The Facts

• MCT is designed around the premise that "every Marine is a rifleman." Because the Marine Corps is a fast-moving force often placed in unstable situations, Marines can find themselves involved in combat operations even if their primary job is primarily administrative or logistical. Infantry Marines receive their military occupational specialty (MOS) training at the School of Infantry. All other Marines receive a monthlong period of instruction in infantry tactics in addition to their MOS training. This infantry instruction is what comprises MCT.
  
  

Function

• MCT instills an appreciation for tactics and combat-related responses that build on basic military skills learned in boot camp. Unlike boot camp, which stresses issues of military protocol and close order drill, MCT builds field awareness. Prolonged road marches promote physical fitness as required in combat situations. Firearms training further emphasizes the advantage of squad-level maneuvering and platoon-directed fields of fire. In essence, the science of warfighting is foregrounded.
  
  

Geography

• MCT occurs in two different areas of the country. Marines recruited from the Eastern United States go to Camp Lejeune, N.C., a boggy area notorious for mosquitoes and deer ticks. Marines recruited from the Western United States attend MCT at Camp Pendleton, Calif., an area with forbidding mountainous terrain that tests stamina and strength on prolonged road marches. Each of these areas offer challenging climates, including extreme heat and occasional flooding.
  
  

Effects

• Because MCT allows the Marines to develop a more broadly competent fighting force, the Marine Corps can often deploy traditionally support-oriented units into areas of hostility. This flexibility allows the corps to accomplish missions in a timely fashion without having to wait for security from heavier ground combat units.
  
  

Considerations

• While MCT is successful in its goal of general preparedness, not every Marine unit is suited for direct combat situations in pitched battle. The idea of MCT is to prepare Marines in successful defensive and/or ad hoc roles; however, non-infantry units are not properly experienced or supported to take an offensive role in prolonged ground combat encounters.