Marine Corps Base Quantico, << KWAHNT uh `koh` >> , in Quantico, Virginia, is the principal center for training officers of the United States Marine Corps. Enlisted personnel are also trained there. The Marine Corps develops and tests new weapons and equipment at Quantico. It also develops techniques of amphibious warfare there. The base lies about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Washington, D.C. Schools at Quantico include the Amphibious Warfare School, the Basic School for commissioned officers, the Command and Staff College, the Communications Officer School, the Officer Candidate School, and the Staff Non-commissioned Officer Academy. It also has a U.S. Navy hospital and schools for computer science, instructor training, and ordnance. The Quantico Marine Corps Air Facility and part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy are also there. Quantico was founded in 1917.
