Basic Officer Course
Gas, Gas,Gas
“Swim Qual”
Confidence Chamber (AKA Gas Chamber)
Week 7 begins with one of the most memorable and intense experiences of training—the Confidence Chamber. In this exercise, Marines are exposed to tear gas while wearing and removing their Field Protective Masks. The purpose isn’t to test endurance, but to build absolute trust in their gear and in themselves. By facing the chamber head-on, your Marine gains confidence in their ability to stay calm, rely on their training, and operate effectively even under the most challenging conditions.
Land Navigation
Your Marine will spend this portion of training in classes focused on the fundamentals of land navigation. In these sessions, they’ll learn how to read maps, interpret terrain features, and properly use a compass before ever stepping into the field. These classes provide the foundation for navigating across challenging environments and are essential to developing the confidence and leadership required to guide Marines in any situation.
Radio Communication Classes
Next, your Marine will begin training in radio communications, learning how to operate and maintain the equipment that keeps units connected in the field. Clear and reliable communication is the backbone of every mission—it allows leaders to coordinate movements, call for support, and adapt to changing situations in real time. By mastering these skills, your Marine builds the ability to maintain command and control under pressure, ensuring the success and safety of their team in any environment.
Introduction to the Martial Arts & Fitness Center of Excellence (MAFCE)
This week also marks the introduction to the Martial Arts. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) is a comprehensive combat training system that integrates hand-to-hand combat skills with mental and character development. Established in 2001, MCMAP emphasizes a holistic approach to martial arts, blending physical techniques from various disciplines such as jiu-jitsu, boxing, and karate with the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage, and commitment. The program is designed to enhance the warrior ethos, fostering not only physical prowess but also the moral and ethical standards expected of a Marine. Through MCMAP, Marines develop the mental and physical resilience needed to succeed in combat and uphold the highest standards of conduct both on and off the battlefield.
Day and Night Land Navigation
After completing classroom instruction on land navigation, your Marine now puts those lessons into practice. They will navigate challenging terrain during the day, applying their skills with maps and compasses in real-world conditions. To push them even further, they’ll also take on night land navigation, where limited visibility demands focus, confidence, and precision. This training builds the resilience and adaptability required to lead Marines in any environment, day or night.
Introduction to Basic Water Survival
To finish out the week, your Marine will be introduced to the fundamentals of basic water survival. This training builds confidence in aquatic environments by teaching water safety, swimming techniques, and how to remain calm under pressure. These skills are critical for Marine officers, ensuring they can endure and operate effectively in water during future deployments.
In addition, your Marine will attend classes on Spiritual Fitness, focused on resilience, character, and developing the inner strength needed to lead with integrity and perseverance. Together, these sessions strengthen both body and spirit, preparing your Marine to overcome challenges in every domain.
As your Marine navigates this diverse and challenging week, they will continue to develop the knowledge and skills essential for leading Marines in any situation. We look forward to providing more updates on their journey in the weeks ahead.
Semper Fidelis,
SgtMaj Paul Davis (USMC Ret)