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More Information

How to Contact Us

By Phone:
Monday - Friday
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(Central Time)
573-303-5500

By Mail:
MarineParents.com
PO Box 1115
Columbia, MO 65205

What's After Boot™ FAQ

Important Links:

Message Board Community:
www.BootParents.com

Official USMC Web Sites
The following web sites are official USMC web sites and offer additional information:

The questions below are some of the most frequently asked. We've provided answers, from USMC SOI documentation. This page was last updated Sunday, October 7, 2007.

The information provided below was accurate as of the last update. Your best source for the most accurate and up-to-date information is official USMC web sites. Links to official web sites are in the right text box.

About SOI:

While on 10-day Leave:

Getting to SOI after 10-day Leave:

Additional Questions and Chain of Command:

About SOI:

Can my son/daughter have his/her car at SOI?
No. Marines are NOT authorized to have private vehicles while at SOI.

Can my Marine's family move with him/her to SOI?
Your Marine is NOT authorized to move dependents with him/her. Your Marine must wait until s/he gets established at the first permanent duty station (a school or temporary duty under instruction, is not a permanent duty station).

Where will my Marine live during SOI?
While a student at ITBn or MCTBn, your Marine will be living in open squadbays. Most Marines will be issued one wall locker and/or a foot locker. There is not much space to securely store personal effects. Marines should wait until arrival at the first duty station before bringing large bulky items. Students should also avoid bringing expensive items (portable DVD players, MP3 players, cameras, etc.) because they are easily broken and lost here at SOI. Remember, your Marine's training is in the field much of the time. Leaving personal affects behind for days at a time is not advisable or secure. The Marine's entire issue of uniforms and gear that s/he received at the Recruit Depot is all that is required. It is recommended that s/he bring 3 sets of appropriate civilian clothes to wear on liberty. His/her civilian clothes should resemble the Service Charlie uniform (collard shirt, slacks and/or serviceable jeans).

Will we get a mailing address while my Marine is at SOI?
Since most of your Marine's training will be conducted in the field, mail will be delivered as often as possible. Large packages which require a signature are strongly discouraged. Your Marine will provide you with a mailing address as soon as s/he knows it. Please check official Marine Corps documentation for published mailing addresses. (For security and accuracy, MarineParents.com does NOT publish mailing addresses online.)

While on 10-day Leave:

Getting to SOI after 10-day Leave:

When should my Marine report to SOI?
Your Marine needs to ensure that s/he reports by the date designated on the orders. Look at the signed receiving endorsement on the bottom front page of the orders. That is the date and time that s/he must report by. If for some reason your Marine arrives earlier than that date, s/he should report into SOI. Do NOT get a hotel.

My Marine had recruiter assistance. How much additional leave will s/he earn?
If your Marine participated in the Permissive Recruiter Assistance Support Program (PRASP), s/he will be required to bring a copy of all related documents and endorsements when checking in to SOI. If your Marine was responsible for recruiting an acceptable applicant for enlistment in the Marine Corps, s/he will be granted a five-day extension of the current ten-day leave for a total of 15 days leave. If your Marine is responsible for recruiting two or more acceptable applicants for enlistment in the Marine Corps, s/he will be granted another five-day extension of leave for a total of 20 days leave. If s/he is granted an extension of leave for assistance to the recruiting service, s/he should request that the officer endorsing the leave orders notify the Commanding Officer by message. If your Marine has any questions pertaining to recruiting assistance, get in contact with his/her recruiter.

My Marine lost his money and/or airline ticket. How can s/he get back to SOI?
Should your Marine lose his/her ticket or money and is unable to replace them, s/he should report to the nearest Marine Corps activity (recruiting station, reserve unit, etc.), identify him/herself and request that transportation be furnished. The cost of your Marine's return transportation and meals will be deducted from future pay.

My Marine's transportation back to SOI was delayed. What now?
If the train, bus, or plane is delayed and s/he will be unable to report in on time, call the School of Infantry Student Admin during normal working hours.
SOI / West Phone Numbers:
Normal Working Hours: (760) 725-7833
After Hours: (760) 725-7480 (officer of the day)

Additional Questions and Chain of Command:

I have additional questions. Who do I go to?
If you have additional questions, you need to ask your Marine. You do not have authority to contact your son or daughter's employer to ask questions about his/her performance, responsibilities, or job duties.

My Marine has additional questions. Who does s/he go to?
Should your Marine have a question or need assistance, s/he must ask. Parents do NOT need to ask the questions on behalf of the new Marine. Your Marine's Chain-of-Command (COC) is an important means of handling problems and maintaining accountability. Until your Marine checks in, the School of Infantry Student Administration Officer is his/her point of contact.
For SOI WEST, the phone numbers are: (760) 725-7833/7972. During non-working hours 1700-0700 (Pacific) and all day on weekends and holidays, call the SOI Officer of the Day at: (760) 725-7480.



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