At Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, a rigorous seven-month training program takes place that challenges new United States Marine Corps officers both physically, academically, and tactically. As Chief video correspondent Graham Flanagan discovered during his five-day visit to the facility, this training is unique in its approach to preparing officers for the future.
One of the standout aspects of The Basic School training is the hands-on experience that Marine Corps officers are sometimes required to have as enlisted Marines. This allows them to better understand the tasks they will be commanding their subordinates to perform in the future. By experiencing these tasks firsthand, officers gain a deeper understanding of each role within the Marine Corps and are better prepared to lead their troops effectively.
The culmination of this intense training is a final test known as The War. During this exercise, students are divided into opposing forces and must use their strategic skills to battle for control of a simulated city. This final test pushes students to their limits and prepares them for the challenges they may face in real combat situations. It’s an opportunity for students to put all their knowledge into practice and demonstrate their readiness for leadership roles within the military.
What makes The Basic School unique is not only its rigorous training but also its diversity. In addition to American students, service members from other countries like Greece, the Bahamas, and the Netherlands also train there. This international collaboration provides a unique opportunity for military personnel from different countries to learn from each other and strengthen relationships between different military forces. It also promotes a shared understanding of military strategies and tactics which is essential for today’s globalized world.
