Marine training - Research Paper Example

Marine Training of the of the Marine Training Introduction Becoming a US marine is an enviable dream. However it takestons of dedication, commitment and hard work, not to forget blood, sweat and tears in order to emerge through the training that makes for a full blooded Marine. We will recount all the stages here. Boot Camp The Marine Corps Boot Camp is a program of initial training that every person desiring to be recruited as a US Marine has to go through and complete successfully if he or she wants to join the US Marine Corps.

At present there are two facilities for the Marine Corps Boot Camp in the USA. These have been termed as Marine Corps Recruitment Depots (MRCDs) and are located at San Diego in California and Parris Island in South Carolina. The boot camp consists of a thirteen week cycle. It begins with an initial phase of in-forming or processing, followed by 3 Phases numbered in that order. It begins with a greeting by a Drill Instructor, acquaintance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and making their first formation.

After they complete their paperwork, they are issued a service rifle, are given vaccines and medical tests and are issued uniforms and toiletries. Three days later is the Initial Strength Test (shortened version of the PFT) where males are required to complete 2 pullups, 35 crunches in 2 minutes and run 1.5 miles in 13:30 minutes or less. For females, they have to hang on a bar with arms bent for 2 minutes, do the crunches and run the 1.5 miles in up to 15 minutes. Next comes Black Friday, where the Recruits meet their Drill Instructor and Company Commander, are made to recite the Drill Instructors Creed and are drilled physically, mentally and psychologically by the Drill Instructor.

In Phase One of Boot Camp, recruits are taught to use marine specific language and terminology. They learn to address everyone in third person, and speed, intensity and volume of voice is appreciated. Recruits also learn close order drill, the use of mnemonics and muscle memory. They are acquainted with their rifle, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, are expected to conduct 2 pugil stick fights and complete the obstacle course. Phase Two introduces the recruits to field training, marksmanship and Team Week.

Grass Week (for field training) and Firing Week (for marksmanship training) precede Team Week. In Phase Three recruits are taught to perform in more realistic conditions, learn Basic Warrior Training and take the PFT and written examination, both of which they must pass to qualify. Culmination of Phase Three is indicated with the Crucible, a challenging 54 hour field training exercise. Passing this test signifies that one has become a Marine, which is followed by Graduation Week. Inspection by the Battalion Commander and Family Day are part of this event (usmilitary.about.com).

MCI: Marine Combat Training After completion of recruit training, all US non-infantry Marines are required to undergo Marine Combat Training. MCT comprises a 29 day course. The Marine Combat Training Battalion trains all entry-level, non-infantry marines in basic infantry skills and knowledge required of a rifleman in order to enable them to effectively perform as a member of a provisional rifle squad in a combat environment. It reflects the belief that every marine is first and foremost a rifleman.

In this course, marines master basic skills related to combat marksmanship, how to counter improvised explosive devices, defending a position, about convoy operations and combat formations, creating assaults as a fire team, patrolling, using a radio, how to conduct and report military intelligence information, land navigation, how to use hand grenades, a grenade launcher, a rocket launcher, a machine gun and an automatic weapon (www.marines.mil). Training also includes combat conditioning by completing the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, conducting hikes, running an obstacle course and other physical training.

Upon successful completion of the course, Marines report to their respective MOS training schools located across the USA. MOS: Marine Specialty Schools The USMC prepares Marines for a specific career or occupation at these Marine Specialty Schools. For instance there are chances to be trained and placed in Personnel and Administration, either as a unit dairy clerk, administrative clerk, postal clerk or personnel clerk. MOS intelligence training is a specialized field concerned with collecting and relaying information and dispatches that are strategic and time sensitive.

Training in message analysis, linguistics, deciphering and encoding signals and cryptology would be needed here. Infantry training is another specialty field including positions such as LAV crewman, machine gunner, mortar man or rifleman. MOS in data communications and technology would involve training as programmers, ground radar repair or small computer systems specialist (www.ehow.com). MCI: Marine Corps Institute The MCI or Marine Corps Institute is responsible for the development and maintenance of the Marine Corps curriculum.

Subjects include infantry strategy and tactics, mathematics, MOS qualifications, leadership skills and personal finance. Completion of MCI courses is generally needed to be promoted to the next enlisted rank in the Marines. It was established in 1920 and is headquartered at the Washington Naval Yard in the US capital. The MCI provides access to products for marines and give them many opportunities to improve their individual performance by enhancing the role of Professional Military Education, thereby providing opportunities for promotion opportunity as well as sponsoring Marine Corps education and training programs.

The MCI has also been entrusted with coordinating and executing the Hosting and Parade Escort Plan for the Evening and Sunset Parades, while at the same time providing ceremonial Officers and NCOs for the Parade Staffs and other assigned events, so as to promote the Marine Corps heritage and enhance the Marine Corps’ image in the eyes of the general public. The MCI Company also maintains individual MOS and battle skills proficiency both for garrison and field environments in order to prepare the individual marine for combat situations (www.mci.usmc.mill). Since 1977, it is also possible to complete written studies and qualifications in MCI through distance learning programs.

NCO School: Noncommissioned Officer School Non-commissioned officers comprise those marines who have not been given a military commission. They comprise of the grades of corporal or sergeant, and include both junior NCOs and senior NCOs. The NCOs form the backbone of the service, as they are the lot from which leaders and trainers are taken. NCO schools in the USA such as the Fire Center of Excellence, Oklahoma offers such training and specialized courses as Warrior Leader course, FA Advanced Leader Course, ADA Advanced Leader Course, Field Artillery Senior Leader Course, Air Defense Artillery Senior Leader Course and the Battle Staff NCO Course (sill-www.army.mil/usancoa).

The NCO School is a free to join open community of US Army soldiers that help in-service personnel who are faced with battle ready situations and also help develop manuals, training material and educational curriculum (www.ncoschool.com). References The NCO School website at www.ncoschool.com. Accessed on 19 July 2011. Fires Center of Excellence, NCO Military Academy website at http://sill-www.army.mil/usancoa/. Accessed on 19 July 2011. Official website of the US Marine Corps Institute at www.mci.usmc.mill. Accessed on 19 July 2011.

Information on the USMC MOS schools and occupations at ehow.com. Accessed on 19 July 2011. Website of the Marine Combat Training Battalion at www.marines.mil/unit/tecom/soieast/mct/Pages/newmct.aspx. . Accessed on 19 July 2011. Surviving marine boot camp training at usmilitary.about.com/od/marinejoin/a/marinebasic.htm. Accessed on 19 July 2011.