FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

People have a LOT of questions when it comes to the Marine Corps. Especially Marine Corp Boot Camp. The purpose of this post is to answer many of the frequently asked questions that I get on my blog, and in my email. I’m going to answer them to the best of my knowledge, using my personal experiences as a Marine as a guide.

Please feel free to ask me any questions in the comments box regarding the Marine Corps, Boot Camp, Combat Training, Schools, etc. I will answer them via a blog. It doesn’t stop with the military. I love to talk politics, faith and religion, ethics, website and graphic design, sports, basketball, hiking, photography, weapons and more!

Bathroom Breaks In Marine Boot Camp?
Yes, you get them. No, they’re not fun. In the barracks, you might get 60 seconds for 80 recruits to take care of business. Expect half of your stalls and urinals to be broken too.  You’re going to have to save your poops for night time unless you have skills like me. In the field you’ll use port-a-johns. The longest we went without a “head call” was about 3 hours. They tell you to hydrate all the time, but nobody did because we never knew when the next head call would be. Eventually you’ll figure out that there is some sort of schedule.

Can You Repeat The Marine Corps Crucible?
The only way you’ll get to do the Crucible over again is if you get dropped back to another platoon before you graduate. Yes, it has happened. Other than that the only way to do it over again is to get a 100 lbs. pack, a rifle and a Kevlar and go hike 50 miles eating only MREs.

Combat Hunter Course USMC
Refer to Combat Hunter Course for more details.

Do You Get Weekends Off In Basic Training In The USMC?
Hahahahahahahaha. NO. NOT EVEN CLOSE! This is one of the many things that sets the Marine Corps apart from the other branches. You don’t get pampered on the weekends, you don’t get cell phones and apple pie or computer access. Just 3 months of hardcore training.

How Long Is It Between Family Day & Graduation At Marine Corps Boot Camp?
As far as I know, Family Day is always the day RIGHT before graduation. You’ll get 4 hours of free time or “Family Day” the day before graduation. You’ll have graduation practice again that evening and then graduate the next morning.

Do Reservist Go Through Boot Camp?
Yes. Reservist get the same exact training as active duty… you just get to live off base and work a civilian job. Reservist is the way to go if you ask me. Boot camp is the same, combat training is the same and MOS school is the same. You’re mixed in with all of the active duty. They don’t train separately.

How Much Free Time Does A Marine Typically Have During MOS School?
MOS school is completely different from the first 4 months of training. You’ll typically get evenings and weekends off. You’ll get to leave base, order pizza, play video games etc. It is designed to get you prepared for your job and adjusted for the fleet.

Upcoming Questions To Be Answered:
Details On MCT Checkin
What Do You Wear To MCT Checkin?
After MCT, How Soon Will I Checkin To My MOS School?
Is Phase 2 of Boot Camp Easier or Harder?
What Is The  Hardest Thing About Marine Corps Boot Camp?
What Happens If You Fail The Initial Strength Test At Boot Camp?
What Is The Worst Thing About Boot Camp?
Can Marines Take Leave During MOS Training?
Do You Get Holidays Off At MOS School?
What Are Holidays Like At Marine Corps Boot Camp?