## Does the Marine Corps Skydive in Boot Camp?
The answer is no. Marine Corps recruits do not skydive during boot camp. Skydiving is a specialized skill that requires extensive training and is typically only performed by experienced Marines within specific units.
### What is Boot Camp?
Boot camp is an intensive training program designed to transform civilians into Marines. It typically lasts for 13 weeks and covers a wide range of topics, including:
– Physical fitness and conditioning
– Combat skills
– Marksmanship
– Marine Corps history and values
Skydiving is not part of the core curriculum of boot camp because it is not a necessary skill for all Marines. Only a small number of Marines are selected for specialized units that require skydiving proficiency, such as:
– Marine Raiders
– Reconnaissance Marines
– Parachute Riggers
### How to Become a Skydiving Marine
Marines who wish to become qualified skydivers must undergo additional training after completing boot camp. This training is conducted at the Basic Airborne School (BAS) at Fort Benning, Georgia.
BAS is a 3-week course that teaches Marines the fundamentals of skydiving, including:
– Parachute packing and inspection
– Exit procedures
– Canopy control
– Landing techniques
After completing BAS, Marines are awarded the Parachutist Badge and are eligible to serve in airborne units.
### Benefits of Skydiving for Marines
Skydiving provides several benefits for Marines, including:
– Enhanced mobility: Skydiving allows Marines to be inserted into combat zones from the air, giving them greater flexibility and speed.
– Increased confidence: Skydiving is a challenging activity that requires courage and self-reliance. Completing a successful skydive can boost Marines’ confidence and self-esteem.
– Teamwork: Skydiving is a team sport that requires Marines to work together closely. This can improve communication and cooperation skills.
### Risks of Skydiving
Skydiving is an inherently risky activity, and Marines who choose to become skydivers must be aware of the potential dangers. These risks include:
– Landing injuries: Landing from a skydive can be rough on the body, and injuries can occur even with proper training.
– Mid-air collisions: Skydivers can collide with other parachutists or objects in the air, leading to serious injuries or death.
– Equipment malfunctions: Parachutes can malfunction, which can result in a fatal fall.
### Conclusion
While skydiving is not a requirement for all Marines, it is a valuable skill for those who serve in specialized airborne units. Marines who wish to become skydivers must undergo additional training after completing boot camp. Skydiving provides Marines with enhanced mobility, increased confidence, and improved teamwork skills, but it also comes with inherent risks that must be carefully considered.