Summer Military Training

D. Robinson

5-Year Member
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Nov 3, 2010
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When I was reviewing the USMA website, I read that cadets have the opportunity to attend Cadet Basic Training their first year. The second year, they attend Cadet Field Training. Finally, advanced training follows such as jump school, air assault, etc. Many of these courses emphasize ground combat training.

Since I am interested in becoming an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, I am also interested in the same training opportunities. Are midshipmen offered similar courses for those desiring the Corps? If not, is there a way to attend those courses with USMA cadets?
 
When i visited the Academy one of the first years (senior) i spoke to had service selected the marine corps and had gone to jump school. Not sure how exactly he was able to go but he definitely had gone. Not sure about the other programs ex. air assault though.
 
Marines from USMA might be difficult but not impossible. Those selecting MC at USNA usually do "Leatherneck" or "Leatherhead" as my wife calls it between Junior and Senior year at Quantico. Don't know about jump school. That is usually reserved for USMA and I think done at Benning. Most Marines don't jump, they wade.:biggrin:
 
Thank you for the replies and information.

If I cannot attend jump school at USNA, then I guess all I can do is hope to obtain an MOS after TBS that will allow me to do so.
 
USNA has been sending midshipmen to Jump School for decades. I am not sure of the access to the other programs, but would think it would depend upon availability of vacancies in the program and NAVY's perception of appropriateness for the applicant(s). Keep in mind USNA's stated mission.
 
My understanding is that spots for jump-schoolers for USNA candidates were nixed, starting 3 summers back. Some had been assigned then cancelled.

In any case, I doubt many USMC leathernecks would see their training as comparable to USMA. They'll be quick to tell you that while both have their place, Marines should have markedly different role than soldiers.
 
My understanding is that spots for jump-schoolers for USNA candidates were nixed, starting 3 summers back. Some had been assigned then cancelled.

In any case, I doubt many USMC leathernecks would see their training as comparable to USMA. They'll be quick to tell you that while both have their place, Marines should have markedly different role than soldiers.

When I was at USNA (2 yrs ago), jump school/air assault slots were usually fairly limited. There would be some sort of physical screening advertised to the Brigade (usually a PFT in boots/camis followed by further physical training). This would weed out the number of candidates to a realistic number.
Like Whistle Pig said, I have heard of the slots being nixed at the last minute, usually due to the Army needing the slots for some other unit. While it's definitely a fun opportunity, USNA mids are never a high priority for that kind of training. If you are able to get to jump school, then you are allowed to wear your jump wings once you commission. However, since Air Assault school is not recognized as a qualification by the Navy/USMC, you don't get to wear that insignia.

If they still offer it, it'll be a pain to get a slot, and it's definitely not necessary for your future career, as any field that requires it (SEALs, EOD, USMC Recon) will send you to the school anyway.

On the plus side though, my buddies that were lucky enough to go had an amazing time doing it. I did also have a friend who was lucky enough to go to Ranger school while a mid. He was the only one I know that was able to pull it off though, and he had to split the course amongst 2 of his USNA summers. Bottom line: If it's not one of the "normal" summer training opportunities, it'll be competitive to get, and probably require some leg work on your part.
 
My Mid was interested in attending jump school and/or dive school as part of his upperclass Summer Training. According to his comments those selective and challenging courses were discontinued for mids by the last USNA administration (budget cuts ?)... but there's always a chance they'll be offered again in the near future....Semper Gumby:thumb:
 
Once again, thank you for the replies. Very enlightening information.

I hope that these schools will be offered when I hope to attend. :thumb:

Just out of curiosity, AF6872 mentioned those selecting the Corps can attend courses at Quantico. Does anyone know what these courses entail?
 
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Marine Training

This may be a bit out of date; however, its definitely relevant. In terms of each years options for Marine training:

PLEBE SUMMER
Interestingly enough all Plebes attend Plebe Summer.

YOUNGSTER SUMMER
I've had friends who went to Jump SchoolDive School during this time. Otherwise its grey-hull time and maybe some CSNTS.

SECOND-CLASS SUMMER
Marine Corps TRAining for MIDshipmen (MCTRAMID)
-Not sure if this program still exists, but you used to be able to go to Quantico, Yuma, Pendleton, or Lejeune for two weeks of Marine exposure
PROfessional TRAining for MIDshipmen (PROTRAMID)
-While many other communities are also given exposure, the Marines get their crack at it too.

FIRSTIE SUMMER
Leatherneck
-Very important. Generally, must do either this or a MAGTF cruise with rare exception. Not wholly indicative of life as a Marine Officer. Gives a general overview of life at TBS. At the cyclic rate. Some classes have seen a dramatic downturn in the appeal of the Marine Corps after having attended this program. I personally believe this is because some people don't possess: 1) enough of a sense of humor, and/or 2) perspective (i.e. holding the longview of leading Marines).
Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Cruise
-2/3 weeks experiencing the life of a company grade officer in the MAGTF. Experiences vary widely based on location, unit assigned, and officer assigned as a running-mate.
Plebe Detail/Cadre
-Seen as an important leadership step by the Marine Selection Board.

This is what I have observed. I also know of Midshipmen participating in CFT up at USMA. They were aggressively scouted by the Marines. Any hint of wanting to be in the mud will get their attention. I also have a friend (a recent grad of USMA) who commissioned as a 2ndLt (notice: not a 2LT). He is currently at TBS and got selected to be an Infantry Officer. So far as I know he is the only Marine officer from his class at USMA. I know of one other from the previous class year. Both of their father's were retired Marine Officers, and the did extensive work to get cross commissioned. Both actually attended Leatherneck as Secondclassmen. Its a rough road to travel.
 
Could be on the money. I believe one exception that pertains to the original inquiry ...I don't believe there's any more jump school for Mids. I know they bagged it a couple summers back, and don't believe it's been reinitiated. Now one can learn to fly a glider, but if it runs outta wind ...well, on your own.
 
This may be a bit out of date; however, its definitely relevant. In terms of each years options for Marine training:

PLEBE SUMMER
Interestingly enough all Plebes attend Plebe Summer.

YOUNGSTER SUMMER
I've had friends who went to Jump SchoolDive School during this time. Otherwise its grey-hull time and maybe some CSNTS.

SECOND-CLASS SUMMER
Marine Corps TRAining for MIDshipmen (MCTRAMID)
-Not sure if this program still exists, but you used to be able to go to Quantico, Yuma, Pendleton, or Lejeune for two weeks of Marine exposure
PROfessional TRAining for MIDshipmen (PROTRAMID)
-While many other communities are also given exposure, the Marines get their crack at it too.

FIRSTIE SUMMER
Leatherneck
-Very important. Generally, must do either this or a MAGTF cruise with rare exception. Not wholly indicative of life as a Marine Officer. Gives a general overview of life at TBS. At the cyclic rate. Some classes have seen a dramatic downturn in the appeal of the Marine Corps after having attended this program. I personally believe this is because some people don't possess: 1) enough of a sense of humor, and/or 2) perspective (i.e. holding the longview of leading Marines).
Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Cruise
-2/3 weeks experiencing the life of a company grade officer in the MAGTF. Experiences vary widely based on location, unit assigned, and officer assigned as a running-mate.
Plebe Detail/Cadre
-Seen as an important leadership step by the Marine Selection Board.

This is what I have observed. I also know of Midshipmen participating in CFT up at USMA. They were aggressively scouted by the Marines. Any hint of wanting to be in the mud will get their attention. I also have a friend (a recent grad of USMA) who commissioned as a 2ndLt (notice: not a 2LT). He is currently at TBS and got selected to be an Infantry Officer. So far as I know he is the only Marine officer from his class at USMA. I know of one other from the previous class year. Both of their father's were retired Marine Officers, and the did extensive work to get cross commissioned. Both actually attended Leatherneck as Secondclassmen. Its a rough road to travel.

Are you still in contact with your friend who was cross commissioned? I'd be very interested in speaking with him to learn what exactly entailed this course of action. Although both are great academies, I'm getting the vibe the USMA might give me better experience and training leading troops on the ground. I, too, want to be an Marine infantry officer.
 
Although both are great academies, I'm getting the vibe the USMA might give me better experience and training leading troops on the ground. I, too, want to be an Marine infantry officer.

While I agree that USMA is probably more infantry oriented, I definitely wouldn't suggest going there planning to cross-commission. If their cross commissioning program is anything like USNA's is (I researched cross commissioning to USCG prior to USNA graduation), then it will be extremely competitive. In addition, you will probably have to provide some compelling reason to convince the Army to release you to the Marines (ie, family history of USMC service, a job thats available in the USMC that the Army doesn't offer, etc..) I really would recommend against going to USMA with the goal of becoming a Marine officer. You will get more than adequately trained to be a Marine infantry officer at TBS and IOC (infantry officer's course) once you graduate USNA.
 
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