The School Of Infantry (East)

Graduating from Marine Corps Recruit Training is a milestone few achieve. After weeks of discipline, hard work, and transformation, new Marines finally earn the title “Marine.” But the journey doesn’t stop at graduation. The next step is the School of Infantry (SOI), where Marines continue their training and sharpen the combat skills that make every Marine a rifleman.

What is the School of Infantry?

This is the training that marks the transition from entry-level Marine to combat-ready Marine. At SOI, recently graduated enlisted Marines continue their education and training to become more proficient in the fundamentals of being a rifleman. Marines with an infantry military occupation (MOS) are trained at the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), while all non-infantry Marines are trained at the Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT).

Where is the School of Infantry – East?

SOI-East is located at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, a satellite facility of Camp Lejeune on Marine Corps Air Station New River. It’s here that thousands of new Marines each year take the next step in their careers.

Infantry Training Battalion (ITB)

For Marines in the 03XX infantry MOS, training takes place at the Infantry Training Battalion.

• Course Length: 69 training days (about 14 weeks).
  
• Focus: Marksmanship, patrolling, grenades, land navigation, IED identification, and combat tactics.
  
• Mission: Train, mentor, and evaluate entry-level infantry Marines under the guidance of experienced Combat Instructors.
  

Upon completion, Marines graduate ITB and move on to their permanent units fully prepared for combat service.

Marine Combat Training (MCT)

For all non-infantry Marines, the next step is Marine Combat Training.

• Course Length: 21 training days (about 4 weeks).
• Focus: Marksmanship, combat formations, patrolling, and basic combat skills.
• Mission: Ensure that every Marine—regardless of MOS—remains a rifleman first, ready to fight if called upon.
  

Upon completion, Marines graduate MCT and move on to their specific MOS schools for advanced training.

Why SOI Matters

The School of Infantry is where Marines take the discipline learned in boot camp and apply it to the skills they’ll need in the Fleet. It’s challenging, fast-paced, and demanding—but it’s also where they gain confidence in themselves, their training, and their fellow Marines.

Thoughts for Families

SOI is a critical step in your Marine’s journey, and your support remains as important as ever. While training keeps them busy and often away from phones, your letters will be a lifeline of encouragement and motivation. Each message from home helps remind them that their sacrifices are seen, valued, and appreciated.

At SOI, your Marine isn’t just learning to fight—they’re becoming part of a legacy of resilience, readiness, and honor.

Communication at SOI

Training takes place mostly in the field, limiting phone access. Letters are again the most reliable way for families and supporters to keep morale high. You can view the School of Infantry Mailing Address and still send and receive Letters using Sandboxx.

Families, Take Note:

If your Marine is reporting to the School of Infantry-East, these links have everything you’ll need—check-in instructions for ITB and MCT, base map for directions, and updates straight from the unit.

SOI-East Official Page
SOI-East Facebook Page
Marine Combat Training