Marine Corps Knowledge
Becoming a Marine takes more than hard work, sweat, and rifle marksmanship. It means being educated on the history, customs and courtesies, rank structure, and operational guidelines of the Marine Corps. Recruit training is balanced between physical fitness, close-order drill, and classroom time where recruits begin to learn “Marine Corps Knowledge.”
Recruits are issued a handbook that Drill Instructors refer to as “recruit knowledge,” but learning about the Corps and how to be a better Marine is a career-long process. On this page, we will list a great deal of what you’ll be expected to learn as a United States Marine Corps recruit. But there’s no way we could list everything.
Click on the articles below to learn what Marine Corps Knowledge recruits are expected to know and memorize during basic training. You can get a head start here before even getting to the yellow footprints!
Recent Marine Corps Knowledge Articles
The Complete Marine Corps Boot Camp Schedule (updated for 2023)
Updated on June 8th, 2022 — the complete Marine Corps Boot Camp schedule for 2023. Marine Corps Boot Camp consists of four main phases. Recruit receiving, 1st phase, 2nd phase, and 3rd phase. Every single enlisted Marine that serves on active duty has to go
What Can You Bring to Marine Boot Camp? A Complete Guide
Many future recruits ask: what can you bring to Marine Boot Camp? The short answer is that the Marine Corps will issue you everything you need, including underwear and running shoes (which will now be referred to as “go-fasters”). But there are certain things you will want to include.
What Does Semper Fi Mean to the Marine Corps?
Every Marine knows what Semper Fidelis means, and it’s not just about loyalty to country or unit. It is a code of honor since adopted in 1883 by Colonel Charles McCawley, 8th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis is a Latin phrase meaning “always
4 Weapons Safety Rules | Marine Corps Firearm Safety
Firearm safety is paramount to a United States Marine during the entire length of their enlistment or career, regardless of their MOS, or military occupation specialty. And it begins in boot camp when you learn the Marine Corps’ 4 weapons safety rules. As a Marine
Marine Corps Terminology and Acronyms for Recruits
The United States Marine Corps has a rich history. Born on November 10, 1775, the Continental Marines were founded to serve aboard naval ships as marksmen and security forces. They were infantry who could fight just as well on land as they did at sea.
Marine Corps Ranks | Enlisted and Officer Ranks
Marine Corps recruits must learn all Marine Corps Ranks from Private to General, including enlisted, officers, and warrant officers. Marine Corps customs and courtesies require junior Marines to address all senior Marines by their rank, which is denoted by a rank insignia device, usually worn
