic Learning (mental and physical), Rifle Training and Field Training. First, they’ll head to Forming for a few days, where they’re assigned to a training company and drill instructor who’ll teach them the history and traditions of being a Marine, including how to march, wear and care for their uniforms, and how to “secure their weapon.”

Next, they’ll learn Drill, or how to move and march in unison with their platoon, before heading out to the Confidence Course, an 11-step obstacle course, which they’ll have to complete twice during their time at MCRD. They’ll also master Combat Water Survival, while wearing their camouflage uniforms as they learn life-saving techniques for when they’re offshore.  “At the time, it was the hardest thing, physically and mentally, that I’d done,” recalls Grier, “so don’t expect to hear too much from your recruit, as they’ll probably be too physically tired or mentally dulled to write too much.”

Following their time at Drill, recruits move onto two weeks of Marksmanship Training. The first week, called Snap-In Week, they learn how to use their M16A2 service rifles in the four shooting positions and the second week, they participate in live fire ranges of 200, 300 and 500 yards to prepare for their rifle qualification. Once they’ve completed Marksmanship Training, recruits participate in Field Firing Range (FFR) training to learn how to fire at single and multiple targets while exposed to actual field conditions, such as speed reloading and inclement weather. For three days after FFR, recruits head to their second home in the Marine Corps, the Field. Here they’ll spend three days learning the basics of field living such as pitching tents, field sanitation and effective camouflage.

After finishing field training, recruits receive their gas masks and complete the “confidence chamber” often called the gas chamber, before readying themselves for their final, ultimate challenge before becoming a Marine. The Crucible is a 54-hour event in which recruits have to perform a series of tasks, including marching 45 miles, while going on little food and sleep. 

Semper Fidelis
If all this military jargon seems to be overwhelming, imagine what it’s like as a recruit surrounded by it 24/7, while going on little sleep. Try to be supportive and understand the transformation he’s going through. “Military life requires learning a new language,” jokes Marine wife Macie Mulvaney. “9 pm is now 2100, food is now chow, and silkies give a whole new meaning to boxer briefs.” Get ahead of the trend by learning a little about the Marine Corps culture, like how the EGA (Eagle Globe and Anchor) has been a part of the Marines’ uniforms since 1868 and was recognized as the official emblem of the branch in 1955.

Try to get involved with the Marine Corps on your own by contacting a Marine Corps Family Team Building office, or try volunteering with the USO or Navy Marine Corps Relief. “Look for local Veterans’ organizations,” suggests Walls, “they’re always willing to give advice to new ‘family’ members.”