General Overview

THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS IS FOR THOSE WITH A FIGHTING SPIRIT

To earn the honor of being called a United States Marine is to earn the respect and status of belonging to an elite force of men and women that win our Nation’s battles. This distinction requires the uncompromising willingness to engage and an unbreakable determination to win any battle, whether fighting the battle to better oneself, or threats against our Nation.

BECOMING A MARINE

Enlisted Marines, ranking from Private to Sergeant Major, make up the majority of the Marine Corps and are essential to safeguarding our country at home and abroad. But before earning the lifelong honor of being a Marine, an individual must prove themselves worthy—a task not easily achieved.

RECRUIT TRAINING

Before winning battles for our country, you must first overcome battles within.

Once medical screening, initial strength (IST) and aptitude tests have been completed, recruits head to Marine Corps Recruit Training at either Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC, or Recruit Depot San Diego, CA, to begin 13 weeks of training—the longest U.S. armed services basic training regimen and one of the greatest challenges anywhere. Here, the mind, body and spirit of recruits are transformed into that of an elite fighter. Training culminates with The Crucible: 54 hours of combat conditions, little sleep and challenges that will test all you’ve learned. It’s the last thing standing between you and forever being known as a Marine. Upon completion, recruits are officially trained riflemen, combat ready, carrying with them the courage, pride and self-confidence emblematic of a United States Marine.

It doesn’t end there. The new Marines then head to MOS (Military Occupational Specialties) school to acquire expert knowledge in a specific area, such as Infantry, Aviation, Logistics, Communications, Intelligence and Electronic Warfare.

Learn more at Marines.com/general-overview