School of Infantry
At SOI, Marines who have recently graduated from recruit training 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). There are two Schools of Infantry: Camp Geiger located in North Carolina and Camp Pendleton in California.
Every Marine a Rifleman
The primary role of the School of Infantry is to ensure, first and foremost, that "every Marine a rifleman." All Marine Corps assets exists to support the rifleman on the ground, and every Marine is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of the Marines to their left and right. Regardless of MOS, the ITB mission ensures every Marine has the capability to fulfill his or her duties while operating in a combat environment.
Infantry Training Battalion
Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) is a 59-day course. The mission is to train, mentor and evaluate Infantry Marines in 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 service in the operating forces.
Marine Combat Training Battalion
Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT) is a 29-day course. The mission is to train and conduct standards-based combat skills training of all non-infantry Marines in order to ensure that "every Marine a rifleman" is true regardless of their Military Occupational Specialty. Training includes marksmanship, combat formations and patrolling, as well as other combat related skills.
Camp Geiger
Located in North Carolina, Camp Geiger is home to the School of Infantry, SOI-East, and is a satellite facility of Camp Lejune. Camp Geiger is one of two Schools of Infantry in the United States and is the next step of training for Enlisted Marines who complete Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island.
Camp Pendleton
The School of Infantry-West (SOI-West) is located in Southern California at the Camp Sonofre area of Camp Pendleton. Camp Pendleton is one of two Schools of infantry in the United States and serves as the second stage of training for Enlisted Marines who complete Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
