1st Marine Division Schools
N
1st Marine Division
Camp Pendleton, California
 

"Those who sweat more in training bleed less in war."

 

1. Background

1st Marine Division Schools is an asset to all Division units that provides a means to fulfill training and education requirements across 1st Marine Division by alleviating the logistical burden from units when it comes to producing certain Military Occupational Specialties, fulfilling Professional Military Education requirements, or achieving Training & Readiness Standards.

Division Schools accomplishes this by offering the following courses: Corporal’s Course, Combat Trauma Management, Formal Marksmanship Trainer, and Basic Machine Gunner’s Course. Information on these courses is outlined below. As with all courses hosted by Division Schools: we have our own staff and there is no tax levied on units to provide instructors. We are here to support your mission.

While Division units will have priority, Division Schools does also accept nominations from over 180 units across IMEF, TECOM, MARCORSYSCOM, MCI-WEST, and MARFORRES. Some courses will have control dates when it comes to priority to ensure consistent enrollment, other courses may not have this date control and priority will only become a concern if seats become competitive. Please refer to the individual course tabs.

2. Corporal’s Course

Corporals Course provides students the basic knowledge and skills necessary to be successful small-unit leaders.  The intent of Marine Corps University is for corporals to complete the course with a feeling of confidence in their leadership abilities as well as comfort with -- not expertise -- in the content they have encountered.

Corporals Course is a mastery/non-mastery design.  All performance evaluation events will be evaluated using the rubrics provided with the courseware material and students will be given ample opportunity to master these subjects.  The written exams will be graded using a standard point-based system, which will translate to a mastery/non-mastery score for the student.

3. Formal Marksmanship Trainer Course

The Formal Marksmanship Training Course is an MOS producing school comprised of two individual courses hosted by 1st Marine Division Schools. The end state is to support the 1st Marine Division in preparation for combat operations while alleviating the logistical burden from units of certifying Marines as either 0931 or 0933.

3a. Combat Marksmanship Coach’s Course is the MOS producing school that certifies Marines as 0933 Marksmanship Coach. There will be three live fire evolutions for the CMC course: Annual Rifle Qualification (ARQ), Combat Pistol Program (CPP) and Combat Marksmanship Rifle Table 3-6. Additionally, Marines will receive classroom lecture and practical application designed to train and familiarize personnel in Combat Marksmanship, Rifle Marksmanship, Pistol Marksmanship, Basic Weapons Instruction, and Optics.

 3b. Combat Marksmanship Trainer’s Course is the MOS producing school that certifies Marines as 0931 Marksmanship Instructor. Students will be evaluated on their concept of operation presentations, coaching, teach backs, and executing living firing ranges for Annual Rifle Qualification (ARQ), Known Distance Pistol, and Known Distance Rifle (Tables 3 through 6). Additionally, Marines will receive classroom lecture and practical application designed to train and familiarize personnel in planning small arms training event, reserve training areas, surface danger zones, and conducting small arms qualifications. Marines must have the 0933 MOS to qualify.

4. Basic Machine Gunner’s Course

Basic Machine Gunner’s Course is a method for Marines to receive training in the fundamentals of machine gun employment and gunnery and is available to all units and MOSs. The end state is that Marines are certified and confident with medium and heavy machine guns thereby increasing the unit’s lethality and survivability in combat. This is not an MOS producing school.

Course Curriculum follows Chapter 13, NAVMC 3500.44D (07 May 2020) and will certify students on 1000-Level Events for 0331 and prepare them for follow-on Advanced Machine Gunner’s Course

Marines will be instructed on the M2A1 .50 Caliber Machine Gun, Mk. 19 MOD3 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher, and the M240B Medium Machinegun.

 

 

All nominations will be sent via: Outlook 

a. The email Subject Line will read with the course number and “Nomination”
    -Example: “BMGC 2-24 Nomination” or “CPLC 2-24 Nomination”
    -Refer to section “e.” below for a full list of course codes

 

b. At a minimum, the unit will provide for each individual Marine:
    -Rank
    -Last Name
    -First Name
    -EDIPI
    -Primary Military Occupational Specialty
    -Billet Military Occupational Specialty
    -Unit (Battalion)
    -Base (If not from MCB Camp Pendleton)
    -Marine’s Personal Phone Number
    -Marine’s Personal email
    -If the Marine Requires Billeting

Nominations may be sent as a word document, .pdf, excel document, or simple Outlook email.


c. Division Schools will reply to your nomination either confirming that your nominations have been seated for the requested course or advising the contrary. If your nomination is unable to be seated, we will normally offer the next availability that works for your unit and/or the individual Marine. If you do not receive a reply to your nomination within 24-48 business hours, please contact the Operations Chief for a follow-up.
 

d. Please note that each of the courses we offer will have their own specific requirements. We advise that you refer to the respective course tabs for this pertinent information prior to nominating any Marines for a specific course. Failure to adhere to these guidelines or meet set requirements could result in your Marine being turned away during Check-In.
 

e. Course Codes that we will recognize are listed below:
-Corporal’s Course: CPLC
-Combat Trauma Management: CTM
-Combat Marksmanship Trainer: CMT
-Combat Marksmanship Coach: CMC
-Basic Machine Gunner’s Course: BMGC
-Warfighting Skills Course: WSC
-Company Commander’s Course: CCMDC

"...for though today I instruct and supervise in peace, tomorrow, I may lead in war."

 

1. Course Dates

Class Seat capacity is shown next to the Class Number. This is driven by several factors to include: Marine Corps University Guidance, Staff, and Physical Space. These seat dates may change slightly throughout the year.

The Division Priority Expiry Date shown is a control method to ensure that Division Units will have preference if seating is competitive. Once that control date expires, Division units lose preference and seats are first come, first served regardless of unit.

Please note that non-Division units may still nominate Marines before the Division Priority Expiry Date and seats will be granted if there are openings. 

Division Schools will not unseat a nomination to make room for another. Once the nomination is confirmed for a seat, they are guaranteed that seat.

Units that send Marines as Standbys must understand that there is no guarantee that the Marine will be accepted. Furthermore, Marines sent as Standbys must still meet the minimum requirements for Check-In. Failure to meet the stated requirements for this course will result in the Marine being turned away.

Seat availabilities are shown as (Seats Taken/Maximum Seats)
 

CPLC 1-24
Status: Completed

CPLC 2-24 (52/52 Seats)
Status: In-Progress
Graduation: 15 December 2023

CPLC 3-24 (33/52 Seats)
Registration: Open
Division Priority: Expired
Registration Closed: 3 January 2024

Report: 5 January 2024
Convene: 8 January 2024
Graduation: 26 January 2024

CPLC 4-24 (52 Seats)
Registration Open: 3 January 2024
Division Priority Expiry: 19 January 2024
Registration Closed: 5 February 2024

Report: 9 February 2024
Convene: 12 February 2024
Graduation: 1 March 2024


CPLC 5-24 (52 Seats)
Registration Open: 29 January 2024
Division Priority Expiry: 16 February 2024
Registration Closed: 4 March 2024

Report: 8 March 2024
Convene 11 March 2024
Graduation 29 March 2024

CPLC 6-24 (52 Seats)
Registration Open: 18 March 2024
Division Priority Expiry: 5 April 2024
Registration Closed: 22 April 2024

Report: 29 April 2024
Convene 30 April 2024
Graduation: 17 May 2024

CPLC 7-24 (52 Seats)
Registration Open: 27 May 2024
Division Priority Expiry: 14 June 2024
Registration Closed: 1 July 2024

Report: 3 July 2024
Convene 8 July 2024
Graduation: 26 July 2024

CPLC 8-24 (52 Seats)
Registration Open: 1 July 2024
Division Priority Expiry: 19 July 2024
Registration Closed: 5 August 2024

Report: 9 August 2024
Convene: 12 August 2024
Graduation: 29 August 2024

CPLC 9-24 (52 Seats)
Registration Open: 5 August 2024
Division Priority Expiry: 23 August 2024
Registration Closed: 9 September 2024

Report: 9 September 2024
Convene: 16 September 2024
Graduation: 4 October 2024

1. Available seats may vary throughout the year. This information will be reflected on this page.

2. Class sizes will not exceed 52 students 

3. Minimum class size required is 20 students. 

4. Registration will close if a class reaches its maximum seat capacity ahead of the Registration Closed Date. If this happens, the following Class’s Registration will open early. This will be communicated during the nomination process. 

2. Nominations Instructions

a. Height and Weight. Marines must meet height and weight standards. If they need to tape, please ensure they report in with the required worksheet.

b. Medical. Marines must be in a Full Duty status with verification from Primary Healthcare Provider and have a current PHA.

c. Light or Limited Duty. For Marines in a Light, Limited Duty status, and/or pregnant Marines may still be nominated and attend the course, but they must present their Light Duty/LIMDU chits when reporting in. Chits must be signed by their PHCP and current with their status accurately reflected on their Command Screening Checklist otherwise they may be dropped or treated as a Full Duty Status Marine. Please indicate during nomination if your Marine is in a Light or Limited Duty Status and ensure that their paperwork is current.  

d. PFT/CFT. Marines will run a PFT and CFT while at the course. This will be for instructional purposes as we cannot use it as a means for evaluation per Marine Corps University guidance. If a Marine is deficient on the Semi-Annual requirement, it is on the unit to ensure that this is addressed, not Division Schools Staff. We will not provide NAVMCs to students or their units. 

e. Select Grade E4. Lance Corporals may be nominated if they are Select Grade. They will be accepted if the seats are available. If they are set to promote while enrolled in the course, they will be expected to have their seasonal service uniform with the correct rank. Select Grade E4 Marines are able to complete Corporal’s Course DEP and will be expected to complete it prior to the graduation of the course. We will need a one-page memorandum attached to the Marine’s Command Screening Checklist from the Marine’s Senior Enlisted Advisor confirming that the Marine is Select Grade (E4) to waive the Appropriate Grade requirement. The Marine will bring this memorandum with them when they report in. 

f. Time in Service Obligation. We will accept Marines with less than six months remaining on contract if they are going to continue service through the Reserves, Direct Affiliation Program, Career Intermission Program, Enlisted Commissioning Program, or another form of continuing service. We will require that a one-page memorandum be attached to the Marine’s Command Screening Checklist from the Marine’s Senior Enlisted Advisor confirming their program of choice to waive the obligated service requirement. The Marine will bring this memorandum with them with they report in. 

3. Reporting Instructions

a. Marines will be required to have completed Corporal’s Course DEP prior to reporting in. This certificate will be presented at check-in.

b. Marines will be required to complete a Command Screening Checklist with Parent Unit prior to reporting in. This may be found in the Forms tab.

c. Marines will report in their Service “A” uniform.

d. Marines will report to Building 33428.

e. Reporting/Check-in is conducted between 0730-1200. Standby Check-In is conducted between 1201-1300. Students that are nominated and registered may lose their seats to standbys if they fail to meet the provided timelines. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis with verification from a command representative sent via Outlook. Late check-ins may be dropped, and the unit Sergeant Major will be notified. Emergency or unexpected situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

f. Marines will not need TAD Orders, they will be simply run as “TAD Less Than 30 Days” in MOL.

g. Marines will change into their Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform in the afternoon of their reporting day—ensure they bring them on the first day.

4. Additional Information

a. Marines must have the uniforms and gear on the Gear List ready for use or wear.

b. If Marines do not have an IIF issue, we will need to know.

c. Marines are strongly encouraged to bring their personal computer or tablet to Corporal’s Course for use during classes as prescribed by the instructors. If they do not have a personal computer or tablet and are unable to sign one out from their Parent Unit for use in the course, they will need to bring a notebook. Phones will not be authorized for use in the classes except to provide their own local hotspots. Student guidebooks will be emailed to the student, so it is strongly advised that they bring a computer of some form.

d. If students are currently enrolled in college, they are advised to either postpone or lighten their course load accordingly. A student’s average day could range from 0600-1730, not factoring in drive time. Corporal’s Course will take priority.

e. Students will be dropped for academic failure and the unit will be notified.

f. Division Schools will counsel students on disciplinary matters such as tardiness or uniform violations. Three violations will be identified as a trend, and the unit may be notified.

g. Violations of the UCMJ will be reported to the unit and the student will be dropped.

h. Students will receive a temporary sword issue while enrolled in the school. Any loss or damage of Division Schools property will incur a DD-form 200.

i. Marines with secondary employment are to be reminded that no consideration will be given to accommodate their schedules with respect to their secondary employment while they are enrolled in any Division Schools Course. 

"My rifle is my best friend... I must master it as I must master my life."

 

1. Course Dates
Seat availabilities are shown as (Seats Taken/Maximum Seats).

Registration Windows may open sooner than indicated. Please check regularly for updates.

Due to shortfalls in enrollment, seats are first come, first served.


CMC 1-24
Status: Completed

CMC 2-24 (6/30 Seats)
Registration: Open
Registration Deadline: 5 January 2024

Report Date: 15 January 2024
Graduation: 2 February 2024

CMC 3-24 (0/30 Seats)
Registration: Open
Registration Deadline: 16 February 2024

Report Date: 26 February 2024
Graduation: 15 March 2024

CMC 4-24 (30 Seats)
Registration Opens: 3 January 2024
Registration Deadline: 26 April 2024

Report Date: 6 May 2024
Graduation: 24 May 2024

CMC 5-24 (30 Seats)
Registration Opens: 1 April 2024
Registration Deadline: 3 July 2024

Report Date: 15 July 2024
Graduation: 2 August 2024

CMT 6-24 (30 Seats)
Registration Opens: 1 April 2024
Registration Deadline: 6 September 2024

Report Date: 16 September 2024
Graduation: 4 October 2024

 

2Nomination Instructions

a. Required documents:
    -Command Screening Checklist
    -Letter of Transmittal and Storage 
    -Limited Technical Inspection
    -Pre-Firing Inspection 

b. All documents pertaining to the course are due no later than the Registration Deadline. These dates are outlined in the Fiscal Year schedule above.  It is the unit's responsibility to source the Letters of Transmittal and Storage, and Limited Technical Inspections and Pre-Firing Inspections. Failure to have any of the documents or meet the required deadlines will result in the student being dropped from the course.

c. The Command Screening Checklist and Gear List may be found under the Forms tab.

d.  All LTI/PFI’s should be completed by attending units Armory. Letter of transmittal and ECR cards must be filled out for all weapons being turned in to our armory.  All students must have DD-10520 weapon cards and a valid military ID to draw weapons. 

e. For questions or assistance regarding documents, contact the FMTC Chief:

Sergeant Adrian Langley
(949)414-0129
adrian.langley@usmc.mil

ALL WEAPONS, LTI/PFI’S, TRANSMITTALS WITH GCSS PAPERWORK AND ARMORY GEAR MUST BE TURNED INTO DIVISION SCHOOLS BY THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE.  NO EXCEPTIONS. All paperwork will be verified by the FMTC Course Chief.  

"...the essence of good marksmanship is self-control..." -Theodore Roosevelt

 

1. Course Dates
Seat availabilities are shown as (Seats Taken/Maximum Seats).

Registration Windows may open sooner than indicated. Please check regularly for updates.

Due to shortfalls in enrollment, seats are first come, first served.


CMT 1-24
Status: Completed

CMT 2-24 (5/10 Seats)
Registration: Open
Registration Deadline: 15 December 2023

Report Date: 8 January 2024
Graduation: 26 January 2024

CMT 3-24 (0/10 Seats)
Registration: Open
Registration Deadline: 9 February 2024

Report Date: 19 February 2024
Graduation: 8 March 2024

CMT 4-24 (10 Seats)
Registration Opens: 3 January 2024
Registration Deadline: 19 April 2024

Report Date: 29 April 2024
Graduation: 17 May 2024

CMT 5-24 (10 Seats)
Registration Opens: 1 April 2024
Registration Deadline: 28 June 2024

Report Date: 8 July 2024
Graduation: 26 July 2024

CMT 6-24 (10 Seats)
Registration Opens: 1 April 2024
Registration Deadline: 29 August 2024

Report Date: 9 September 2024
Graduation: 27 September 2024

 

2. Reporting Instructions

a. Marines will report to building 33429 at 0800 in Woodland Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms.

b. Command Screening Checklist will be presented at Check-In.



 

 

"Our fires will be the substance of their nightmares..."

 

Information

Registration is open throughout Fiscal Year 24 and units may schedule any class that fits their TEEP. Please understand while seats are first come, first serve and that this course is available to all units across the MAGTF, 1st Marine Division units will take priority if seats become limited.
 

1. Course Dates

Seat availabilities are shown as (Seats Taken/Maximum Seats)

BMGC 1-24
Status: Completed

BMGC 2-24
Status: Completed

BMGC 3-24 (16/16 Seats)
Registration: Closed
Report: 4 December 2023
Graduate: 8 December 2023

BMGC 4-24
Status: Cancelled

BMGC 5-24 (6/16 Seats)
Registration: Open
Report: 4 March 2024
Graduate: 8 March 2024

BMGC 6-24 (2/16 Seats)
Registration: Open
Report: 1 April 2024
Graduate: 5 April 2024

BMGC 7-24 (0/16 Seats)
Registration: Open
Report: 29 April 2024
Graduate: 3 May 2024

BMGC 8-24 (0/16 Seats)
Registration: Suspended
Report: 24 June 2024
Graduate: 28 June 2024

BMGC 9-24 (0/16 Seats)
Registration: Suspended
Report: 5 August 2024
Graduate: 9 August 2024

BMGC 10-24 (0/16 Seats)
Registration: Suspended
Report: 16 September 2024
Graduate: 20 September 2024

 

2. Nomination Instructions

a. Marines must meet Ht/Wt standards. If they need to tape, please ensure they report in with the required worksheet.

b. Marines must be in a Full Duty status. BMGC is a physically demanding course. Waivers will not be granted.

c. There are no rank requirements.

d. For non-Division units, if you are submitting your Marines in support of an upcoming deployment, please add this information to your nomination so that it may be taken into consideration.

e. If your nominations are in preparation for Advanced Machine Gunner’s Course, please communicate this so that we may give you priority.

f. Sister Service Nominations will be accepted. If these nominations are a part of a Joint work-up, please communicate this with the respective Marine Corps unit’s Operations Chief on the Cc line.

g. Foreign/Allied Nation Nominations must be submitted by a hosting unit. Battalion Level at minimum with Operations Chief Endorsement. Host unit must nominate Marines along with Foreign/Allied Nation Nominations. Seats for Foreign/Allied Nation Nominations will be granted if available. If scheduling is required outside of scheduled classes, please contact the Operations Chief or SNCOIC directly on this matter.

 

3. Reporting Instructions

a. Marines will report to Building 33063T (33 Area Armory) at 0630 in “boots and utes.” Front and back SAPIs will be in the flak.

b. Marines will ensure they have items prescribed by the Gear List. The Gear List may be found in the Forms tab.

 

4. Additional Information

a. BMGC is a very physically demanding course and machine gun employment requires substantial strength and endurance. Please ensure that your Marines are able to stand the rigors of the course. If a student is unable to perform, they may be dropped at the discretion of Division Schools staff.

b. Personally own ballistic protection equipment such as helmets, plate carriers, and SAPIs are not authorized. This matter is non-negotiable. Should a student refuse to wear their Marine Corps issued gear, they will be dropped from the course.

c. If your Marine needs to have their IFAK updated or restocked, ensure that they get this done through IIF prior to reporting to the course. They will not have the time otherwise. Marines found with empty or improperly stocked IFAKs will be dropped from the course.

 

5. T&R Standards

These are the specific T&R Events that every student must complete and will be certified on following completion of Basic Machine Gunner’s Course:

a. 0331-EMPL-1001, React to Machinegun Fire Commands 

b. 0331-HMG-1001, Perform Operator Maintenance for a Heavy Machinegun 

c. 0331-M2-1001, Engage Targets with a M2A1 Heavy Machinegun 

d. 0331-MK19-1001, Perform Operator Maintenance on an MK-19 Heavy Machinegun 

e. 0331-MK19-1002, Engage Targets with a MK-19 Heavy Machinegun 

f. 0331-MMG-1001, Perform Operator Maintenance for a M240B Medium Machinegun 

g. 0331-MMG-1002, Engage Targets with a Medium Machinegun 

h. 0331-MMG-1003, Zero a Machinegun Day Optic (MDO) 

i. 0331-WPNS-1001, Zero a Limited Visibility Optic to a Machinegun 

j. 0331-WPNS-1002, Register a Range Card 

"I dedicate my heart, mind, and strength to the work before me."

 

Information

Combat Trauma Management and the Valkryie Program are run through the Navy Education Training Office. For information regarding dates and registration requirements, please consult with your unit's Medical Officer or Chief Petty Officer.

Specific points of contact for the Navy Education and Training Office may be found under the Leaders tab.

 

 

 

Background

Often, 1st Marine Division Schools is requested to support units across the MAGTF for various machine gun ranges and non-standard shooting packages. To better facilitate the demand, Division Schools is implementing a request process for units to submit through. Submissions for Cadre Support will receive either an initial approval or denial. When approved, this will begin a conversation to refine the coordination process.

Submissions

All submission will be sent via: Outlook 

The email subject line will read:

-"CADRE SUPPORT REQUEST" followed by the name of the unit requesting.
-Example: "CADRE SUPPORT REQUEST: VMM-164"

In the request, units will provide:

-Dates, From and To
-Location(s) 
-Number of personnel 
-Concept of Operations

For any questions, please contact the Operations Chief.

Logistics

a. Units will be responsible for furnishing their own weapons and ammunition. We may offer guidance on this process.

b. Units will be responsible to supply chow and water for their Marines as needed.

c. Units will be responsible for providing their own RSO/OIC. If RSO/OIC support is required from Division Schools to meet weapons certification requirements, please indicate this in the request.

d. Units will be responsible for providing their own Safety Vehicle and Corpsman support.

e. Units will be responsible for providing their own means of communication to Range Safety.

1. Billeting

1st Marine Division Schools provides billeting for Marines attending from external bases. Units are still required to indicate whether or not their Marines will need government billeting.  It is the responsibility of the unit to coordinate timing with Division Schools staff.

For Camp Pendleton Marines that will require billeting for whatever reasons, it is the responsibility of their parent unit to request billeting and receive confirmation that the arrangements have been made. Division Schools holds no responsibility for billeting of Camp Pendleton Marines until the unit submits the request and receives a confirmation of receipt. 

2. Defense Travel System

1st Marine Division Schools is able to provide Government Billeting upon request. If there are no availabilities for the requested time, we may provide non-availability letter. 

1st Marine Division Schools has access to Government Dining via the 33 Area Dining Facility

Travel expenses, rental vehicles, incidentals, and per diem will be Unit Funded.

 

Director - Captain David P. Ritz 

Deputy Director - Vacant 

Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge - Gunnery Sergeant Patrick S. Collier

LPO, Navy Education Training Office - HM1 Benjamin P. Kaplan

Operations Chief - Staff Sergeant Joseph C. Garcia

Program Manager, Division Medical Training Group – HM1 LeMichael Wright

Program Manager, Valkyrie - HM3 Mateo C. Mirca

Course Chief, Combat Trauma Management - HM2 William F. Johnson

Course Chief, Corporal's Course - Sergeant Dylan M. Tutorow 

Course Chief, Formal Marksmanship Trainer Course - Sergeant Adrian D. Langley 

Course Chief, Basic Machine Gunner's Course - Sergeant Juan D. Martinez 

Contact Division Schools

Director - (760) 725-8756

SNCOIC - (760) 725-8759

Operations Chief - (760) 725-8758

Navy Education Training Office - (760) 763-6632

1st Marine Division Schools Email: 1stMarineDivisionSchools2@usmc.mil

 

1st Marine Division