Beyond Boot Camp
MCT / ITB (Marine Combat Training / Infantry Training Battalion)
Whether you go to MCT or ITB depends on the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) you have chosen. If you have chosen Infantry you will attend Infantry Training Battalion. If you have chosen a non-infantry MOS, you will attend Marine Combat Training.
What’s the difference?
ITB is designed for those who will be on the front lines in combat. It is longer than MCT and focuses more on weapons familiarization.
MCT is designed to give a basic knowledge of Marine Combat to those who will not be everyday infantrymen after completion.
MOS Training
Now that you have completed the core training to become a fully certified combat-ready Marine, you must attend MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) training where you will learn about the field you chose when you joined. Unless you’re an infantry Marine, you will attend a school at a specified location depending on your MOS. The length of your school also depends on the MOS you have chosen.
Welcome To The FMF
Once you have completed all basic training, you will be assigned to a unit within the Fleet Marine Force and officially begin your career as a Fleet Marine. You will not have a choice of the unit or location you are assigned to so don’t expect to be able to choose this. You may be asked to fill out a “wish list” during your MOS school but it will not play a large part in the final decision.
Marines are typically assigned to units with one of the following three Marine divisions but can also be stationed at other Bases throughout the US:
- 1st Marine Division located in Camp Pendleton, CA
- 2nd Marine Division located in Camp Lejeune, NC
- 3rd Marine Division located in Okinawa, Japan
Succeeding As A Marine
So now that you have made it through boot camp, MCT and MOS school, what does it take to be successful as a Marine from here on out? Well, the short answer is discipline and lots of it. You must always be looking to improve yourself in every way. You should try to be the one that others will want to follow, not because they have to but because they want to.
I was honored to become a Sergeant in just over three years in the Marine Corps and I am sure you can achieve the same if you will follow the following tips:
1. Stay in top shape; try to achieve a high first class score on every PFT you take. I suggest that you adhere to a physical training program beyond what you are required to do in order to stay in shape.
2. Do your best to achieve a rifle expert score each and every time you qualify on the rifle range. This will greatly increase your score for promotions.
3. Complete all required MCI (Marine Corps Institute) courses and more. These courses are like distance learning educational courses that teach everything from personal finance to physical fitness. Get involved in these and take as many as you can.
4. Go as far as you can with the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Besides making you a better fighter, it will teach you greater discipline, give you more confidence and make you better in all areas of your life.
5. Stay out of trouble! Avoid trouble by being at least 15 minutes early to any Marine Corps function, by not getting involved in illegal activities and always being squared away in all areas.
6. Stay Motivated! As long as you are motivated, you will most likely do well. Set the example and be a leader.
Being a Marine is extremely rewarding and will be one of the greatest experiences of your life. Whether you are planning on making a career out of it or just doing a 4 year tour, you will not be disappointed. The friendships and memories you will make will last a lifetime. I wish you the best in your journey of becoming one of the few and the proud.
Semper Fi!
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