What Happens After Marine Boot Camp?

All graduating Marines from Marines Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and San Diego can take 10 days of leave before checking into their next school. After their 10 days of leave, newly graduated Marines will attend the School of Infantry (SOI) where they will continue their military training. Below you will find an overview of what to expect after Marine boot camp at the School of Infantry (SOI).

What is the School of Infantry (SOI)?

This is the training that marks the transition from entry-level Marine to combat-ready Marine. At SOI, recently graduated enlisted Marines continue their education and training to become more proficient in the fundamentals of being a rifleman. Marines with a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of infantry are trained at the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), while all non-infantry Marines are trained at the Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT).

Where is the School of Infantry (SOI)?

The School of Infantry (SOI) has two different locations: SOI West at Camp Pendleton, California, and SOI East at Camp Geiger, North Carolina.

Marines who attended boot camp on the West Coast at MCRD San Diego will report to SOI West at Camp Pendleton, California. All Marines who attended MCRD Parris Island for boot camp will report to SOI East at Camp Geiger, North Carolina.

How long is the School of Infantry (SOI)?

Following graduation from Marines Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island or San Diego, Marine’s will go to ITB training, or MCT. This training varies in length and skill focus.

Infantry Training Battalion (ITB)

How long is ITB training?

Under the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), 03XX Marines will attend the Infantry Marine Course (ICM), a 69-day course over 14 weeks.

The mission is to train, mentor, and evaluate Marines in the Infantry MOS with specific entry-level tasks under the leadership of Combat Instructors. Marines are instructed in marksmanship, patrolling, grenade usage, identifying and countering improvised explosive devices, and land navigation, among other various infantry skills. In doing so, the Infantry Training Battalion provides the Corps with Marines who are fully prepared for combat service.

Upon successful completion of ITB training, Marines will graduate and be sent to their unit.

ITB Mail

Since training is 69 days and conducted in the field, Marines will not always have access to their phones. Family and friends are encouraged to send Letters as a form of communication during this training. You can view the School of Infantry Mailing Address and still send and receive Letters using Sandboxx.

Marine Combat Training (MCT)

How long is MCT training?

Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT) is 21 training days. 

The mission is to train and conduct standards-based combat skills training of all non-infantry Marines in order to ensure that every Marine is a fighting Marine, regardless of their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Training includes marksmanship, combat formations, and patrolling, as well as other combat-related skills.

Upon successful completion of training, Marines will graduate and move on to their MOS school for additional training.

MCT Mail

Since the majority of training is conducted in the field during the 4 weeks of MCT, Marines will not always have access to their phones. Family and friends are still encouraged to send Letters as a form of communication during this training. You can view the School of Infantry Mailing Address and still send and receive Letters using Sandboxx. Below, you’ll find the training locations for non-infantry MOS’s.

USMC MOS Schools