School of Infantry: Camp Pendleton

Basic Information

Camp Pendleton, California, is one of two School of Infantry (SOI) locations where newly-minted Marines will be instructed on modern Marine Corps infantry tactics in order to conduct expeditionary combat operations. Camp Pendleton is located approximately 40 miles north of San Diego.

While all Marines who graduate boot camp at MCRD San Diego will attend SOI at Camp Pendleton, the amount of time your Marine will spend at Camp Pendleton depends on whether he or she attends Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) or Marine Combat Training (MCT). ITB lasts for 59 days and is intended to train and qualify infantry Marines in the infantry-related Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) of 03(xx). MCT lasts for 29 days and is intended to train all non-infantry Marines in the infantry skills essential to operate in a combat environment.

Graduation Information

All graduations at Camp Pendleton are held on Tuesdays. Family Brief is at 9am. ITB Graduation is at 9:15am. MCT Graduation is at 11am. To gain access to the base for graduation, visitors will need to provide a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

Reviewed by CH

November 12, 1997: The main gate of Camp Pendleton. This is the main road for traffic into the base. This gate has been open and manned by Marines 24 hours a day since 1942.
—USMC photo