TBS in a Nutshell
As an Instructor at TBS from 2001-2003 I can tell you that TBS is a great place if you enjoy time in a stuffy classroom and in the field. If death-by-powerpoint doesn't fancy you then the 1600+ hours of classroom time (similar to 2 year degree at a Community College) will be a tough obstacle to overcome. Just remember that there are 200+ other Lt's in your position so help each other get through it. It is called THE BASIC SCHOOL for a reason...it is very basic. You will quickly learn a wide variety of information about weapon systems, patrolling, and other squad and platoon level courses that every Marine Officer should know. Overall, the work is not difficult unless you spend your nights at the Bar (in the barracks) or out at the various drinking spots just out the back gate. Monday through Friday is work hard and the weekends are play hard. (Unless you fail Land Navigation, then you are at the mercy of the Instructors on Saturday mornings.) As for the field, I spent 260+ days a year or more in the field when I was there and after watching and instructing over 9 companies I will tell you that the time in the field is a release from the classroom torture and for most it is a fun and enjoyable experience. The 7-10 page 5 paragraph orders, typed, double spaced may be a pain the night before but if you budget your time you will do fine. I will say that if you do have the luxary to go to TBS in Delta, Fox, or any other company in the winter months, be prepared for frost bite and misery. If you can get out of going to TBS or from being in Frozen Fox company do it, only the instructors can have the luxary of a bonfire during the day of training. LT's get their chance for a fire at the end of the day, when the sun has gone down and the temps are in the negatives.
It is also a good idea to remember the basics. You are there to learn a little about a lot of topics, learn it, take the test, buy the tee-shirt, then move on. Don't get bent out of shape about one or two bad grades. Just push yourself and help others in your platoon out. A large portion of your overall standing is leadership (as it should be) and I have seen LT's with perfect test scores fail the one or two major billets they had because of lack of leadership.
For some TBS is a quick and exciting 6 months and for others it is like being stabbed with a very dull spoon. It is up to you to make TBS an good or bad experience. If you don't like the field you will not like TBS. So if you are a pilot or you have your hopes on becoming admin, you might want to bring a very large spoon. For the Grunts and other ground punders, you will love it...well until you get to IOC. (We'll save that for another discussion) If anyone has any questions about what I have covered my information is somewhere on this website. Good luck to you all and SEMPER FIDELIS!
