INFANTRY TRAINING BATTALION LEADERS

LtCol C. M. Ferguson                              SgtMaj S. L. Ramga

          Commanding Officer                   Command Senior Enlisted Leader

 READ BIOGRAPHY                               READ BIOGRAPHY

mission

The Combat Instructors of Infantry Training Battalion train, coach, and qualify entry-level Marines in infantry military occupation specialties (MOS) in order to provide infantry Marines with the skills to support force generation and Fleet Marine Force (FMF) requirements to fight and win in current and future operating environments.

ProgramS of Instruction

INFANTRY MARINE COURSE

The Infantry Marine Course is designed to train Marines in the knowledge and skills required to perform as a multidisciplinary infantry Marine. The Marine will receive training in requisite infantry Training and Readiness events, as well as infantry competency outcomes. The infantry Training and Readiness events serve as the foundational portion of the Marines training and the competency outcomes become the focus of instruction that connects the Marines training and education into contextual/concrete experiences that build on the Marines ability to replicate behaviors or to critically think and adapt to a given situation. The competency outcomes are measured against a skill acquisition level grading rubric that is designed to improve the Marines performance in a given behavior across multiple missions that are across the Range of Military Operations (ROMO). The Marine receives training and education in: the Marine Corps' warfighting philosophy, the service rifle, tactical combat casualty care, defensive operations, patrolling, fire and maneuver, combat orders, land navigation, field craft, signature management, C4I systems, rope techniques, scouting, machineguns, grenade launchers, anti-armor weapons, and demolitions, as well as the ability to optimize human performance, operate in an aquatic environment, and operate in compartmentalized terrain during both garrison and scenario-based training exercises. The instruction will be at the squad level and in a field environment as much as possible to maximize Marine learning and maintain an operational focus. Upon successful completion of this course, Marines will be awarded the MOS 0311 and be lethal, resilient, capable, and ready to succeed in a littoral combat team or infantry battalion. In addition to the skills and knowledge required to be awarded the MOS 0311, Infantry Rifleman, Marines will be capable of using critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making during tactical operations such as fire and maneuver, providing security, denying enemy action, transitioning to new objectives, self-sustainment, and surviving in austere environments. Graduates will embody the Marine Corps' warrior ethos, have an expeditionary mindset, and exhibit exemplary character to persist in any and all environments.

INFANTRY WEAPONS COURSES

Following graduation from the Infantry Marine Course, some Marines will remain at Infantry Training Battalion and attend one of the Infantry Weapons Courses. Thirteen competencies will be continued from the IMC and interweaved throughout the POI in order to sustain the Marines in previously learned skills and apply them in scenarios specific to their future MOS. Sustainment of these competencies is achieved through integration with MOS-specific practical application periods. Tactical concepts within each competency will be expanded upon as they apply to each MOS.

Infantry Machine Gunner This course is designed to train Marines in the knowledge and skills required to perform as a Machine Gunner in an Infantry Machinegun Squad or Heavy Machinegun Section. The Marine receives training with the M240B Medium Machine Gun, M2A1 Heavy Machine Gun, and the MK19 Heavy Machine Gun. Upon successful completion of this course, a Marine receives the MOS 0331 and is capable of performing as an Infantry Machine Gunner.

Infantry Mortarman This course is designed to train Marines in the knowledge and skills required to perform as a Mortarman in a 60mm Mortar Section or 81mm Mortar Platoon. The Marine receives training with the M224A1 60mm mortar and M252A2 81mm mortar. Upon successful completion of this course, a Marine receives the MOS 0341 and is capable of performing as an Infantry Mortarman.

Infantry Anti-Tank Missile Gunner This course is designed to train Marines in the knowledge and skills required to perform as a Javelin assistant gunner or gunner in a Javelin team or a M41A7 Saber assistant gunner or gunner in an Infantry Anti-Tank Squad. The Marine receives training with the M98A2 Javelin weapon system and the M41A7 Saber weapon system. Upon successful completion of this course, a Marine receives the MOS 0352 and is capable of performing as an Infantry Anti-Tank Missile Gunner.

7 August 1941: North Carolina tobacco fields were purchased from local farmers for the purpose of training the 1st Marine Division, based in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to execute strategic war plans associated with the “Island Hopping Campaign” in the Pacific theater. Departing from “tent camp,” a year later, the 1st Marine Division assaulted the island of Guadalcanal. By order of the Commandant of the Marine Corps on 8 January 1952, the name “Tent Camp" was changed to “Camp Geiger” in honor of Lieutenant General Roy Stanley Geiger. Lieutenant General Geiger was a pioneering Marine aviator who commanded the I and III Amphibious Corps, and the 10th Army, during World War II.

1953: “Infantry Training Regiments” are established at Camp Geiger, North Carolina and Camp Pendleton, California. Marines begin the “Combat Apprenticeship Program” receiving individual combat training under the instruction of World War II and Korean War veterans.

February 1961: The Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Geiger implements a new training program of instruction. Marines receive an increase in night training, increased weapons instruction, and an increase in practical application in all training phases. The syllabus consisted of 18 training days with 171.5 hours of instruction.

1962: During this period, 22,760 Marines graduated from the 1st Infantry Training Regiment located at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. During this training year, $124 was spent on ammunition on each Marine; in addition to each Marine firing 400 M1 rifle rounds in a simulated combat environment, each Marine fired Browning Automatic Rifles, threw numerous hand grenades, fired numerous 3.5-inch rockets, and learned to operate and employ flamethrowers.

1967: Marines holding a non-infantry MOS receive “Individual Combat Training” (ICT). Infantry military occupational specialty (MOS) Marines receive 20 days of instruction in basic infantry skills with 1st Battalion, Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Geiger. Non-infantry MOS Marines receive 13 days of ICT with 2d Battalion, Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Geiger. From there the Marines enter “Basic Specialty Training” (BST) in their MOS. Prior to this period, all Marines received the same infantry training.

November 1972: 1st Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Geiger is re-designated as the “1st Infantry Training Detachment”.

1975: Marines holding a non-infantry MOS no longer receive advanced infantry training. These Marines proceed directly to their formal school for training or to a unit for on-the-job training (OJT).

August 1978: The 1st Infantry Training Detachment is deactivated and reactivated as “Infantry Training Company,” Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division.

October 1979: Command of the Infantry Training Company was transferred from 2d Marine Division to Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, where it was designated a formal school and renamed “Infantry Training School.”

1983: Student input at Infantry Training School reaches 6000 Marines trained; the highest number since the change in 1975.

June 1984: Infantry Training School increases its curriculum from four weeks to six weeks. This increase is due to Fleet Marine Force (FMF) restructure and improved weapons technology. The training focused on increased weapons training and upgrading individual and small unit level tactical skills.

April 1987: Infantry Training School is redesignated as the “School of Infantry” (SOI). During this period, the “Advance Infantry Training Company” is formally assigned to the command of SOI for the purpose of training Marines in advanced infantry skills and weapons systems.

October 1988: The School of Infantry (SOI) institutes “Marine Battle Skills” Training and “Marine Combat Training Battalion” (MCT) for the purpose of training male Marines, regardless of MOS, in infantry skills. Immediately after 10 days of leave from recruit training, 28 days of training at MCT is conducted. The following units falls under the SOI command structure: Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), Advanced Infantry Training Company (AITC), and Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT).

December 1993: The School of Infantry transitions to the dual-track training concept; infantry designated Marines proceed directly to Infantry Training Battalion. Marines that have not been designated with the infantry MOS report to Marine Combat Training Battalion.

October 2000: The School of Infantry is reassigned to the newly established Training and Educational Command (TECOM), located in Quantico, Virginia.

October 2007: Due to the increase of the size of the Marine Corps to 202,000, an additional company was added to Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT Bn) and the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB).

July 2021: In concert with the 38th Commandant's Planning Guidance and Force Design 2030, Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) begins implementing the Infantry Marine Course. The Infantry Marine Course expands the curriculum from 9 weeks to 14 weeks. The new curriculum focuses on creating multi-disciplinary Marines capable of operating across the range of military operations in current and future operating environments. By January 2023, Infantry Training Battalion has fully transitioned to the new program of instruction.

Company A

Company Commander
Capt J. Hargrove
Email:  joseph.hargrove@usmc.mil

Company First Sergeant
GySgt Carl Page IV
Email: carl.page@usmc.mil

Company B

Company Commander
Capt M.C. Nelson
Email: michael.c.nelson@usmc.mil

Company First Sergeant
1stSgt A.R. Avila
Email: aaron.r.avila@usmc.mil

Company C

Company Commander
Capt L.B. Kang
Email:  liam.kang@usmc@usmc.mil

Company First Sergeant
1stSgt J.J. Barriga
Email:  jonathan.barriga@usmc.mil

COMPANY D

Company Commander
Capt S.E. Satchell
Email:  stephen.e.satchell@usmc.mil

Company First Sergeant
1stSgt H.F. Franklin IV
Email: herman.franklin@usmc.mil

COMPANY E

Company Commander
Capt L.P. McQuerry
Email:  logan.mcquerry@usmc.mil

Company First Sergeant
1stSgt R.C. Conyers Jr.
Email:  ronald.conyers@usmc.mil   

HEADQUARTERS AND INSTRUCTOR COMPANY

Company Commander
Capt S.A. Case
Email:  stephen.case@usmc.mil

Company First Sergeant
1stSgt B. Gnoy
Email:  bunnarath.gnoy@usmc.mil

Academics Chief
GySgt M.R. Talbot
Email: matt.talbot@usmc.mil

Infantry Weapons Course Chief
GySgt J.A. Ramos
Email: james.a.ramos@usmc.mil

Checking In

All personnel reporting to the School of Infantry for permanent assignment, either PCS or PCA, report directly to S1 Administration Office in Ivy Hall, building G-644, second deck, room 260.

After working hours, Marines will report in person to the Officer of the Day (OOD) located on the first deck of Ivy Hall, utilizing the front entrance.

Contact Information

During Working Hours
S-1 Administration
(910) 449-2084

After Working Hours
Officer of the Day
(910) 449-0179

Accommodations

On Base
Marines can visit the Camp Lejeune Visitor Center located at the Wilson Gate
(910) 450-0283

Off Base Accommodations
Marines can access information on accommodations in Onslow County following the link below:

Moving to Area
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce (jacksonvilleonline.org)

Check-In information

This page provides specific information for students reporting to Infantry Training Battalion (Infantry, Marine Security Guard, and Marine Security Forces contract Marines). For all other students reporting to Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT), please click this link >Entry Level Students to find specific locations and reporting instructions.

Your original orders may state building G-644 as your report in location.  This is not correct and we are working to get it fixed.  ITB students will report in at BUILDING G-702 to their ITB SDO. Telephone: (910) 449-0235

REPORT to SOI-E immediately upon arriving to Jacksonville or the surrounding area. Report in no later than the date and time on your original orders.  It is strongly advised to check in between 0730 and 1600, which are normal working hours.  This will ensure you are taken care of promptly.

YOU STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO book a hotel room as you will not be reimbursed for this expense.  Infantry Training Battalion staff will be available during normal working hours (0730 to 1600) and after working hours for you to report in.

TRAVEL IN CIVILIAN ATTIRE ONLY. 

REPORT IN TO SOI-EAST IN YOUR SERVICE "A" UNIFORM AND WITH A FRESH HAIRCUT. 

**** We understand that some Marines are not being issued their Service A Coat while in Recruit Training. For Marines who were not issued a Service A coat, please report in the Service B Uniform.**** Please refer to MARADMIN 596/23 for guidance on when you will be issued your remaining uniforms.

Use this reference to prepare your uniform correctly: MCO 1020.34H Uniform Regulations

ARRIVAL DIRECTIONS

The School of Infantry-East (SOI-E) is located aboard Camp Geiger in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Camp Geiger is co-located with Marine Corps Air Station New River and both share the same front gate.

ARRIVING BY AIR

The airport you will be flying in to is the ALBERT J. ELLIS (OAJ) airport located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, which is about 16 miles northwest from Camp Geiger.  Once you have off-loaded go directly to baggage claim and pick up all of your bags.

Ellis Airport Website

ARRIVING BY BUS

The bus station is located at 2434 ONSLOW DR., JACKSONVILLE, NC, and it is located approximately 4 miles from Camp Geiger.

Greyhound Bus Transportation Website

ARRIVING BY PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLE (POV)

A family member may transport you to your check-in location, but they are not allowed to remain on base once they drop you off.  

You are not allowed to obtain or operate a POV at any time during your training at Infantry Training Battalion.

ARRIVING BY TAXI

Taxis are available at Ellis airport and the Grey Hound Bus Station.  Taxi fare is approximately $20-30 from the bus station and $35-$40 from the airport.  You can carpool with other Marines reporting in to SOI-E.  Make sure to keep your taxi fare receipt as you will be reimbursed at a later time.  The following taxi companies have base access:

•  Carolina Bass Taxi: (910) 336-1277

•  King Cab: (910) 557-5464

•  On-Time Taxi: (910) 939-4854

•  Papa's Joe Taxi: (910) 353-0365

•  Prestige Taxi: (910) 545-6277

•  New Liberty Cab: (910) 939-4979

•  Tarheel Taxi Cab: (910) 938-8989

•  Titan Taxi: (910) 347-5757

•  Yellow Cab Company: (910) 353-1111

Rank, Last Name, First Name, M.I.
Company
Infantry Training Battalion
School of Infantry-East
PSC Box 20161
Camp Lejeune, NC 28542-0161

graduation and family day

Parents, family members, and friends are invited to attend Family Day the day prior to graduation, as well as Graduation for your Infantry Marines. At the start of each Infantry Marine Course and Infantry Weapons Course, your Marine will be given information on how to request a sponsor to get base access. All requests will be validated in the Marine Corps Installations-East IARA Website by a member of the Training Company Staff 30 days prior to graduation. 

INFANTRY MARINE COURSE

INFANTRY WEAPONS COURSE

Liberty and Holiday routine

Students attending the Infantry Marine Course generally have liberty on the weekends. In observance of federal holidays, Marines may receive a 3-day or 4-day liberty period. During these weekends, Marines are afforded the opportunity to request special liberty, and families are encouraged to come visit their Marines during holiday weekends. The holiday schedule below may be subject to change by training companies to facilitate required training events. Please ask your Marine to confirm dates and times and request special liberty before making travel plans. The following guidelines will apply:

Family members

The Marine must sign out with their spouse or an immediate, adult family member. We ask that the family member be present to sign their Marine out on liberty and back in from liberty.

Liberty travel distance limits

Marines must stay within 60 road miles of Marine Corps Air Station New River. This is to ensure your Marines can safely and quickly return with minimal delays in the event of an emergency or recall. Additionally, it reduces the likelihood of travel delays that could potentially cause your Marine to miss required training. Please help us set your Marines up for success by staying within the 60-mile limit. The below locations are all nice options with available hotels or short-term rentals:

                -Wilmington, NC

                -Surf City, NC

                -Sneads Ferry, NC

                -North Topsail Beach, NC

                -Swansboro, NC

                -Emerald Isle, NC

                -Morehead City, NC

                -Atlantic Beach, NC

                -New Bern, NC

Scheduled Holiday Weekends

Generally, Infantry Training Battalion follows the Marine Corps Installations-East Liberty Schedule. However, dates and times are subject to change in order to meet course training requirements. Please ask your Marine to confirm dates and times and request special liberty before making travel plans.

Calendar Year 2023

Thanksgiving: Thursday, 23 November 2023 - Sunday, 26 November 2023

Christmas: Saturday, 23 December 2023 - Tuesday, 26 December 2023

Calendar year 2024

New Year's Day: Saturday, 30 December 2023 - Tuesday, 2 January 2024

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Friday, 12 January 2024 - Monday, 15 January 2024

President's Day: Saturday, 17 February 2024 - Tuesday, 20 February 2024

Memorial Day and beyond: Will be announced here as we solidify summer training schedules

During Working Hours

Infantry Training Battalion Operations
(910) 449-0384

After Working Hours

Infantry Training Battalion Officer of the Day
(910) 238-9833