The United States Marine Corps is known for being always ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. However, Marines spend much more time in their home stations between deployments than they do overseas. So what exactly do Marines do on a day-to-day basis when they are not deployed? Here is an overview of the typical activities, training, and duties of Marines when their units are not deployed.
Typical Daily Routine
Marines adhere to a strict daily schedule, even during home station periods. A typical day starts early, usually around 5-6 AM with physical training (PT). PT involves running, strength training, martial arts, swimming, and other physical activities. After cleaning up from PT, Marines eat breakfast at the chow hall. Then the bulk of the day is spent on equipment maintenance, training exercises, classes, and various other unit tasks.
Here is an example daily schedule for a Marine:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0530 | Wake up and personal hygiene |
| 0600 | Morning PT |
| 0730 | Breakfast |
| 0800 | Work call – maintenance, training, tasks |
| 1200 | Lunch |
| 1300 | Continue work |
| 1700 | End of workday |
Of course, this schedule can vary depending on specific job duties and training requirements on a given day or week. But Marines can expect to keep busy during their workdays even when not deployed.
Fitness Training
Physical fitness is a critical part of being a Marine. When not deployed, a large portion of the Marines’ daily routine is dedicated to fitness training and conditioning. As mentioned above, every day starts with morning PT. The types of physical training vary each day – common activities include:
- Running – long distance runs, sprints, formation runs
- Calisthenics – pushups, situps, pullups, burpees
- Weightlifting – strength training
- Swimming – unit PT at the pool
- Martial arts – hand-to-hand combat training
- Organized sports – football, basketball, soccer, etc.
Marines also regularly conduct fitness tests including pullups, crunches, and 3-mile timed runs to assess their physical readiness. Passing these tests is mandatory. Fitness training peaks in the months leading up to deployment as units intensify their conditioning. Proper nutrition and diet are also critical for Marines to maintain peak physical conditioning.
Job Specialty Training
When not deployed, much of a Marine’s time is spent training for their specific job specialty. Marines have very technically skilled occupations including infantry, artillery, aviation, logistics, engineering, communications, and more. Keeping these skills sharp is a priority.
For example, infantry Marines will spend many days conducting tactical training at ranges and mock operational sites. Artillerymen train extensively on firing howitzers safely and accurately. Aviation maintenance crews practice servicing and repairing helicopters and jets. Logistics Marines rehearse loading and unloading ships and trucks quickly and efficiently.
Job specialty training ensures Marines retain the specialized abilities that make them effective warfighters on the battlefield. Proficiency fades quickly without constant practice. So days are filled with hands-on training relevant to each Marine’s role.
General Military Training
In addition to job-specific training, Marines must complete regular military education on common combat skills, regulations, and protocols. Some examples of general training that all Marines perform include:
- Weapons qualification – regularly practicing firing rifles, pistols, machine guns, etc.
- Martial arts – expanding hand-to-hand combat abilities
- Swim qualification – proving water survival skills
- Drivers training – licensing for military vehicles
- First aid – refresh Combat Lifesaver skills
- Military regulations and standards
- Sexual assault/harrassment prevention
Much of this training is done annually to ensure Marines retain critical military knowledge and skills regardless of their assigned job field.
Unit Cohesion Activities
An important use of non-deployed time for Marines is bonding and strengthening relationships within their units. Marine units function extremely effectively in combat because of the close teamwork and camaraderie between members.
Some unit cohesion activities that Marines do together include:
- Sports days -friendly competitions in football, basketball, etc.
- Barbeques or cookouts
- Hiking as a unit
- Happy hours or social events at base clubs
- Volunteering together at charitable events
These team-building activities allow Marines to develop the trust and confidence in each other that is critical when deploying to combat.
Inspections and Ceremonies
In addition to training, Marines spend time preparing for mandatory inspections and ceremonies. Some examples include:
- Barracks room inspections – rooms must meet meticulous standards
- Uniform inspections – Marines’ uniforms and grooming are inspected
- Command inspections – commanders review unit readiness
- Parades – units march in formations for ceremonies
- Change of command/responsibility – formal transition of unit leadership
- Awards ceremonies – honoring top Marines’ achievements
These activities exhibit Marines’ professional appearance, discipline, and unit pride. They are seen as integral to the Corps’ high standards and readiness.
Base/Station Tasks
Marines are expected to assist with general tasks needed to keep their base or station running smoothly. These duties can include:
- Base/building beautification – groundskeeping, painting, cleaning
- Staffing gates or duty posts
- Armory or supply room duty
- Mess hall duty – serving food, washing dishes
- Staffing headquarters or operations offices
These activities are often assigned on a rotational duty roster. They inculcate a spirit of service before self in the Marines.
Professional Development
Personal and professional growth is also emphasized during home station periods. Some examples include:
- College classes – Marines take courses for degrees
- Military schools – specialized skill training at MOS schools or leadership academies
- Online training/distance education
- Reading and self-study for advancement exams
These opportunities allow motivated Marines to advance their careers even when not deployed.
Off Duty Time
Marines have some free time after the end of each work day and on weekends during home station periods. Typical off duty activities include:
- Working out at base gym
- Intramural sports
- Hobbies – video games, cars, reading, hunting/fishing, etc.
- Visiting nearby towns and cities
- Spending time with family who live nearby
- Part-time jobs or education
Of course, Marines must still adhere to military standards and rules during their off hours. But this downtime is important for morale and work-life balance when not deployed.
Pre-deployment Training
In the months leading up to a scheduled deployment, Marines shift their training to focus intensively on combat readiness. Activities intensify to mirror the rigors and tempo of operational deployments. Some examples include:
- Live-fire exercises and qualification
- Large scale field exercises simulating combat scenarios
- Training with equipment and weapons Marines will use overseas
- Extensive tactical drills relevant to the deployment region
- Cultural/language training for the deployment area
- First aid and combat trauma rehearsals
This pre-deployment training cycle ensures that Marines are fully prepared to succeed in any operations they are tasked with once deployed.
Conclusion
While deployments represent only a small fraction of a Marine’s career, this time is precious for honing skills, conditioning, and education. Marines have a saying of “train as you fight” – home station activities aim to ingrain the high standards of professionalism, readiness, and lethality that are the hallmarks of the Marines. Whether training for their specialty, participating in team building activities, working on base, or during limited off-duty time, Marines ensure that both their bodies and minds stay sharp to remain America’s premier expeditionary fighting force.