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What happens if you don’t pass basic training in the Marines?

Here are some quick answers to key questions about what happens if you don’t pass basic training in the Marines:

Can you fail Marine basic training?

Yes, it is possible to fail and get sent home from Marine basic training, which is also known as recruit training. Reasons for failing include not meeting physical fitness standards, not passing required tests, getting injured, or displaying poor conduct.

What happens if you fail Marine basic training?

If you fail basic training, you will be discharged from the Marines. The type of discharge depends on why you failed. Failing for medical reasons leads to an uncharacterized entry level separation. Failing for other reasons typically leads to an uncharacterized discharge.

Can you try Marine basic training again?

In most cases, if you fail basic training you cannot attempt it again. The Marines spend a lot of time and money training recruits, so they are very selective. However, there are some instances where someone who failed previously can get approved for a second attempt if the reason for failing was out of their control.

Do you have to repay your signing bonus?

If you received an enlistment bonus and do not successfully complete basic training, then yes you will have to repay a prorated amount of the bonus. The amount repaid will depend on how many months you served before being discharged.

What other options do you have if you fail Marine basic training?

If you are discharged from the Marines after failing basic training, you have a few options:

– Consider joining another military branch – Each branch has different training and standards, so you may be able to pass basic in a different branch.

– Attend college – You can use military benefits like the GI Bill to help pay for college if you qualify based on time served.

– Find a civilian job – Seek employment in the private sector and reconsider military service later on.

– Improved fitness – Spend time improving physical abilities and apply for the Marines again later on. Meeting fitness standards is key.

Can you switch to a different MOS if you fail the AIT portion?

If you make it through Marine basic training but fail the Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for your assigned Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), you may be able to switch to a different MOS. However, it depends why you failed AIT and if you are still motivated to serve. Other factors include aptitude scores and the current needs of the Marine Corps.

What type of discharge do you get if you fail Marine basic training?

The most common type of discharge for failing basic training is an entry-level separation. This means you are separated from the military before completing at least 180 days of service.

An uncharacterized entry level separation is neither honorable nor less than honorable. It is considered an administrative discharge prior to completion of training.

Can you appeal being discharged for failing Marine basic training?

Yes, every Marine who is being discharged, including for failure to complete basic training, has the right to appeal. You would need to submit a written statement explaining why your discharge should be overturned. Valid reasons include discrimination, important information was ignored, or standards were improperly applied. There is no guarantee an appeal will be approved.

Conclusion

Failing Marine Corps basic training can end your military career before it really begins. Those who wash out will be sent home without completing training and discharged from the Marines. You can appeal a discharge, but will likely need to pursue college or the civilian job market instead. To avoid this outcome, prepare both mentally and physically for the intense challenges of recruit training. Passing basic is required to move forward as a Marine.

The Marine Corps Basic Training Overview

Marine Corps basic training, also known as recruit training, is a 13 week program all enlisted Marines must complete to become a Marine. It is considered one of the toughest basic training programs of any military branch. Here is an overview of what to expect during basic training for the Marine Corps:

Overview of the 13 Weeks

Marine Corps basic training takes place at one of two locations: Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina or Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in California. Training lasts 13 weeks and is divided into stages:

  • Processing (1 week) – Initial orientation and gear issue
  • Phase 1 (3 weeks) – Physical training and Marines culture immersion
  • Phase 2 (4 weeks) – Field skills like marksmanship, first aid, and chemical training
  • Phase 3 (3 weeks) – The Crucible culminating event and emblem ceremony
  • Maintenance & Recovery (1 week) – Preparation for graduation
  • Graduation (1 week) – Final drill, ceremony, and off to next assignment

Physical Fitness Standards

Marine Corps basic training is extremely physically demanding. Recruits must meet strict fitness standards to graduate that get more challenging as training progresses. Requirements include:

Fitness Test Event Male Standard Female Standard
3-Mile Run 28:00 min 31:00 min
100m Sprint 12 sec 15 sec
Ammunition Can Lifts 10 reps 6 reps
Pull-ups 5 reps Flexed-Arm Hang
Crunches 50 reps in 2 min 50 reps in 2 min

Key Training Events

Some major events that happen during Marine basic training include:

  • The Crucible – A 54-hour culminating field training exercise full of physical challenges and little sleep.
  • Recruit Rifle Marksmanship – Intensive shooting range training to master the M16 rifle.
  • Combat Water Survival – Swimming, treading water, and other water survival skills are tested.
  • Gas Chamber – Exposure to CS tear gas builds confidence in using a gas mask.
  • Emblem Ceremony – The iconic Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem is awarded after completing the Crucible.

Drill Instructors

Marine Corps drill instructors (DIs) are experienced Marines trained to turn civilians into basically trained Marines. Their techniques include:

  • High stress environment with intense physical training
  • Constant supervision and discipline
  • Very structured daily routine
  • Marching and drill to build teamwork
  • Uniform and grooming standards strictly enforced

DIs are known for being extremely demanding, using intimidation and “tough love” to motivate recruits.

Failure & Discharge

Not everyone makes it through Marine basic training, even though recruits are prepared and motivated to succeed. Some reasons recruits fail include:

  • Not meeting physical fitness standards
  • Failing swim qualification or rifle marksmanship
  • Injury that prevents completion of training
  • Lack of motivation or disciplinary issues

Those discharged for failing basic training receive an uncharacterized entry level separation. They are not considered veterans and do not qualify for most military benefits.

Graduation & Next Assignments

Those who successfully complete all 13 weeks of Marine basic training participate in a final graduation ceremony. New Marines then receive orders assigning them to:

  • Marine Combat Training – Additional field skills and combat tactics
  • Military occupational specialty school – Advanced training in a Marine job
  • Permanent duty station – First operational Marine Corps unit

Marine basic training is the crucial first step to joining the elite ranks of the Marine Corps. The intense challenges forge recruits into basically trained Marines ready for service to country. Those unable to complete training are discharged and must pursue other options.

10 Tips to Pass Marine Corps Basic Training

Marine Corps basic training is no walk in the park. Also known as recruit training, it will push you mentally and physically for 13 weeks. Here are 10 tips to get through Marine boot camp:

1. Arrive in Shape

Already meeting physical fitness standards will make training less of a shock. Work on strength, endurance and agility before shipping out.

2. Embrace the Lifestyle

The Marines have been around for hundreds of years. Respect the legacy and immerse yourself in the culture.

3. Pay Attention to Detail

Making your rack, uniforms, and grooming perfect is not trivial. Details matter to drill instructors.

4. Master Your Rifle

Your rifle will become your best friend in boot camp. Learn to assemble, clean and fire it with precision.

5. Help Your Team

You will succeed or fail as a team. Help struggling teammates – don’t let anyone fall behind.

6. Save Your Energy

Whenever you can sneak rest, take it. But avoid falling asleep on duty!

7. Stay Motivated

Imagine graduation day and being able to call yourself a Marine. Don’t lose sight of your goal.

8. Embrace the Suck

It’s supposed to be hard – embrace it. Difficulties build mental toughness.

9. Keep Your Mouth Shut

Only speak when necessary. Don’t draw unwanted attention from drill instructors.

10. Never Quit

When you feel like giving up, dig deep. Marines are trained to overcome adversity.

Conclusion

With preparation, perseverance and positivity, you can survive Marine Corps basic training. Focus on fitness, details, teamwork and overcoming challenges. If you can make it through the demanding 13 weeks of boot camp, you will earn the right to call yourself a United States Marine.