Marine Corps Officers Embark on Rigorous Seven-Month Training Program: Inside Look at ‘The Basic School’ and ‘The War’

At Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, a rigorous seven-month training program is underway to produce new United States Marine Corps officers. Chief video correspondent Graham Flanagan was granted access to spend five days inside The Basic School, where he observed five different companies going through various stages of training.

One of the unique aspects of this training is that Marine Corps officers are sometimes required to play the roles of enlisted Marines. This hands-on experience enables them to better comprehend the tasks they will command their subordinates to perform in the future. The goal is to ensure that officers have a thorough understanding of each role within the Marine Corps.

The final test for this training program is known as The War. During this intense exercise, students are divided into opposing forces and must use their strategic skills to battle for control of a simulated city. This final challenge pushes students to their limits and prepares them for the challenges they may face in real combat situations.

In addition to American students, The Basic School also hosts service members from other countries like Greece, the Bahamas, and the Netherlands. These international trainees provide a unique opportunity for collaboration and learning, strengthening relationships between different military forces and promoting a shared understanding of military strategies and tactics.