From Bootcamp to Battlefield: The Intensive Training of Marine Corps Officers at The Basic School

The Basic School is a challenging seven-month program that prepares newly commissioned second lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps for the leadership roles they will take on in the future. This rigorous training program tests officers physically, academically, and tactically to prepare them for combat scenarios.

Chief video correspondent Graham Flanagan spent five days at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, observing five different companies in various stages of training. During their time at The Basic School, Marine Corps officers are trained to lead enlisted Marines in combat situations. As part of this training, officers assume the roles of enlisted Marines to gain firsthand experience with the tasks they will later delegate to their subordinates.

The culminating event of The Basic School is The War, where students are divided into opposing forces and must battle strategically to seize and defend a city. This crucible tests students’ abilities to make quick decisions under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield.

What makes The Basic School unique is its diversity in attendance. In addition to American service members, the program also hosts officers from countries like Greece, the Bahamas, and the Netherlands. This international perspective adds a new dimension to the training program and offers valuable insights into different cultures and approaches to leadership.

Overall, The Basic School is an intense and comprehensive training program that prepares new Marine Corps officers for their leadership roles in combat scenarios. Through physical challenges, academic rigor, and tactical exercises, students develop the skills they need to succeed as leaders on the battlefield.