Inside The Crucible: A Journalist’s Unique Glimpse into the U.S. Marine Corps Basic School

As a journalist, I had the privilege to spend five days inside The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. Here, I observed five different companies going through various stages of training. The rigorous seven-month program that these new United States Marine Corps officers are put through challenges them physically, academically, and tactically.

One of the unique aspects of the training at The Basic School is that Marine Corps officers are sometimes required to play the roles of enlisted Marines. This hands-on experience allows them to better understand the tasks that they will be commanding their subordinates to perform in the future. By ensuring that officers have a thorough understanding of each role within the Marine Corps, this training prepares them for success as leaders in their field.

The culmination of The Basic School training is a crucible 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 test is designed to push students to their limits and prepare 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. Training alongside American officers provides a unique opportunity for international collaboration and learning. This diverse environment helps to strengthen relationships between different military forces and promotes a shared understanding of military strategies and tactics.

Overall, my time at The Basic School was an eye-opening experience that showcased the dedication and commitment of these future Marine Corps leaders. Their rigorous training program will undoubtedly prepare them for success in any situation they may face on the battlefield or beyond.