Are you are thinking of joining the Marine Corps? Or simply want to be well-informed about the marine basic training? You should be aware of everything you need to know.
One thing that is often taken for granted when it comes to joining the military is the training that new recruits go through.
This is especially true for those who are looking to become Marines. Marine Basic Training, or MBT, is a rigorous process that new recruits must go through before they can be considered for further training or deployment.
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Marine Basic Training Requirements
All Marines must complete basic training, which is a 10-week program of physical conditioning and academic instruction.
In other to be part of the marine basic training recruits must meet certain physical requirements in order to qualify which are:
- High School Diploma
- Legal U.S. resident, aged 17 to 28
- Able to pass a criminal background check
- No felony convictions
- Able to pass the Initial Strength Test
- Partake in the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery Test
1. High School Diploma
In order to enlist in the Marine Corps, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. The Marine Corps offers a Basic Training program that helps recruits obtain their high school diploma or equivalent.
The Basic Training program is available to recruits who have not completed high school or received their GED.
The program provides recruits with the opportunity to earn their high school diploma or equivalent while participating in Marine Corps training.
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2. Legal U.S. Resident Age 17 to 28
In order to be part of the United States Marine basic training, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident. If you are 17 to 28 years old, you can join the Marine Corps through the Marine Basic Training program.
The program is an intense 10-week course that prepares recruits for life in the Marines Corps. Recruits learn teamwork, discipline, and how to be effective members of a military unit. They also receive training in basic combat skills and first aid.
3. Able To Pass A Criminal Background Check
In order to be eligible for the Marine basic training, you need to pass a criminal background check and join the Marine Corps.
The Marine Corps will conduct a criminal background check on all potential recruits. If you have a record of criminal activity or drug abuse, you are not eligible to join the Marine Corps.
However, there are some exceptions for recruits with a single misdemeanor conviction or those who have completed drug rehabilitation programs.
4. Felony Convictions
Since 2009, the Marine Corps has discharged or revoked the commissions of more than 20 Marines for felony convictions. Most of these Marines were convicted while serving in the military, but a few were discharged before their convictions became final.
The Marines’ basic training is rigorous and challenging, and it is designed to test recruits’ physical and mental abilities. The training can be even more difficult for recruits with felony convictions.
These recruits may have a harder time completing the training program and may be more likely to get into trouble while attending basic training.
The Marine Corps takes felony convictions very seriously, and recruits with felony convictions are not eligible to join the military. If a recruit is convicted of a felony after joining the military, he or she may be discharged from the Marine Corps.
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5. Able To Pass The Initial Strength Test
Before the Marine Basic Training, this test is meant to assess each recruit’s physical fitness and ability to complete basic training.
Those who pass the IST are one step closer to becoming Marines. The recruits are always excited and motivated to prove that they have what it takes to be a part of the world’s most elite fighting force.
They will now undergo a series of rigorous physical training exercises that will prepare them for boot camp.
The Marine Corps is looking for physically fit individuals who can handle the demanding challenges of basic training.
Those who are able to pass the IST have shown that they have what it takes to become a Marine.
6. Partake In The Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery Test
The ASVAB is a test developed by the Department of Defense to measure a person’s aptitudes in various areas.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an aptitude test that is used to determine qualification for enlistment in the United States marine basic training The ASVAB measures verbal, mathematical, analytical, and mechanical ability.
There are ten sections on the ASVAB: general science, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, mathematics knowledge, electronics information, auto and shop information, tool knowledge, mechanical comprehension, and artillery mechanics.
A score of 31 on the ASVAB or a score of 50 or above on the General Education Development (GED) test is required for high school graduates who want to join the Marine Corps. A higher score is required for recruits with a GED.
Duration Of The Marine Basic Training
The marine basic training for Marines is 13 weeks long. This includes the time it takes to get from boot camp to your permanent duty station.
The Marine Corps wants to ensure that you are physically and mentally ready for the challenges of service before sending you off to your unit.
The first week is spent in indoctrination, where recruits are taught about Marine Corps history and culture.
Recruits then undergo a physical evaluation, learning how to march and conduct drills and ceremonies. They also learn about weapons handling, marksmanship, and combat medicine.
The remaining 12 weeks are focused on hands-on skills such as land navigation, patrolling, amphibious operations, and close quarters combat. Recruits also attend classes on ethics, leadership, and teambuilding.
The final week is spent in a mock deployment exercise, where recruits must put everything they have learned into practice.
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How Much Do Recruits Of The Basic Marine Training Earn?
After boot camp, marines earn a salary of $18,000 annually. This salary may increase after promotion to a higher rank.
Upon successful completion of the Marine Corps’ basic training program, recruits are awarded a monthly salary that begins at $1,200.
After successful completion of an infantry training course and upon being assigned to a unit within the infantry, marines can expect to receive a monthly salary of $2,000.
Phases Of The Marine Basic Training
There are three phases of Marine basic training: the physical conditioning phase, the academic phase, and the field training phase.
- The physical conditioning phase is the first and most demanding phase of training. It lasts for six weeks and is designed to physically prepare recruits for the rigors of basic training.
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- The academic phase is a four-week period in which recruits receive instruction in Marine Corps history, customs and courtesies, first aid, and other important topics.
- The field training phase is the final stage of basic training. It lasts for eight weeks and takes place at Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, or at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California.
Conclusion
Marine Corps Basic Training is an intense experience that will test your physical and mental limits.
But if you are prepared for it and willing to work hard, you can come out the other side as a stronger and more confident person.
So if you are thinking of enlisting in the Marine Corps, be sure to research Basic Training thoroughly and prepare yourself for what is to come. And remember, with the right mindset and preparation, anything is possible.