About this Unit
The School of Infantry (SOI) is a crucial training establishment within the United States Marine Corps, established in 1988 to provide advanced infantry instruction following recruit training. Divided into SOI-East at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, and SOI-West at Camp Pendleton, California, the SOI trains all newly graduated Marines in combat skills. Infantry Marines attend the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) for specialized infantry instruction, while non-infantry Marines go through Marine Combat Training (MCT) to learn essential battlefield skills. The School of Infantry has played a vital role in preparing Marines for combat operations in conflicts such as the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.
Historical Facts
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The School of Infantry (SOI) is a key training institution in the United States Marine Corps, responsible for training all new Marines in infantry skills after they complete boot camp.
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SOI was established in 1953 at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, to standardize advanced infantry training for Marines before assignment to operational units.
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SOI is divided into two main locations: SOI East at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, and SOI West at Camp Pendleton, California, each serving Marines from the eastern and western recruiting regions respectively.
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SOI offers two primary training tracks: The Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) for Marines with infantry Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), and the Marine Combat Training (MCT) Battalion for non-infantry Marines.
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MCT is a rigorous 29-day course that equips non-infantry Marines with vital combat skills, ensuring that all Marines, regardless of their specialty, are combat-ready.
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ITB is a more intensive program lasting about 59 days, covering weapons systems, tactics, patrolling, and leadership, specifically tailored to future infantry Marines.
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SOI instructors are highly experienced Marines, often selected from the top performers in the fleet, known for their ability to mentor and mold new Marines.
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SOI has adapted its curriculum over the years to reflect changing combat environments, including urban warfare, counter-insurgency, and advanced weapons training.
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Graduates of SOI have participated in every major conflict since the Korean War, making the institution a crucial part of Marine Corps readiness and effectiveness.
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SOI traditions include the "Crucible"-style events, night movements, and realistic battlefield simulations, which foster unit cohesion and mental toughness among Marines.
