What's involved in the Naval Academy Marine Corps Cruise?

I'm interested in learning more about the Naval Academy Marine Corps Cruise 2 class. Can anyone share what the experience is like and how it prepares midshipmen for their roles in the Marine Corps?

The Naval Academy Marine Corps Cruise is a summer program specifically designed for Academy second class midshipmen (juniors). The experience provides on-the-ground exposure to what life and work are like as a Marine Corps officer.

The objective is to provide future officers a glimpse into the operational Marine Corps. This program is practically an internship within the United States Marine Corps. You would get practical, real-world exposure to how the organization functions, the Marine culture, and experience the basic duties of a junior Marine officer. It allows you to 'try out' what being in the Marine Corps might be like before committing to it after graduation.

Over the course of about four weeks, you'll participate in field exercises, infantry tactics, and leadership instruction. There will also be a chance to do amphibious operations, depending on the assigned location.

It is crucial to note that the "Marine Corps Cruise" is not a laid-back experience—it's challenging, but also rewarding. It provides greater clarity on roles within the Marine Corps and helps midshipmen to make an informed decision about their preferred service assignment upon graduation, either in the Navy or Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps Cruise aims to instill a deep understanding of the responsibilities and opportunities associated with being a Marine Corps officer, while also teaching and reinforcing essential leadership and management skills. Many midshipmen report that this experience significantly prepares them for future roles in the Marine Corps by providing practical, on-the-ground experience that complements the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom at the Academy. It is essentially an initial sneak-peek to life in the Marine Corps!