USMC Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC)

Congratulations! You made it through the Warrant Officer or Gunner package process and have been selected above your peers, well in some MOSs. Believe it or not, that was the easy part; the transitions formally begin when you arrive at The Basic School in Quantico. You all went to an MCRD and had the Kool-Aid, well ladies and gents; this is where the Kool-Aid is made, processed, and distributed throughout the fighting force. Welcome to the transition.

Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) is physically demanding, which will increase mental strength (except for the gunners). You are a senior enlisted Marine with years and miles of experience, and now you have to start over. The course is demanding, but trust me, it will make you a better Marine, and there will be a time when you will understand the process.

This website provides you with some tips from the two previous WOBCs. This website will not give the keys to the castle, but it will make your life easier. The first tip is to understand that TBS is designed for basic or entry-level Marine Officers. Yes, I know you are not new to the institution, so have patience and get through the process. The second tip, be a good dude and teammate; everything is formed through teamwork.

This website is maintained by a current warrant officer (FY 21 graduate); I want to keep this updated with the new events and standards. I am doing this for free, just want to pay it forward to my brothers and sisters. To do this, I will need your help. Please email me at newusmcwarrant@gmail.com for updates and questions to add to the website. Thank you and good luck.


Table of Contents

Check In Processing

Covid 19 has changed check-in processing. In WOBC-20, there were no restrictions, and we could check in with relative freedom as long as you were at formation at the end of the day. In WOBC-21, you were restricted to your room as soon as you checked in. So WOBC-22 may be a combination of both.

Either way, there are some things you need to think about. For most of you, barracks life was, well, old news when you were a junior Marine. Think about what was required to make life comfortable with one or two roommates. Some advice, the chow hall is not what you think it is, so prepare accordingly.

Feet, Food, Sleep, and hydration are the keys to success. Before you check-in make sure you have nutrition figured out; some items to consider:

Food- Snack foods, beef jerky, gummy bears (good for hikes, trust me, and medical said it was good also), tuna packs, ramen noodles, sandwich foods, peanut butter, jelly, healthy, instant oatmeal, paper plates, paper bowls, paper towels, toilet paper, microwavable meals, fruit, etc.. You get the point; there is a medium-sized fridge and microwave in each room.

I promise you the food at the chow hall is not good, our class made several formal complaints. Also, if you are quarantined, the food they deliver to you is not good.

Sleep- You will get barracks linen. That last sentence should be enough to get you to buy what you need to sleep comfortably (except gunners) and make waking up at 0300 a little easier. Go buy linen, maybe a heated blanket.

Medical - As many of you know or will know, BUMED is very particular about who gets to attend TBS. I will not tell you to be dishonest; your health out-trumps anything in garrison. Get as healthy as you can before you go, do the right thing if you are on medication, or wear a CPAP. There is no gray area here.

Medical check-in will be cold and probably consist of waiting in Marine Corps lines outside. Check the weather before you go!

You will be directed to where to park and check-in when you arrive at Camp Barrett. There will be signs and a working party to assist you. You will do the basic medical, dental, vehicle registration, meet and greet your SPC, get internet access for Heywood Hall, etc.

Packing List

There are some hacks to this, but use the packing list they give you. Golden Rule is to survive in the field on very cold wet nights. The pack light - freeze at night will not make your time at TBS an easier. - Plan to spend between $2,000 and $3,000, good use of the pay raise, I know you don't have to say it.

Ceremonies

  • Officer Alphas (For you appointment ceremony) - It is cheaper to convert your older uniform than to buy a new one.

  • Officer Dress Blues - You can order ahead at the MCX on TBS, but in my opinion, the Marine Shop has better Dress Blues, although they are more expensive. Also to note, MCX has payment options.

For the Garrison and Field

  • Boots - At least two sets. Danner Reckonings are something similar is the recommendation. Bate Lites will not last through the course.

  • Boot dryer, see above, and see keys to success. I promise you will use this.

  • Wool socks seem to be the best option. Yes they are expensive, but use them for the hikes. Socks in general will save you some pain.

  • Mole Skin, Blister Pads, Foot Powder - Unless you are a Gunner, you will use these.

  • Rank - Regular and Subdued, I suggest three pair of both. Try to get them before you get there, the MCX forgets they have WOBC every year.

  • Glow Straps - For marking not just PT. I wish you could see my smiley face.

  • Duct Tape and Permanent Marker - Needed to label all issued gear.

  • Gloves - Cold weather and for gripping ropes (E-course).

  • Cold Weather Gear - Visit Q-town. They'll have everything you need.

  • LINEN!!!!

  • Patches and Dog Tags - You can get the packages offered at 2 places in Q-town, "Jenny's Tailoring" and "Quantico's Best." Generally done within a few days. You'll need to have your LBV and Kevlar cover sewn on, so take those in with you when you order.

  • Laptop - For quizzes, classes, assignments. Maybe an extra monitor if you have it. This is a must!!!

  • Ranger Joe Protractor - For Land Nav, works the best.

  • Permanent Map Pens - Find the extra fine point and get a lot of them (10 to 20). They will get lost or wet. You'll need them for land navigation, overlays and fire plan sketches.

  • Ear Pro - Buy extra.

  • Printer - You will turn in your essays and orders. You'll need to print random things along the way. At least one per room. Get ink ahead of time. The ink will always run out when you need it the most.

  • Notebook and Pen (Write in the Rain, preferably) - Keep on you at all times. You may need a lot of Write in the Rain notepads for field ops.

  • Watch - Nothing fancy, buy what you don't mind losing or getting broken. Also absolutely no GPS watches on Land Navigation events.

  • Camo Paint, yes I gave the same look when I was told this.

  • Wall Calendar - To keep track of events and assignments due.

  • Ziploc Bags - Quart/Gallon for waterproofing items. These are also handy for taking extra food to the field. Trust me you will want something more than MREs all day.

  • Head Lamp w/ Red Lens - For the field and land nav. Batteries and extra batteries of all sizes. Waterproof them for field events.

  • Cleaning Supplies - You have field day on Thursdays.

  • Bug Spray - These ticks are no jokes. I had five while I was there. Also get at least one tick key per fire team.

  • Sunscreen/Chapstick - Do not be a rookie.

  • Laundry Bag/Detergent

  • Brush for Boots

  • Cat Eyes (Strap for Kevlar) - Get at least 2, these can be used for marking key personnel on night patrols.

  • Waterproof Spray - To use on gear/boots before going into the field.

  • Batteries for NVG and PEQ and waterproof them.

  • Gerber or something similar

  • Wire - To secure NVG's and PEQ to the rifle. PLEASE SECURE these items prior to taking your weapon into the field. If for any reason it falls off, you will not be secured until it is found.

  • Civilian Attire for Officers.

  • Tanker Jacket - If you're required to wear Bravos on Friday and it gets cold.

  • SheWe (For Females) - Amazon sells a funnel to help accommodate peeing in the woods. IT WORKS. I used the pStyle and it made it so much easier to be in the field.

  • Hand Warmers - With that being said get any kind of warmers you can get. It will be cold.

  • Rifle Cleaning Gear - You know the issued gear isn't the greatest. BUY CLP, you will need it in the field.

  • Ranger Beads - For counting meters in Land Nav. It is easier than counting to 500 while trying to walk through heavy vegetation.

  • Lamination Machine and Sheets - You'll use this for your kill cards, terrain model kits, and labeling.

  • Shoulder Pads for Pack - Worth the comfort.

  • Gear for terrain models. This is Google-able. At least one full kit per fire team.

  • Tuf-foot is highly recommended to help you from getting blisters.

  • MOLLE shoulder straps for your Kits, trust me you will spend a lot of time under a combat load

  • 550 Cord - everything will be dummy tied.

  • Bungee Cord, at leas 4, for building shelter in the field.

  • Metal Stakes for building shelter in the field

  • Extra cold weather gear, I know it is on the list, but trust me if you have an extra Gortex and undergarments bring them.

MOLLE Shoulder Staps

Stakes

Just prepare for this and you will be fine!