The Unique Challenges of The Basic School: Rigorously Training Marine Corps Officers for Leadership Roles

The Basic School is a seven-month program that rigorously trains newly commissioned second lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps. Designed to physically, academically, and tactically prepare officers for the leadership roles they will assume in the future, this intense program challenges them to their limits. As chief video correspondent Graham Flanagan spent five days inside The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, he observed five different companies in various stages of training.

Inside The Basic School, Marine Corps officers are trained to lead enlisted Marines in combat scenarios. Part of this training involves officers taking on the roles of enlisted Marines themselves to gain firsthand experience in the tasks they will later delegate to their subordinates. This hands-on approach allows officers to better understand and communicate with their troops, ultimately leading to more effective leadership.

The culminating event of The Basic School is The War, a crucible where students are divided into opposing forces and must strategically battle to seize and defend a city. This high-stakes simulation provides officers with an opportunity to put their skills and knowledge into practice under pressure. Through this exercise, they learn how to make split-second decisions and adapt to changing circumstances, essential skills for any military leader.

What makes The Basic School truly unique is its diversity in attendance. In addition to American service members, the program also hosts officers from countries like Greece, the Bahamas, and the Netherlands. This international perspective adds a rich layer of complexity to the training program, exposing students to different cultures and ways of thinking. By working alongside fellow officers from around the world, they gain valuable insights that broaden their understanding of global affairs and enhance their leadership skills.

Overall, The Basic School offers a glimpse into the intense and comprehensive training that new Marine Corps officers undergo as they prepare for leadership roles in the field. Through physical challenges, academic rigor, and tactical exercises like The War