What is Quantico?

Quantico is the site of one of the largest U.S. Marine Corps bases in the world, (MCB Quantico). The base is the site of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command and HMX-1 (the presidential helicopter squadron). The United States Drug Enforcement Administration's training academy, the FBI Academy, the FBI Laboratory, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service headquarters are on the base.

Marine Corps Base Quantico is comprised of more than 6,700 military personnel, 6,900 civilians, and 2,500 family members.

Since its inception in 1917, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, has been the "frontline of innovation." Marine concepts, doctrine, training, and equipment of the future are initiated aboard the Base. The techniques of amphibious warfare, for which the Corps is renowned, were conceived and perfected here. The tactics of close-air support and vertical envelopment using helicopters were also developed within its borders. As attention is focused on future battlefields, the Marine Corps and other branches of Service are looking to Quantico to lead the way with technological advances as well as creative and innovative thinking.

Quantico also serves as the focal point for professional military education. The Marine Corps University provides the academic platform the Corps uses to shape and hone leaders at every milestone of their professional lives. Officers in the Marine Corps begin their careers at the Officer Candidates School and The Basic School. Enlisted marines receive additional leadership training at the University's Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. The Marine Corps War College, School of Advanced Warfighting and Amphibious Warfighting School are also part of the University, training officers in the U.S. Armed Forces and international officers from designated foreign countries in the art of war.

Whether assigned to Quantico as a student or as a permanent personnel, the Marine will become part of a community that reflects professional character while enjoying an off-duty environment with many social, civic, and professional opportunities.

Seven weeks in this professional environment sounds pretty cool.