When it comes to the United States Marine Corps, there’s no doubt that Camp Lejeune serves as one of the most significant installations for the institution. It’s a sprawling base, covering over 246 square miles, and is home to over 170,000 active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel. However, the question remains, do all Marines go to Camp Lejeune at some point in their career?
The answer is no. While Camp Lejeune serves as a crucial base for training, deployment, and combat readiness, not all Marines will find themselves stationed at this installation. The Marine Corps has numerous bases and stations throughout the United States and overseas, allowing for a diverse range of experiences and opportunities for service members.
No, not all Marines go to Camp Lejeune. While it is a major Marine Corps base located in North Carolina, Marines may be stationed at other bases throughout the United States or abroad. Camp Lejeune is primarily home to the II Marine Expeditionary Force and its subordinate units, but there are many other Marine Corps bases and installations that serve different purposes and missions.
Do All Marines Go to Camp Lejeune?
If you’re considering a career in the United States Marine Corps, you might be wondering if all Marines go to Camp Lejeune. This iconic military base is located near Jacksonville, North Carolina, and it’s home to thousands of Marines and their families. However, not every Marine will spend time at Camp Lejeune during their service. Here’s what you need to know.
Basic Training and Marine Combat Training
Every Marine goes through basic training and Marine Combat Training (MCT). Basic training is located at one of two locations, depending on your gender. Women go to Parris Island, South Carolina, while men go to San Diego, California. After completing basic training, all Marines attend MCT. This training happens at Camp Pendleton, California, or Camp Geiger, North Carolina.
At MCT, Marines learn the essential skills that they’ll need to succeed in combat. This training is physically and mentally challenging, and it’s designed to simulate real-life combat situations. The training is divided into three phases, and each Marine must pass all three phases to graduate.
Specialty Training
After completing basic training and MCT, Marines move on to specialty training. This training is designed to prepare Marines for their specific job within the Marine Corps. Depending on your job, you may attend specialty training at Camp Lejeune, or you may go to a different location.
For example, if you’re training to become an infantryman, you’ll attend the Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Lejeune. This training lasts for 59 days, and it’s designed to teach Marines the skills they need to be successful in combat. If you’re training to become a mechanic, you’ll attend the Marine Corps Engineer School at Camp Lejeune. This training lasts for several weeks, and it’s designed to teach Marines how to repair and maintain military equipment.
Deployment
Once Marines complete their training, they may be deployed to a location around the world. The Marine Corps has bases and installations in dozens of countries, and Marines are stationed all over the globe. Depending on their job and their unit, Marines may be stationed at Camp Lejeune for part or all of their career.
Benefits of Training at Camp Lejeune
If you are assigned to Camp Lejeune for training, you’ll have the opportunity to train in one of the most iconic military locations in the world. Camp Lejeune has state-of-the-art training facilities, and Marines have access to some of the best training resources available. Additionally, Camp Lejeune is located near beautiful beaches, and Marines stationed there have access to a wide variety of recreational activities.
Camp Lejeune vs. Other Military Bases
While Camp Lejeune is an important location for the Marine Corps, it’s not the only place where Marines train and work. There are dozens of military bases around the world, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
For example, some Marines may prefer to be stationed in a more urban environment, while others may prefer a more rural location. Additionally, different bases may have different training facilities and resources available. Some Marines may prefer to be stationed overseas, while others may prefer to be stationed closer to home. Ultimately, the decision of where to station Marines is based on the needs of the Marine Corps and the needs of individual Marines.
Conclusion
While all Marines go through basic training and MCT, not all Marines will go to Camp Lejeune. Whether you’re stationed at Camp Lejeune or another military base, the Marine Corps offers a challenging and rewarding career. If you’re interested in becoming a Marine, talk to a recruiter today to learn more about the opportunities available to you.
| Training | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Training | Parris Island or San Diego | 12 weeks |
| Marine Combat Training | Camp Pendleton or Camp Geiger | 28 days |
| Infantry Training Battalion | Camp Lejeune | 59 days |
| Marine Corps Engineer School | Camp Lejeune | varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Marines go to Camp Lejeune?
Not all Marines go to Camp Lejeune. However, it is one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the United States and serves as the home base for several units. Marines who are assigned to units stationed at Camp Lejeune or who are undergoing training there will spend time at the base. However, there are many other bases and training facilities throughout the country where Marines may be stationed or trained.
Marines may also be deployed overseas or sent to other locations for temporary assignments. So while Camp Lejeune is an important base for the Marine Corps, it is not the only place where Marines may be stationed or trained.
What types of training take place at Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune is home to a variety of training programs for Marines, including basic training for new recruits, specialized training for specific jobs or units, and field exercises for units preparing for deployment. The base also offers training in areas such as marksmanship, combat tactics, and leadership development.
Additionally, Camp Lejeune is home to several schools that provide advanced training for Marines, such as the Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools and the Marine Corps Engineer School. These schools offer specialized training in areas such as logistics, communications, and engineering.
What is life like for Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune?
Life for Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune can vary depending on their job, rank, and unit. However, the base offers a variety of services and amenities to support the needs of Marines and their families, including housing, medical care, recreational facilities, and educational programs.
In addition to their military duties, Marines at Camp Lejeune may also participate in community service projects, volunteer work, and recreational activities. The base is located near several beaches and outdoor recreation areas, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
What is the history of Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune was established in 1941 as a training facility for Marines in preparation for World War II. The base was named after Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps. During World War II, Camp Lejeune served as a training ground for more than 200,000 Marines.
Over the years, Camp Lejeune has continued to serve as an important base for the Marine Corps, providing training and support for Marines involved in conflicts around the world. In recent years, the base has also been the site of environmental concerns related to contaminated water and soil. Efforts are underway to address these issues and ensure the safety of those who live and work at Camp Lejeune.
What is the relationship between the Marine Corps and Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune is an important base for the Marine Corps, serving as the home base for several units and providing training and support for Marines around the world. The Marine Corps is responsible for the operation and management of the base, including providing services and amenities for Marines and their families.
The Marine Corps also works closely with local and state officials to ensure the safety and well-being of those who live and work at Camp Lejeune. The base is an important part of the Marine Corps community and plays a vital role in the readiness and effectiveness of the Marine Corps as a whole.
In conclusion, while Camp Lejeune is a major training ground for the United States Marine Corps, not all Marines will necessarily go there. The Marine Corps has several other bases and training facilities throughout the country, and some Marines may never see Camp Lejeune during their service.
However, for many Marines, Camp Lejeune holds a special place in their hearts. It is where they underwent some of the most challenging and transformative experiences of their lives, and where they formed lifelong bonds with their fellow Marines.
Whether a Marine goes to Camp Lejeune or not, they are part of a proud and storied tradition of service to their country. And that is something that every Marine can take pride in, no matter where their journey takes them.
