Basic training in the USMC during World War II

Throughout the period of American involvement in WWII, Marine recruits were trained in three locations.

Parris Island, SC – 24,000 recruits
San Diego, CA – 223,000 recruits
Montford Point, NC – 19,000 recruits
* Montford Point, at Camp Lejune, NC, was a segregated training facility from 1942-45 for African-Americans as the Marine Corps was not integrated at this time.

In total, over 670,000 served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

The Boot Camp Experience

The receiving barracks

Upon arrival, recruits were given their first Marine Corp meal and given medical check-ups and innoculations.

Recruits were then issued dog-tags, identification cards, service record books, and issued a service number.

They were then given a hair cut, and issued clothing, gear and rifles.

Comparison of Marine Recruit Training Schedules *

Parris Island (7 weeks)

Weapons: 144 hours (43%)
Physical: 45 hours (14%)
Garrison: 75 hours (23%)
Field: 69 hours (20%)
TOTAL: 333 hours

San Diego (7 weeks)

Weapons: 151 hours (46%)
Physical: 24 hours (8%)
Garrison: 93 hours (29%)
Field: 54 hours (15%)
TOTAL: 322 hours

*Montford Point information not available, probably similar Parris Island.

Wes Eastman’s Training

Wes Eastman’s preparation for his future Marine combat in the South Pacific began as an enlistee leading a group of fellow enlistees on the long train ride from Boston to the eventual destination of Parris Island, South Carolina for boot camp training. Upon arrival at Parris Island it became apparent to Wes that he must make the transition from citizen-scholar to Marine Corps “boot” and finally to combat-ready Marine.

After being introduced to his Drill Instructor, Wes and his fellow boots endured countless hours of hiking and physical training at all times of the day and night under a variety of environmental conditions. The boots received what seemed to be endless instruction on the rifle range, bayonet instruction, swimming, and hand-to-hand combat. These instructions were necessary rites of passage in preparation for the inevitability of actual combat with the enemy.

From Parris Island, Wes and his fellow boots were transported to Fleet Marine Headquarters at New River, North Carolina (now called Camp Lejeune) for training that included obstacle courses, additional rifle training, improvising rope bridges and endless practice sessions for debarking from ship’s cargo nets onto Higgins Boats and then hitting the beach.

As a welcome respite from the rigorous training Wes enjoyed Liberty in nearby Jacksonville, NC.

Upon completion of his training at New River Wes was allowed furlough for a home visit to see family and loved ones for the last time until the war ended.

After enjoying furlough Wes took the long train ride to his final preparation training at Camp Elliott, not far from San Diego. This train ride included stops along the journey in Montgomery, AL, New Orleans, Alexandria, Los Angeles, Dallas, Tucson, and Phoenix before finally joining the Third Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which had been activated at Camp Elliott in San Diego.

While at Camp Elliot and finally camp Pendleton in addition to instruction as a linesman he received desert training and more intense instruction on ship disembarkment via cargo nets onto Higgins Boats and then beach landings.

After enjoying leave in Los Angeles Wes and his Marine “sweat brothers” traveled to San Francisco to make final preparations for the next leg on their journey to combat: the long boat ride to New Zealand.