The Basic School

If you are selected to serve a leader of Marines you will attend The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Va. Upon completion of TBS, second lieutenants will proceed to either flight training or training for their military occupational specialty (MOS). Once all specialized training is complete, you will be prepared to join the Operating Forces.

The Basic School provides the foundation of professional knowledge and skills necessary for you to effectively command and lead Marines. In the six-month course, TBS will transform you from a newly commissioned officer into a skilled and capable leader. TBS places particular emphasis on the warfighting skills required of an Infantry Platoon Commander. Senior officers will mentor second lieutenants throughout the course of training in TBS, thus giving you the opportunity to develop your own leadership style.

The Basic School provides training that builds leaders.

You will face a demanding swim test at TBS, which includes swimming 40 meters with full gear and weapon, jumping off a 3-meter platform in boots and utilities, and retrieving another Marine's pack from a distance of 25 meters.
You will spend about three weeks on the rifle and pistol range honing marksmanship skills.
You will learn to hike in full combat gear beginning with distances of three miles and building to 15 miles with rifle, pack and helmet.
You will train with live ammunition both on static ranges and moving, live-fire exercises.
You will lead Marines in offensive exercises.
You will put all of your military training to the test near the end of the course in the five-day offensive/defensive exercise and a four-day combat exercise, which begins with a helicopter assault.

Marine Ground

As a Marine Corps ground officer, there are a variety of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS's) available to you. Approximately half way through TBS, you will have the opportunity to indicate preferences for an MOS as well as a geographic duty assignment. You should begin thinking about this opportunity now and give this matter the serious consideration it deserves.

A few points to consider:

The Marines aboard the Naval Academy represent a significant number of the MOS's available and are eager to discuss them with you
Formal instruction at TBS will introduce you to most occupational fields
The officers who serve at TBS represent the majority of occupational fields and welcome your questions at any time
MOS's are awarded on merit and the specific needs of the Marine Corps; most officers will get one of their top three choices
Entry-level MOS schools range in duration from six weeks to six months
After successful completion of TBS, your first assignment will be to an MOS school
The varied nature of these assignments help produce well-rounded Marine Officers capable of leading in many different areas

Marine Aviation

You will be one of the few people in the world qualified to wear the Marine Corps Wings of Gold. You will push your own limits and those of your aircraft as you carry out the mission of Marine Aviation, that of close air support for the ground combat element. With some aircraft capable of flying twice the speed of sound - and often no more than 500 feet off the ground - you will clear the way for Marines advancing toward a target.

In addition to flying their aircraft, pilots are assigned leadership positions within the squadron such as Operations Officer or Maintenance Officer.

Because of the precise demands of the aircraft and their integral role, Marine Corps pilots undergo the longest and most extensive training in the Marine Corps.

Specialized training for Marine Corps Pilots and Naval Flight Officers takes place in three phases:

Pre-flight Training

Training begins with six weeks of basic aviation training in aerodynamics and turbine engines. You will study essential flight rules and other basic subjects that prepare you for your next step.

Primary Flight Training

Near the end of this phase of training, officers are selected to specialize in one type of aircraft: jets, helicopters, tilt rotors or turboprops.

Flight Training

After completing Primary Flight Training, officers report to their designated Advanced Training Naval Air Station to train on specific aircraft. You will log actual flight hours in the cockpit, as well as flight simulator hours. Once this training is completed, you are designated as pilots or Naval Flight Officers.

Marine Cyber

Since 2019, the U.S. Marine Corps has offered an exclusive opportunity for a select number of Midshipmen to secure a Marine cyber contract directly out of the Academy, guaranteeing the coveted Cyberspace Officer MOS. This contract comes with advanced cybersecurity training and ensures assignment to highly technical billets at both MARFORCYBER and within the Fleet Marine Force, giving you unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge technology and real-world cyber operations.

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As a Marine Cyberspace Warfare Officer, you'll be at the forefront of defending our nation's digital infrastructure, including the Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) and Joint Force networks. You'll lead the planning and execution of full-spectrum cyberspace operations, blending operational art with state-of-the-art technology to achieve strategic outcomes against our adversaries. Collaborating with highly skilled teams of Marines and civilians, you'll develop advanced cybersecurity skills and contribute directly to safeguarding our nation and the Marine Corps. If you're ready for a challenging yet rewarding career that combines your passion for technology with a deep sense of duty and service, then becoming a U.S. Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Officer is the perfect pathway for you to make a lasting impact.

To learn more about the process of becoming a Marine Cyberspace Warfare Officer, reach out to your Marine Company mentor or Maj Mathieson in the Center for Cyber Security Studies.

Maj Jacob Mathieson

Cyberspace Warfare Officer

mathieso@usna.edu

Phone: 410-293-0931

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The Marine Corps functions as a unique force, combining ground, aviation and amphibious assets to defend our country and its interests. From joint training that reinforces our relationships with allied countries to antiterrorism missions to secure key ports, Marines are prepared to win, wherever the battle takes them.

To explore the career options available to Marine Corps Officers in Ground Combat, Aviation Combat, and Combat Support upon graduating from The Basic School, explore the link below.