The Basic School
Following Officer Candidates School, newly commissioned officers head to The Basic School to learn how to lead and inspire fellow Marines. Guided by the mentorship of experienced Marines, new officers develop the leadership, knowledge and esprit de corps that define the Marine Corps.
While The Basic School curriculum emphasizes the skills needed to command an infantry platoon, lessons here apply to Marine Officers in every leadership role. You will build a foundation of military knowledge and gain experience in the responsibilities of leadership, from accomplishing a mission to working with your Marines.
Training progresses through four phases; the first focuses on the individual technical and tactical skills required of an officer. In the second and third phases, you'll build on those skills and prepare to lead by example in command of a platoon. Finally, in the fourth phase, you will study the strategic organization that makes the Marine Corps our nation's expeditionary force in readiness, and will prepare you to apply your leadership skills in action.
Marine Corps Martial Arts
Disciplined training in hand-to-hand combatWater Survival
Practicing floatation techniques, waterproofing packs and avoiding hypothermia
Combat Intelligence
Collecting and interpreting information to gain a strategic advantage
Marine Corps History and Traditions
The legacy that distinguishes the Marine CorpsNavigation
Reading military maps and terrain features, developing situational awareness
Military Law
Legal and ethical standards for Marines, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Communications
Equipment, procedures and information security
Amphibious Operations
Strategies for maneuvers across land and sea
Aviation Support
Planning and communicating the use of aviation assets
Logistics
Coordinating the movement of Marines and equipment to supply a mission
Field Engineering
Manipulating the terrain for offensive and defensive tactics
Patrolling
Organizing reconnaissance and security operations
