13 Weeks to Become a Marine: USMC Boot Camp Schedule

Week 1: Receiving Week

The journey to becoming a United States Marine begins at the Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina, or San Diego, California. The first week, also known as Receiving Week, is designed to introduce new recruits to the Marine Corps’ way of life.

During this week, recruits will receive their initial issue of uniforms and equipment, and they will be assigned to a platoon. They will also undergo medical screenings, receive vaccinations, and complete paperwork.

The primary focus of Receiving Week is to prepare recruits for the challenges that lie ahead. They will learn about the Marine Corps’ core values, such as honor, courage, and commitment, and they will begin to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in boot camp.

Receiving Week Highlights:

• Initial issue of uniforms and equipment
• Medical screenings and vaccinations
• Assignment to a platoon
• Introduction to Marine Corps core values
• Preparation for the challenges of boot camp

Weeks 2-3: Red Phase

The Red Phase is the first phase of boot camp, and it is designed to introduce recruits to the physical and mental challenges of becoming a Marine. During this phase, recruits will learn about the Marine Corps’ history, core values, and traditions.

They will also begin to develop their physical skills, such as running, swimming, and combat training. Recruits will be introduced to the obstacle course, which is a key component of Marine Corps training.

Red Phase Highlights:

• Introduction to Marine Corps history, core values, and traditions
• Development of physical skills, such as running and swimming
• Combat training and introduction to the obstacle course
• Emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie

Weeks 4-5: Red Phase (continued)

During the second part of the Red Phase, recruits will continue to develop their physical and mental skills. They will learn about first aid, map reading, and combat tactics.

Recruits will also participate in a series of challenges, including the obstacle course, the confidence chamber, and the gas chamber. These challenges are designed to test their physical and mental toughness.

Red Phase Highlights (continued):

• Continued development of physical and mental skills
• Introduction to first aid, map reading, and combat tactics
• Participation in challenges, such as the obstacle course and gas chamber
• Emphasis on teamwork and leadership

Weeks 6-7: Gold Phase

The Gold Phase is the second phase of boot camp, and it is designed to introduce recruits to more advanced training. During this phase, recruits will learn about marksmanship, first aid, and combat tactics.

They will also participate in a series of field exercises, including a 10-kilometer hike and a combat simulation. These exercises are designed to test their physical and mental endurance.

Gold Phase Highlights:

• Introduction to marksmanship, first aid, and combat tactics
• Participation in field exercises, such as the 10-kilometer hike and combat simulation
• Emphasis on teamwork and leadership
• Development of problem-solving skills

Weeks 8-9: Gold Phase (continued)

During the second part of the Gold Phase, recruits will continue to develop their skills and knowledge. They will learn about navigation, communications, and combat tactics.

Recruits will also participate in a series of challenges, including a swim test and a combat simulation. These challenges are designed to test their physical and mental toughness.

Gold Phase Highlights (continued):

• Continued development of skills and knowledge
• Introduction to navigation, communications, and combat tactics
• Participation in challenges, such as the swim test and combat simulation
• Emphasis on teamwork and leadership

Weeks 10-11: The Crucible

The Crucible is the final phase of boot camp, and it is designed to test recruits’ physical and mental endurance. During this phase, recruits will participate in a series of challenges, including a 54-hour exercise that simulates combat conditions.

Recruits will also learn about the Marine Corps’ core values and traditions, and they will participate in a series of ceremonies and events that mark their transition from recruit to Marine.

The Crucible Highlights:

• Participation in a series of challenges, including a 54-hour exercise
• Emphasis on teamwork and leadership
• Introduction to Marine Corps core values and traditions
• Transition from recruit to Marine

Week 12: Graduation Week

The final week of boot camp is Graduation Week, during which recruits will prepare for graduation. They will participate in a series of ceremonies and events, including the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor ceremony, which marks their transition from recruit to Marine.

Recruits will also receive their dress uniforms and prepare for the graduation ceremony, which is attended by family and friends.

Graduation Week Highlights:

• Preparation for graduation
• Participation in ceremonies and events, such as the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor ceremony
• Receipt of dress uniforms
• Graduation ceremony

Week 13: Graduation Day

The final day of boot camp is Graduation Day, during which recruits will graduate from boot camp and become United States Marines. They will participate in a ceremony that marks their transition from recruit to Marine, and they will receive their diplomas.

Graduation Day Highlights:

• Graduation ceremony
• Receipt of diplomas
• Transition from recruit to Marine
• Celebration with family and friends

👍 Note: The boot camp schedule is subject to change, and recruits may experience variations in their training. The above information is intended to provide a general overview of the 13-week boot camp schedule.

Table: 13-Week Boot Camp Schedule

Week	Phase	Highlights
1	Receiving Week	Initial issue of uniforms and equipment, medical screenings, assignment to a platoon
2-3	Red Phase	Introduction to Marine Corps history, core values, and traditions, development of physical skills
4-5	Red Phase (continued)	Continued development of physical and mental skills, introduction to first aid, map reading, and combat tactics
6-7	Gold Phase	Introduction to marksmanship, first aid, and combat tactics, participation in field exercises
8-9	Gold Phase (continued)	Continued development of skills and knowledge, introduction to navigation, communications, and combat tactics
10-11	The Crucible	Participation in a series of challenges, including a 54-hour exercise, emphasis on teamwork and leadership
12	Graduation Week	Preparation for graduation, participation in ceremonies and events, receipt of dress uniforms
13	Graduation Day	Graduation ceremony, receipt of diplomas, transition from recruit to Marine

As a new Marine, you will have completed the challenging 13-week boot camp and will be ready to begin your career in the United States Marine Corps. You will have developed the physical and mental skills necessary to succeed in the Corps, and you will have learned about the Marine Corps’ core values and traditions. You will be part of a proud tradition of service and sacrifice, and you will be ready to face the challenges of the future.

Related Terms:

• Parris Island boot camp schedule
• Marine basic training requirements
• Marine Matrix pdf
• Marine basic training locations
• Marine Crucible schedule San Diego