Platoon Leadership Course Marines

The Platoon Leadership Course (PLC) is a program for would-be United States Marine Corps officers. The course is designed to prepare and train promising midshipmen for serving in a platoon command role. The course is broken up into several distinct phases with both academic instruction and highly hands-on field exercises and training. The PLC begins with the Summer Leadership Course. This is a six-week course taught at the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. During this course, midshipmen will receive their first instruction on the Marine Corps' core values, leadership development, communication skills, mission, and organization. By the end of this course, all midshipmen will complete a series of Marine Corps field exercises as well as a ten-mile hump with a full combat load. The next phase of the PLC is known as the Advanced Leadership Course. It is held during the Fall semester and is divided into two components. The first component focuses on academics and provides instruction on Marine Corps leadership principles, history, customs, and courtesies, various other topics related to the Marine Corps organization and operations. The second component of the Advanced Leadership Course is dedicated to small-unit leadership training. This portion includes an additional series of field exercises and both classroom and hands-on instruction in combat tactics. The final component of the Platoon Leadership Course is known as the Advanced Infantry Training Exercise. This is an intense, week-long exercise at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. During this exercise, midshipmen will practice multi-echelon techniques and tactics in an environment very close to real-life scenarios. Upon completion of this exercise, all midshipmen will have received the necessary training to prepare them for the Marine Corps Officer Program. The Platoon Leadership Course is an intensive program that requires dedication, commitment, and a strong desire to serve as a United States Marine Corps officer. It is a tremendous opportunity for those interested in joining the Marine Corps and becoming a leader in one of the most prestigious military organizations in the world.