The Basic School (TBS) is where all newly commissioned and appointed (for warrant officers) United States Marine Corps officers are taught the basics of being an "Officer of Marines." The Basic School is located in Stafford County, Virginia to the south-west of the Marine Corps Base Quantico complex. Each year, over 1,700 new officers are trained, representing such commissioning sources as the U.S. Naval Academy, Navy ROTC (Marine Option), Officer Candidates School, and Marine Corps Limited Duty Officer (LDO) and Warrant Officer accession programs. Philosophy of instruction at TBS The School's "Five Horizontal Themes" define the expectations of every student officer at TBS. These themes are: A Leader of Exemplary Character Has a clear understanding that a Marine commission brings with "special trust and confidence" and the highest expectations of the American people. Devoted to the Core Values of Honor, Courage and Commitment Possesses a moral compass that unerringly points to "do the right thing" – an ethical warrior Devoted to Leading Marines and Sailors 24/7 Embraces the "exceptional and unremitting" responsibility to one's Marines and their families Inspire and instill confidence in his/her Marines during times of adversity Adheres to and enforces standards regardless of time of day, location or duty status Treats all Marines and Sailors with dignity and respect Dedicated to a lifetime of study and learning about the profession of arms Able to Decide, Communicate, and Act in the fog of war Can think critically and arrive at an acceptable decision based on sound tactical thinking within their commander's intent Communicates clearly both orally and in writing in tactical and administrative situations with emphasis on issuing clear, meaningful orders and guidance Have a bias for action – seizes the initiative and acts instead of waiting for the perfect sight picture or direction from higher Once action is initiated, acts with boldness and determination A Warfighter Who Embraces Our Naval Character and the Corps' warrior ethos A competent combat leader, grounded in the basic infantry skills, and characterized by sound judgment and aggressiveness in execution Educated in the fundamentals of maneuver warfare, tactics, combined arms, and the time-tested principles of battle Maintains an offensive mindset throughout – proactive, not reactive Mentally Strong and Physically Tough Imbued with a warrior spirit and able to thrive in a complex and chaotic environment and persevere despite the obstacles to mission accomplishment Possesses the self-discipline to push past preconceived limits Courses