Reporting to SOI-East: A Marine’s Guide to Alpha Uniform and Check-In Procedures

For Marines reporting to the School of Infantry East (SOI-East), proper preparation and adherence to check-in procedures are crucial for a smooth transition. This guide provides essential information, ensuring you arrive ready for training in your Alpha Uniform Marines attire and understand the necessary steps for reporting.

Initial Reporting Location and First Steps

Upon arrival at Camp Geiger, located within Marine Corps Air Station New River (MCAS NR) in Jacksonville, NC, your initial reporting point is the Visitors Center. This is the first building on your right as you enter the base. It is vital to stay in the far-right lane when entering and do not proceed directly to the front gate.

At the Visitors Center, representatives from SOI-East, specifically Combat Instructors, will be present to receive you. They will transport you via van or bus to your designated check-in location.

Uniform and Essential Items for Check-In

Marines are required to report in Service Alpha uniform. This is non-negotiable and sets the standard for your first impression at SOI-East. Ensure your uniform is meticulously prepared according to regulations.

If you have not been issued a Service Alpha coat, the senior service uniform is acceptable for reporting.

Alongside your alpha uniform marines, you must have the following items readily accessible:

  • One set of Woodland cammies
  • Service Record Book (SRB)
  • Military ID

It is also highly recommended to carry a set of Woodland cammies with you, separate from your main luggage. Luggage can be delayed or lost during travel, and reporting without a uniform can lead to being dropped to the Marines Awaiting Training (MAT) platoon, causing delays in your training schedule.

Crucially, ensure you have a fresh haircut before reporting. Extreme hairstyles, designs, or eyebrow slashes are not permitted.

For Marines who were issued glasses during boot camp, bring them with you, even if they are damaged. Civilian glasses are not authorized for field training or range activities, and having your issued glasses, broken or not, prevents delays in obtaining replacements and continuing your training without interruption.

Note: Changing clothes in parking areas is strictly prohibited.

MCT Check-In Procedures

Marines designated for Marine Combat Training (MCT) should follow these specific check-in steps:

  1. Visitor Center Drop-off: Similar to general reporting, have your driver drop you off at the Visitors Center, the first building on the right upon base entry.
  2. Building G540: Your check-in location is Building G540. This is where the current MCT company will be located.
  3. Check-In Time: You must check in by 1200 (noon) on the date specified in your orders. Failure to do so may result in being dropped from training.
  4. MCT Officer of the Day (OOD): For immediate assistance, contact the MCT Officer of the Day at 910-376-5668.
  5. Administrative Student Center (ASC): For administrative queries, the Administrative Student Center can be reached at 910-449-2244.

ITB Check-In Procedures

For Marines assigned to Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), the check-in process is as follows:

  1. Visitor Center Drop-off: As with MCT, your initial drop-off point is the Visitors Center.
  2. Building G702: Report to Building G702 to check in with the ITB RSO&I Staff.
  3. ITB Officer of the Day (OOD): Contact the ITB Officer of the Day at 910-238-9833 for assistance.
  4. Administrative Student Center (ASC): The Administrative Student Center is also available for ITB Marines at 910-449-2244.
  5. Uncertainty: If you have difficulty locating the check-in facility, contact your respective OOD immediately. As a last resort, contact your Recruiting Station for guidance.

Reporting via Public Transportation

Bus Travel

  • The Jacksonville bus station is located approximately four miles from Camp Geiger.
  • Taxi fare from the bus station to Camp Geiger ranges from $20 to $30. Consider pairing up with fellow Marines to share taxi costs.
  • Crucially, ensure you are in your Service Alpha uniform before leaving the bus station. Change into your uniform at the station if necessary.
  • Remember to save your taxi receipt for potential reimbursement.

Air Travel

  • Albert J. Ellis Airport (Jacksonville, NC) is about 16 miles from Camp Geiger.
  • Taxi fare from the airport to Camp Geiger is approximately $35 to $40. Splitting fares with other Marines is advisable.
  • Change into your Service Alpha uniform before arriving at Camp Geiger and SOI-E.
  • Keep your taxi receipt for possible reimbursement.

Additional Reporting Instructions

  • Timeliness: Check in no later than the date specified on your orders. If you foresee any delays, immediately contact the relevant OOD.
  • Recommended MCT Check-in Time: MCT Marines are strongly advised to check in between 0700 and 1200 on your reporting day to avoid potential delays and assignment to the MAT Platoon, which can affect your subsequent MOS school schedule.
  • Immediate Reporting: Upon arriving in Jacksonville, NC, proceed directly to SOI-East for check-in.
  • Billeting: You are not authorized to book hotel rooms. Billeting will be provided with your training battalion upon arrival.

Handling Reporting Delays

In case of unforeseen delays such as missed flights or buses, accidents, or transportation cancellations, it is imperative to immediately inform the MCT/ITB OOD. If you cannot reach your training battalion OOD, contact the ASC or the SOI-E OOD.

Contact Information for Reporting Delays:

  • ASC: 910-449-2244 (Working hours: 0730-1630) – Preferably call during working hours.
  • SOI-E OOD Office: 910-449-0179
  • SOI-E OOD Cell: 910-376-5485 – Use after working hours, weekends, and holidays.

Report to SOI-E immediately upon arrival in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, regardless of the time. Both ITB and MCT are equipped to receive reporting Marines during and outside of normal working hours (0730-1600).

Uniform Regulations Reference

For detailed guidance on uniform standards, refer to the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations: MCO 1020.34H Uniform Regulations. Proper uniform preparation is a critical aspect of reporting as alpha uniform marines.

Report to Your Correct Training Unit

Alt Text: Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) Logo – School of Infantry East

Alt Text: Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT) Logo – School of Infantry East

Important Note on Reporting Location: While older orders might indicate Building G-644, this information is outdated. Please disregard this and follow the directions below for accurate check-in locations.

Infantry Training Battalion Students

ITB students must report to BUILDING G-702 and check in with the ITB Staff Duty Officer (SDO).

Telephone: (910) 449-0235

It is strongly recommended to check in between 0730 and 1600 for prompt processing, although report in is required no later than the date and time on your original orders.

Non-infantry students report to Marine Combat Training Battalion

MCT students will report to BUILDING G-540.

Telephone: (910) 376-5668

MCT Marines are strongly recommended to check in between 0700-1200 on the date specified in your orders to avoid potential delays.

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Contact Information for Graduation Updates:

AITB Operations Telephone: (910) 376-4840

Infantry Training Battalion Operations Telephone: (910) 376-4840

Marine Combat Training Operations Telephone: (910) 449-4946

MCIS Operations Telephone: (910) 449-0179

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