Marine Corps Boot Camp Training Weeks

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8/27/2026

Our new Matrices have arrived! The Marine Corps changed their recruit training matrix in 2022 and we've finally our posters updated and in our store. See the link below if you need to get a new matrix.

Along with the matrices, our website contains a summary of each training week at Marine Corps boot camp. Our information comes from the official MCRD Parris Island and San Diego websites. The schedules for San Diego and Parris Island are different so be sure to select the correct tab on our page.

Marine Corps Pay and Allowances

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8/27/2026

There are many components to Military Pay. There is basic pay, special pay, incentives, allowances, and sometimes retirement pay, for those that serve long enough. This page on our website explains the differences in the pay your Marine may receive during their career in the Marine Corps. We include several links for those who may want to dig deeper into the topic.

Structure of a Marine Corps Regiment

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8/26/2026

The United States Marine Corps is a unique branch of the US military and is organized as part of the Department of the Navy. With over 241 years of warfighting experience and distinct prestige, the Marine Corps has mastered the art of military structure.

Preparing for Boot Camp

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8/26/2026

Are you a seasoned Marine Parent our just starting the journey? This is great information for you to know as you meet other family members who are new to the Corps. You can help them prepare starting in the Poolee stage.

As a poolee, your son or daughter is preparing for boot camp, and the recruiters are preparing the poolees physically, intellectually, and emotionally. They have probably heard from other new Marines who have come back to the recruiter's office and shared their experience from boot camp. The recruiters are preparing the poolees the best way they can.

What about you...who has prepared you?

Boot Camp Survival Tips for Parents

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8/25/2026

We want to share these boot camp survival tips with you. If you read nothing else about MCRD, read this. Indeed, they include four "DO NOT" rules, but this is the Marine Corps and they have rules. You'll be glad you know them.

A Letter from Our Founder

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8/25/2026

After 24 years of serving our Marine community, MarineParents.com, Inc. will officially close its operational doors on December 31, 2026. While our active programs and support groups will wind down, our extensive website library will remain live as a free informational archive through January 2028.

A letter from our founder:

Dear Marine Parents Family and Supporters,

After 24 years of pouring everything we have into MarineParents.com, our Board of Directors and I have made a deeply personal decision regarding the long-term future of our organization.

We have always operated on a lean budget, working day and night because we believed completely in this vital mission. But the truth is, I am exhausted. It is time for me to step back, retire, and focus on my family. Because of this, MarineParents.com, Inc. will officially close its operational doors at the end of this year, on December 31, 2026.

To our thousands of Marine families, past and present: thank you for trusting us to walk beside you. You have allowed us into your homes and your hearts during your darkest and brightest hours. This decision carries a massive emotional weight for me, and I know it will bring a wave of sadness and anxiety to our community. Marine Parents has given all of us a profound sense of purpose, and losing this daily routine will be a painful transition for us all.

We want to assure you that we are committed to a smooth, supportive transition over the coming months. Here is what you can expect as we move forward:

Full Support Through the End of the Year: Our website, support groups, and the EGA Shop will remain fully active through December 31, 2026. Our dedicated volunteer team is here to ensure we take excellent care of the families currently in our network

Preserving Our 24-Year Legacy as an Archive: While active services, store orders, and moderated groups will wind down this December, our technical infrastructure and the MarineParents.com website will remain completely live as a free informational archive until our 25th anniversary on January 23, 2028. The incredible library of resources we have built together will continue to serve as a beacon of information for future Marine families.

Honoring Our Volunteers: To our incredible volunteer family, the absolute heartbeat of Marine Parents, there are no words to fully capture our gratitude. They have moderated communities, comforted panicked parents, and sustained our mission for 24 years. We hope you will join us in thanking them for their dedicated service to the Marine Corps community.

We could never have done this without you. Thank you for 24 honorable years of community, comfort, and a place to connect and share®.

With all my love and gratitude,

Tracy Della Vecchia

Founder and Executive Director

Types of Deployment

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8/25/2026

Marines are always the first to fight, but combat deployments are not the only deployments that your Marine could be a part of. The deployment section of our website goes over each deployment type to prepare you and your Marine for what could be ahead.

Corps Respect: A Family Value

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8/23/2026

By now you've likely heard some new terminologies from your recruit or through reading information about the Marine Corps. While trying to get yourself wrapped around the meanings of some of these new terms, you may be seeing the same theme throughout, but you've not really been successful at labeling that term.

Marines Return Home from Lebanon

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8/23/2026

On August 23, 1984, the last Marines to serve on peace-keeping duty in Lebanon arrived back in America. The 24th Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) arrived off the coast of Lebanon on 9 April to relieve Marines of the 22nd MAU, who were guarding the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. The 24th MAU left Beirut on 31 July, marking the end of U.S. combat troops in Beirut for the first time since Marines had entered the city almost two years earlier.

When Will I Know My Recruit's Platoon Number?

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8/23/2026

This is an important question because we can't send a letter until we get the platoon number. The address for each company is public knowledge, but mailing a letter without a platoon number causes big delays. The wrong platoon number causes even more delays. So here's the TOTAL scoop on this question.

Oath of Enlistment

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8/22/2026

The final step of joining the Marine Corps before departing for boot camp or Officer Candidate School is being sworn in by repeating the enlisted or officer Oath.

The Chain of Command

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8/22/2026

Knowing, understanding, and following the chain of command in the military is crucial. The chain of command is the system that controls the happenings, tasks, and logistics of the military. The chain of command is also the tasking authority for subordinates. The chain of command is what gives warriors structure and discipline when engaging in conflict. It is imperative to the success of our military that the chain of command exercises the correct leadership and appropriate discipline in order to ensure success.

PFC James Anderson Jr. Awarded Medal of Honor

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8/21/2026

On August 21, 1968, Secretary of the Navy Paul R. Ignatius posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Private First Class James Anderson Jr. for heroism in Vietnam, the first time an African-American Marine received this medal (and one of only five African-American Marines to ever be awarded this medal).

The award was received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Anderson, Sr., at Marine Barracks 8th & I, in Washington D.C. This event was also notable in that it indicated the Marine Corps was evolving and that some of the long-standing prejudices within the Corps (namely those against minority Marines) were being eroded.

Health Insurance in the Marine Corps

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8/21/2026

Health insurance is just one of the many benefits offered in the Marine Corps. The health insurance offered to Marines has many complexities and at times can be confusing, and with that comes a lot of questions from parents. When to take your recruit/Marine off your insurance? When does your recruit/Marines' insurance take effect? What if your recruit/Marine is a reservist? Not only should Marines be aware of the benefits that are available to them, but their families should also be educated on them as well.

History of the Yellow Ribbon for Military

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8/21/2026

The yellow ribbon in military tradition has been around for decades and perhaps centuries. The origins are unclear, and what it represents has changed over time. This article is not an all-inclusive history but an overview of the last few decades of military use.

Wearing and otherwise displaying a yellow ribbon to remember loved ones far away or to identify with a particular cause is a contemporary custom rooted in popular culture and folk tradition, some say as far back as the civil war. Indeed, you can infer that when a yellow ribbon is displayed, it's intended to signify the binding ties between loved ones separated by military conflict or long distances.

Yellow ribbons gained popularity during the Gulf War in the early 1990s and often appeared alongside the slogan "Support Our Troops." Yellow ribbons were tied to trees and seen on bumpers with the sentiment to support those sacrificing for our country a hope they would return home safely. The practice continued during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq after September 11, 2001.

The yellow ribbon is a living tradition and symbol of military support. It has taken on new meanings through the years. Based on history, you can surmise that its symbolism will continue to evolve.

Drill Instructor Creed

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8/20/2026

Your recruit will be introduced to his or her Drill Instructors (DIs) for the first time at the end of the first week after arriving in boot camp. Indeed, this is one of the defining moments in a recruit's training.

The Marine Corps Flag

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8/20/2026

The Marine Corps flag is scarlet and shows the Marine Corps emblem, which contains a fouled anchor, a globe displaying the western hemisphere, and a spread American Bald Eagle atop the globe. A ribbon held in the eagle's beak carries the Marine motto, "Semper Fidelis," (Latin for "always faithful"). Below the emblem, a larger ribbon holds the title, "United States Marine Corps."

The history of the Marine Corps flag is long and diverse. There is little information available about the flags carried by early Marines, although there is evidence that the "Grand Union" flag was carried ashore by a battalion led by Captain Samuel Nicholas on New Providence Island, Bahamas, in March of 1776. The "Rattlesnake" flag may have also been carried on that expedition.

Marine Corps Ranks

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8/19/2026

Learning about Marine Corps ranks is a fundamental yet vital part of life in the Corps. Not only is it essential for your Marine to know the rank structure, but it can also be helpful for loved ones to know which rank their Marine is and which ranks their Marine will work with daily.

Preparing for Boot Camp Graduation

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8/19/2026

Attending boot camp graduation should be an exciting time for a Marine's family members. Use this page for some helpful tips and resources that you may need when you attend your Marine's graduation from boot camp.

Marine Corps Motto & Slogans

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8/18/2026

The Marine Corps has a long and illustrious history dating back to November 10, 1775. Over the years Marines have picked up nicknames like "Devil Dog" and "Leatherneck" and have adopted phrases "Semper Fidelis," "the Few, the Proud," and "Esprit de Corps." From the Marines' Hymn to the famous Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem, there is much to learn about the terminology of the Corps.

Boot Camp: New for You or Memories?

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8/18/2026

During Firing Week, the second week of marksmanship training, recruits begin before sunrise, preparing their rifles and themselves to shoot the known-distance course of fire.

Recruits prepare for rifle qualification day by firing rounds of both slow fire (one shot at a time) and rapid-fire (10 shots in a row). Recruits fire from four shooting positions at ranges of 200, 300, and 500 yards.

Embracing All Stages of the Marine Corps

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8/16/2026

From Marine Parents Founder, Tracy Della Vecchia:
As I reflect on the 20 years of service to Marines and their family members there is one thing I know: everyone is in a different stage of being a Marine family member. Prior to 9/11, I had no idea that the course of my existence would change so drastically. But it did. My son was at Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego and our country was going to war.

When you compare the journey of each of our Marine Parents, family members, and Marines, we each have our own stories to tell and we're each on the journey at a different level of understanding and the emotions that go along with it. It's important to embrace the career stage that each of us is experiencing, as that is the definition of the Marine Corps family.

THE Transformation

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8/16/2026

Read this story from the Founder of MarineParents.com, Tracy Della Vecchia. Included in the article on Recruit Parents are videos of the transformation from the Marine Corps.

My son was a Recruit in boot camp on 9/11. He'd been there two weeks. The time between then and when he graduated on November 21, 2001, seemed to last forever. I was glued to the news and wanted a letter from him every day. I only got three letters and two very short phone calls.

Knowledge is Power!

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8/15/2026

Your recruit or Marine is likely in this profession for at least 4 years. It can be scary when you don't understand what's happening during each career stage of your Marine's journey. Visit the Marine Parents website to learn more about the Corps. We've got over 20 years of experience explaining things in civilian terms. Take a spin through the knowledge today!

Old Town Inn Hotel San Diego

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8/15/2026

Old Town Inn: San Diego Hotel

Celebrate your Marine's proudest moment at the Old Town Inn! We honor your family's sacrifice with special military rates and unmatched convenience.

Why Families Choose Us

• Closest to MCRD: Just a 5-minute drive (0.5 miles) to graduation.
• Exclusive Savings: Score special rates with promo code MARINEPARENTS.
• Prime Location: Walk 10 minutes to Historic Old Town dining.
• Local Exploring: Drive 8 minutes to historic Liberty Station.
• Complimentary Services: Free Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking

Book Your Graduation Stay

• Mention MarineParents when calling, or secure your room online today. Scroll below for all details.
• Click Here to Book Directly with Promo Code: MARINEPARENTS
  (Note: Discount excludes holiday weekends and special events.)

Graduation from Marine Corps Boot Camp

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8/15/2026

Family and friends of Marine Corps Recruits are strongly encouraged to attend the graduation ceremonies for the announcement that your Recruit has earned the respected title of United States Marine. Graduation is two-part: Thursday is "Family Day" and Graduation is Friday. The Marine Corps will have activities planned for both days.There is typically a dinner held on the Wednesday prior to family day now.

Marine Corps Promotions

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8/14/2026

There is one question that any good Marine will ask on a regular basis. "How can I get promoted?" That answer will vary depending on the rank of the Marine. We will keep it simple and stick to the basics of getting promoted.

Promotions are cause for celebration and Marines have their own traditions. As the parent of a Marine, you can commemorate their promotion with an engraved coin with your Marine's name, new rank, and date of promotion.

USS Iwo Jima Decommissioned

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8/14/2026

On July 14, 1993, the USS Iwo Jima was decommissioned after over 30 years of service in a ceremony at Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia. The ship, named for the World War II battle in which three Marine divisions defeated 20,000 Japanese troops, was commissioned on August 26, 1961, and it was the first ship specifically designed as an amphibious assault ship from the keel up.

Mandatory REAL ID Base Access

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8/14/2026

Effective May 7, 2025, all guests and visitors 18 years and older accessing Marine Corps Bases everywhere should be prepared to present one of the following to enter the base, in accordance with federal law, MCO 5530.13, and the Department of Homeland Security's REAL ID Act:

• a REAL ID-compliant driver's license,
• REAL ID-compliant state ID,
• or an approved alternate form of identification (i.e., U.S. passport)

Expired IDs or Passports will not be accepted.

This requirement applies to all guests attending:

• Family Day
• Graduation Ceremonies
• Special Events hosted at any location aboard the Marine Corps Base or Post
• Job interviews or onboarding events (e.g., job candidates)

Visitors without a REAL ID-compliant license or ID must bring:

• A valid, unexpired state-issued photo ID,
• AND one of the following secondary forms of ID that matches the name on the primary ID:
• Original birth certificate with a raised seal
• Social Security card

If the name is different, you must present an official court document or marriage certificate to verify the name change.

Guests under the age of 18, accompanied by an adult, must present a valid form of identification, which may include a driver's license, state identification, school identification, passport, or birth certificate.

(Illustration by the Transportation Security Administration)

Complete Care During Boot Camp

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8/13/2026

Marine Corps boot camp recruits receive the best training possible and are cared for throughout their thirteen weeks on the Recruit Depot. Every base, including Religious Ministries, is covered from injury prevention and dental treatment to recruit pay and the Thrift Savings Plan.

First Female Marine - Opha May Johnson

Learn more about Opha May Johnson at MarineParents.com!

8/13/2026

In 1918, as World War I was coming to an end, the number of male Marines deployed overseas led to the Marine Corps allowing women to enlist for the first time, filling the vacancies (primarily administrative) left by the deployed Marines. On August 13, 1918, approximately 300 women enlisted in the Marine Corps reserves, with Opha May Johnson being the first. Her first duties were as a clerk at the Headquarters of the Marine Corps (HQMC) in Arlington, Virginia, managing the records of other female reservists.

OPSEC: Operations Security

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8/13/2026

OPSEC is keeping potential adversaries from discovering critical Department of Defense information. As the name suggests, it protects U.S. operations — planned, in progress, and those completed. Learn what that means to you as the parent or family member of a Marine.

Western Inn San Diego Hotel

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8/12/2026

The staff at Western Inn are here to serve you during your recruit's graduation from Marine Corps boot camp. We offer a special rate for Marine family members; please mention MarineParents.com when making your reservations. We are a 5 minute drive (1/2 mile) to MCRD and a 5 minute walk to the Old Town Trolley station.

Stages of Your Marine's Career

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8/12/2026

The mission of MarineParents.com is to provide support, information, and services to recruit and Marine family members and troops over the course of the life-cycle of your recruit or Marine's career in the Corps.

This sentiment is reflected in our Marine Corps Career icon. From the time your future Marine is a poolee, through boot camp, the school of infantry and military occupational schooling, permanent duty stations, and deployments. Then after your Marine's time in the Corps or if he or she is recovering from wounds or injuries sustained while serving, we have information for every step of the journey.

Knowledge is Power!

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8/12/2026

Everything you need to know about Marine Corps Boot Camp Recruit Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot MCRD Parris Island. Our website map breaks it down into articles for you.

Structure of the Marine Corps

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8/11/2026

The USMC is organized with two parallel chains of command, service and operational. The Service chain begins with the President, through the Secretary of Defense, and continues through the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The operational chain runs from the President, through the Secretary of Defense, directly to commanders of combatant commands for missions and forces assigned to their commands.

The Matrix and Recruit Parent Articles

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8/11/2026

Get started here preparing for your son or daughter leaving for Marine Corps Recruit Training, also known as Boot Camp at both Parris Island and San Diego.

Knowledge is Power!

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8/10/2026

Everything you need to know about what comes after Marine Corps Boot Camp Recruit Training. What's the next phase of training for your newly minted Marine? Our website map for "What's After Boot" breaks it down into articles for you.

Live Stream Videos for Graduation

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8/10/2026

This page includes the links to MCRD San Diego and MCRD Parris Island Marine Corps boot camp graduation videos. We provide these links to you as a courtesy to family and friends who are unable to attend graduations. The link to You Tube San Diego videos includes archive videos.

Please be aware of websites or social media links asking you to pay to view the graduation. Those are NOT official Marine Corps graduation videos. You are NOT required to pay to view the videos.

Marine Speak

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8/10/2026

The Marine Corps has a rich and proud tradition. The countless battle streamers earned by each individual unit is a testament to this fact. There are many things that the Marines do that set them apart from the other branches of service. However, the Marine Corps has always had a long-standing history with the U.S. Navy. This is to be expected, considering that the Marine Corps falls under the Department of the Navy. The United States has a military unlike any other. Specifically, we are fortunate enough to have a maritime tour de force. As such, the Marine Corps and Navy often times operate hand in hand. Consequently, one of the many things that we use in conjunction with the Navy is their terminology.

Henderson Field Secured

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8/9/2026

On August 9, 1942, the 1st Engineer Battalion began work on an airstrip taken from Japanese forces on the island of Guadalcanal.

The work was done with captured Japanese equipment and three days later, on August 12, the first American airplane, a Navy PBY, landed on what by then was known as "Henderson Field" to evacuate two wounded Marines.

Over the next few months, as U.S. Marines fought to take control of the island, Henderson Field would be the staging area for the evacuation of almost 3,000 wounded Marines.

Knowledge is Power!

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8/9/2026

Everything you need to know about Marine Corps Boot Camp Recruit Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot MCRD Parris Island. Our website map breaks it down into articles for you.

Video Marine Corps

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8/9/2026

The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is so much more than the Marine Corps insignia. It's a symbol of the honor, courage, and commitment of every Marine who has fought and won our Nation's battles.

Deployment Pages on Marine Parents

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8/8/2026

Got a deployment looming? In the middle of deployment? It happens and Marines love it, but their family members, not so much. Remember, information is power. Here's what you need to know to lessen the bumps in the road.

I had two sons and a daughter-in-law deployed at the same time: two soldiers and one Marine. This website was my go-to every single morning. It was my saving grace. I never did find an Army site like this one, but you helped me through that, as well. Thank you.

10-Day Leave After Boot Camp Graduation

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8/8/2026

The next phase of training after boot camp is SOI, or School of Infantry. Your new Marine is entitled to ten days leave after recruit training. Your new Marine may report to SOI early in order to save leave if desired.

A Good Review for the Parent of a Marine

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8/7/2026

This article was written by a Marine in our office probably ten years ago. This is as true today as the day it was written. It was written for parents of recruits in boot camp, but it's a good review for parents with a son or daughter in any stage of their career in the Marine Corps. Read and share!

U.S. Troops and Aircraft Sent to Saudi Arabia

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8/7/2026

On August 7, 1990, President George H.W. Bush ordered U.S. military troops and aircraft to Saudi Arabia as part of a multinational force to defend that nation against possible Iraqi invasion. The following week, the Marine Corps announced that it had committed 45,000 Marines to the Persian Gulf area as a part of Operation Desert Shield, which would become the largest deployment of U.S. forces since the Vietnam War.

Core Values: Honor, Courage, Commitment

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8/7/2026

To understand how to do what is right, recruits and Marines are taught about ethics and the core values of the Marine Corps. The Corps' core values are Honor, Courage, and Commitment. These values make up the bedrock of a Marine's character. During recruit training, recruits are taught these core values and numerous others related to them, such as integrity, discipline, teamwork, duty, and "esprit de corps."

A-4 Skyhawk Retired

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8/6/2026

On July 6, 1990, the last two A-4 Skyhawks from Marine Aircraft Group 32 flew their initial flights from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, as the Marine Corps decided to retire the Skyhawk from its active aviation structure. The Skyhawk was one of the oldest, most versatile attack aircraft in USMC history, having been in service for more than 30 years.

First Phone Call at Boot Camp

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8/6/2026

All new Marine recruits make a phone call home after arriving at the Recruit Depot. The sole purpose of this first phone call is to notify the family that their recruit has arrived safely.

It's a short scripted phone call and typically you'll hear others talking in the background with Drill Instructors using their best "Drill Instructor" voice giving directions. Some families record the call on their phone. What was your experience?

Life in the Corps Website Map

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8/6/2026

These pages of our website are rich with information that you'll want to know while your loved one is in the Corps. We bring it to you in civilian terms. For help navigating our website, use this map of pages for Life in the Marine Corps.

The information I've learned from MarineParents.com websites has been incredible. They give me information in civilian terms. I feel more informed, but more importantly, I feel closer to my daughter in her journey in the Marine Corps. Semper Family, and thank you!

MUSIC VIDEO

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8/5/2026

This is an awesome song and an awesome singer. Worth watching!

The Recruit Parents Website

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8/5/2026

We've been helping families understand recruit training (boot camp) for 20 years. We speak in civilian terms to help family members who are new to the military. For help navigating our website, use this map of pages on RecruitParents.com.

I couldn't have gone through my son's 13 weeks in boot camp without the support and information right here on this website. I got 13 weeks of education, too. Thank you for teaching me how to be a Marine Parent!

The Marine Parents Website

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8/4/2026

We've been helping Marine Corps family members navigate the Marine Corps for 20 years. We're your trusted source for information in civilian terms. For help navigating our website, use this map of pages on Marine Parents: a Place to Connect & Share®.

VIDEO: A Day at the MEPS

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8/4/2026

The Military Entrance Processing Station, or MEPS, is where applicants for military service go to complete the enlistment process. MEPS ensures that each applicant meets the aptitude, physical, and behavioral standards set by the Department of Defense and Service Branches.

Graduation & Travel

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8/3/2026

Could there be more i's to dot and t's to cross when you're getting ready to go to your recruit's graduation from boot camp? Talk about an overwhelming time! Some families have never traveled out of state. For others, it's an old hat. Regardless, it's the moment you've been waiting to get that first hug from your newly-minted Marine! We've got tips for ALL travelers: both seasoned and brand new.

This page contains all the information you need for graduation and travel for Marine Corps boot camp. Some information for Parris Island and San Diego is different so be sure to choose the correct headings.

Medical Discharge

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8/3/2026

The Marine Corps demands a lot from Marines, both physically and mentally. Physical training can take a toll on the body. The mental stress, whether a Marine has been in combat or not, can take a toll on the mind. Medical conditions can persist to a point that a Marine would be rendered unfit for duty and then be medically separated or retired.

Black Sheep Squadron Begins Marine Aviation Involvement in Korean War

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8/3/2026

On August 3, 1950, eight Corsair fighter planes launched from the USS Sicily and carried out the first Marine aviation mission in the Korean War. The raid targeted enemy installations with incendiary bombs, rockets, and strafing runs near Inchon, Korea. The Corsairs were with VMF-214, more famously known as the "Black Sheep" squadron of World War II.

MCRD San Diego Graduations

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8/3/2026

Town and Country Resort, located in San Diego’s Mission Valley neighborhood, is just 2 miles to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and offers a comfortable and fun option for military families. Recently renovated with an authentic mid-century modern design and a friendly Southern California vibe, the resort is an ideal home base for a San Diego stay.

The resort offers a comfortable guestroom, 3 pools, a 4-story waterslide named “Twister,” 5 restaurants and bars, a penthouse fitness center with Peloton bikes, and 19 fire pits. It is pet and family-friendly with a 3-acre attached park and a host of family activities. The resort is within walking distance of Fashion Valley Mall and provides easy access to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, beaches, and area attractions.

Making Reservations
Special rates for military families are available when you book using the RESERVE link:

United We Stand: We Need Your Help

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8/3/2026

Please donate today to support the organization that supports you during your Marine's career.

Your donation finances the dissemination of information to educate families about the Marine Corps, casework disaster relief for Marines and their families, and building communities for family members to have a place to connect and share® before, during, and after their loved one's service in the Marine Corps, and monetary assistance to Marine Corps family members who would otherwise be unable to attend boot camp graduation.

MarineParents.com, Inc., was founded nationally on January 21, 2003, to provide support, information, and services to Marines and their family members and create opportunities for the public to support our troops through outreach programs.

Deployment, OPSEC & PERSEC

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8/2/2026

Please maintain personal and Operations Security Standards in ALL environments. Help keep you, your Marine, and our military personnel safe by not sharing personal or military information in an email or online environment.

Matrix Terminology Explained

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8/2/2026

The recruit training matrix shows what your recruit is doing each day of boot camp. We've included a list of acronyms and abbreviations for both Parris Island and San Diego. Knowledge is power!

Tinian Declared Secure

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8/1/2026

On August 1, 1944, Major General Harry Schmidt, commander of V Amphibious Corps, declared the island of Tinian secure. This declaration came after nine days of fighting Japanese forces that were occupying the island.

The combination of surprise, heavy pre-assault bombardment, and effective logistical support resulted in significantly fewer casualties (344 killed and 1550 wounded) than were experienced in previous landings during the Corps' Pacific Campaign. As a result, the assault on Tinian was coined "the perfect amphibious operation of World War II."

Marine Parents Learning Center

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8/1/2026

The Marine Parents website was started to complement information on the official United States Marine Corps websites. We rovide accurate, well-researched information about all phases of your Marine's career in the Corps, including boot camp, school of infantry, MOS school, duty stations, deployment, and homecomings.

Beginning the Transformation to Marine

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8/1/2026

Recruit training transforms civilians into Marines who can face any challenge. As recruits, they will be met with stress and chaos from the start at the hands of the drill instructor.

The Official Marine Parents Community Network

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8/1/2026

Marine Parents is transitioning to our new, exciting social media platform, Marine Parents Community Network (MPCN). Our platform is a dedicated space for all things Marine Parents, featuring discussion forums and groups where Marine Corps family members and friends can connect and share their experiences. The platform is designed with your privacy in mind—we don't collect or sell personal data, and we don't track surfing habits. Join us at ConnectAndShare.com!

Recruit Mission Control

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8/1/2026

Built by a Marine recruit's dad: free bilingual dashboards for MCRD San Diego and Parris Island families. Graduation countdown, what your recruit is doing right now, Depot weather, and more. No app, no login, no ads — RecruitMissionControl.com