Marine Corps War College
Quantico, VA
"Semper Fidelis"
The Verdict
Situated aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico—the 'Crossroads of the Marine Corps'—the Marine Corps War College (MCWAR) serves as the apex of Marine Corps professional military education. Founded in 1990 by General Alfred M. Gray, Jr., MCWAR embodies his vision of "a world-class educational institution for the study of war and the profession of arms."
The college resides in Dunlap Hall within a 55,000-acre installation 35 miles south of Washington, D.C., with only 30 seats per academic year reserved for the military's most promising senior leaders.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The Marine Corps War College (MCWAR) is the senior school of the Marine Corps University, providing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) to selected United States military officers, civilian Government officials, and international military officers. The college prepares officers for future senior command and staff responsibilities requiring exceptional operational competence, sound military judgment, and strategic thinking.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
highly selective
Key Requirements
- Selection through Commandant of the Marine Corps via Marine Administrative Messages
- Top Level School (TLS) board selection for resident attendance
- Only 30 seats per academic year
- Exceptional potential for senior leadership
- Intellectual capacity for rigorous graduate-level strategic studies
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
Part of 55,000-acre MCB Quantico
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
30
Barracks Life
Daily Schedule
The 10-month curriculum integrates three core courses: Joint Warfare, National Security, and Campaigning & Warfare. Students participate in multi-day wargaming exercises, strategic simulations, and campaign analyses. Staff rides to Gettysburg and Antietam complement classroom instruction. MCWAR operates only two seminars, granting professors significant flexibility for in-depth study.
Discipline Model
Senior officers do not reside in traditional barracks. On-base family housing is managed through Liberty Military Housing (1,137 homes across seven communities) or officers reside in Prince William County. Base facilities include the Barber Physical Activity Center (57,000 sq ft), Medal of Honor Golf Course, marina on the Potomac River, and the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
N/A
Where Graduates Go
N/A - Senior Professional Military Education institution
Hall of Fame
Lieutenant General John F. Goodman
Among first MCWAR graduates (Class of 1991)
Lieutenant General Richard Kramlich
Early MCWAR graduate (Class of 1992)
Lieutenant General Robert Schmidle
Senior Marine Corps leader (Class of 1996)
Lieutenant General Howard Bromberg
Army three-star general (Class of 1998)
Major General Paul E. Lefebvre
Marine Corps general officer (Class of 1999)
Brigadier General George W. Smith
Marine Corps flag officer (Class of 2004)
General Austin S. Miller
Four-star general, commanded U.S. Forces Afghanistan
Lieutenant General William Liquori
U.S. Space Force senior leader
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All Marine officers maintain rigorous personal fitness standards. The High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) program enhances operational fitness and combat readiness through functional exercise science. HITT instructors lead unit physical training sessions at the dedicated HITT Center. The Force Fitness Instructor program integrates physical training, nutrition education, and injury prevention.
Facilities
Barber Physical Activity Center (BPAC) with 57,000 sq ft including 9,600 sq ft fitness deck, group exercise rooms, spin studio, functional fitness room, three racquetball courts, full-sized basketball court, locker rooms, saunas, TV/Wi-Fi lounge, and smoothie bar. Medal of Honor Golf Course, base marina with 100+ boat slips on the Potomac River, and Olympic-size swimming pool with diving facilities.
Photo Gallery
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