Frequently
Asked Questions
The FAQ page has questions and comments that we most commonly receive from our visitors posted for your information. If you do not see your question here, please contact the Webmaster.
Recruit Training
Q:
What is recruit training and what is the purpose?
Q: How long is recruit training?
Q: How do I locate the address of a recruit currently in
training at MCRD San Diego?
Q: Are recruits allowed to make phone calls?
Q: What can and can't I send recruits in the mail?
Q: How often do recruits get their mail delivered?
Q: Can recruits receive e-mail?
Q: How much free time do recruits get each day?
Q: If I don't hear from my recruit for an extended length
of time while in Recruit Training, should I worry?
Q: Can recruits have visitors (other than during Family Day
and Graduation)?
Q: My recruit has been delayed in training because of an
injury and/or has been put in Special Training Company. What does this
mean? How do I find out how he is doing? Is he allowed visitors? When can I visit him?
Q: Is there a place I can view pictures of recruits or
follow them individually through training?
Q: What's
next after recruit training?
Graduation
Q: What is the schedule for Family Day and Graduation?
Q: Is there a dress code for recruit graduation and family
day?
Q: Who can attend recruit graduation and family day and is
there a limit to the number of people who can attend?
Q: Can I get a video of the recruit graduation ceremony, or
I have not yet received my graduation video?
Q: Once the recruit graduation ceremony is over, can the
new Marines leave MCRD San Diego?
Q: How do new Marines get home on leave and back to
follow-on training?
Visiting MCRD San Diego
Q: How do I get to MCRD San Diego?
Q: Entry access to MCRD
Q: Do visitors need a pass or letter to get on base?
Q: While visiting MCRD San Diego,
is there a place
aboard to stay (Billeting)?
Q: What are the nearest major airports to MCRD San Diego?
Q: Can I take photos and/or video while I'm visiting MCRD San
Diego?
Q: Where can civilian visitors shop on MCRD San Diego?
Locating/Tracking down Marines
Q: Where can I get a copy of my recruit training series
book or platoon photo?
Q: I lost my military
record book, how can I obtain
a copy? How do I replace my DD214?
Q: How can I locate a Marine that is currently on active
duty (non-recruits)?
Q: How do I track down former Marines or find out
information about my old recruit training platoon?
Joining the Marines
Q: How do I become a U.S. Marine?
Q: How can foreigners (non-United States citizens) join the
Marine Corps?
Recruit Training
Q: What is recruit
training and what is the purpose?
A:
Marine
Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego is one of the birthplaces of basically
trained Marines. It is here where America's young men are transformed into Marines. We believe that Marines are forged in a furnace of shared hardship and
tough training. This shared, intense experience creates bonds of comradeship
and standards of conduct so strong that Marines will let nothing stand in their
way. This belief will continue to be the basis upon which we make Marines.
Holding on to the high character of the Marines of the past, we look for ways to inculcate the strong values that have become synonymous with the Marine Corps. Through MCRD’s challenging recruit training the Marine Corps is preparing its Marines for the 21st century.
Marine Corps recruits are trained not only physically and mentally, but morally as well. Forming the bedrock of any Marine's character are the Core Values -- Honor, Courage and Commitment. By incorporating these values into recruit training, the Marine created is not just a basically trained, morally conscious Marine, but also a better American citizen who will return to society following his or her service to this country. Please refer to "Recruit Training Information" web page for more information.
Q: How long is
recruit training?
A: The recruit training cycle is
12 weeks long; however this doesn't include the recruits first week of
in-processing and orientation, so the actual time recruits spend on MCRD San Diego is
13 weeks.
Q: How do I locate the address of
a recruit currently in training at MCRD San Diego?
Q: Are recruits allowed to make
phone calls?
Q: What can and can't I send
recruits in the mail?
Weapons and ammunition, to include knives
Combustibles, including matches
Pornography
Gambling devices, to include playing cards and dice
Alcoholic Beverages
Drugs
Tobacco products
Athletic equipment
Cameras and radios
Civilian clothing
Electrical appliances (except irons)
Photographs larger than wallet size
Because of the long list of contraband items, the drill instructors who issue the mail are constantly on the lookout for packages or bulky envelopes. These items are generally opened by the recruit in the presence of the DI and are checked for contraband. The recruits hygienic needs are taken care of. Please do not send any unsolicited food items.
Q: How often do recruits get
their mail delivered?
Q: Can recruits receive e-mail?
Q: How much free time do recruits
get each day?
Q: If I don't hear from my recruit for an
extended length of time while in Recruit Training, should I worry?
A: No. Recruits spend their free time doing a variety of tasks like uniform
preparation, studying or other types of training. While it may be frustrating to
you that you don't hear from your recruit, it probably means that he is working
hard to become a Marine.
Q: Can recruits have visitors
(other than during Family Day and Graduation)?
A: No, routine recruit visitation
periods are not scheduled during the recruit training cycle. Recruits are
authorized to receive visitors only in an emergency or other highly unusual
situations.
Q: My recruit has been delayed in training
because of an injury and/or has been put in Special Training Company. What does
this mean? How do I find out how he is doing? Is he allowed visitors? When can I visit him?
A:
He will be assigned to a medical rehabilitation platoon for rehabilitation.
Depending on the length of stay there, graduation from Recruit Training may be
delayed.
For information about recruits who have been put in Special Training Company
(STC), please call (619) 524-8468. This is a direct link to communicate with the
company commander, and the STC staff about the well-being and status of your
recruit’s training. The majority of information about medical/physical progress
will come from your recruit in his letters and scheduled phone calls home;
however, inquiries to the command are welcomed if additional
clarification/information is needed. Again this is for official correspondence
only, please do not attempt to leave personal messages for your recruit.
Q: Is there a place I can view
pictures of recruits or follow them individually through training?
Q:
What's next after recruit
training?
A: Following recruit training and graduation,
the new Marines will go on to further their training. To do this, the Marines
will report to the School of Infantry which is located at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Marines who are designated as infantry Marines are assigned to the Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry for military occupational specialty (MOS) training. After graduating, these Marines will be assigned to their first permanent duty station.
All non-infantry Marines are assigned to Marine Combat Training (MCT) Battalion, School of Infantry for training. MCT reinforces and expands on the basic Marine-combat skills learned in recruit training. Following MCT, Marines attend their MOS schools to learn the trade they are expected to perform for the Marine Corps.
Q: What is the schedule for
Family Day and Graduation?
A: Family Day is from 9:30 a.m. to 7
p.m. on Thursday. Graduation begins at 10 a.m. on Friday and lasts approximately
75 minutes
at the Shepherd Memorial Parade Field.
Due to security measures, the depot is only open to
visitors on Thursdays and Fridays during graduation week. While anyone is able
to attend, the only organized functions are those within the graduation program.
Here is the current schedule:
Thursday: Family Day
9:30 a.m. - INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING MUSEUM COURTYARD
10:30 - 11:15 a.m. - MOTIVATIONAL RUN
A major event in your recruit's final training days is the "Motivational Run", the final run for the company of recruits. You can observe your recruit begin his company's run at the visitors area near the Museum's courtyard.
11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. - WELCOME ORIENTATION in depot theater. Includes short movie, LINKS briefing, D.I. introductions.
12:35 - 1 p.m. - LIBERTY FORMATION
1 - 6 p.m. LIBERTY STARTS! Visit with your Marine!
You may walk around the depot or take a shuttle. Certain recruit training areas are off-limits to visitors. Recruits may not leave the depot.
THURSDAY VISITING TIME CONCLUDES: 6 p.m.
Graduating Marines must be in their barracks by 6 p.m.
HOTEL SHUTTLE pick-up point for THURSDAY EVENING is THE DEPOT THEATER
(Guests must leave the depot no later than 6:30 p.m.)
Friday: Graduation Morning
7:45 a.m.- 8:15 a.m. Morning Colors Ceremony (Pendleton Hall - Bldg.31)
10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Recruit Graduation Ceremony (*Parade Deck)
*Reviewing stands are located on Shepherd Field (also commonly referred to as the Parade Deck)
Please be in your seats between 9:30-9:45 a.m.
After graduation, you may stay and visit the depot.
Hotel shuttle pick-up location is THE DEPOT THEATER
Q: Is there a dress code for
recruit graduation and family day?
Q: Who can attend recruit
graduation and family day and is there a limit to the number of people who can
attend?
Q: Who do I call to get a
video/DVD of the recruit graduation ceremony, or if I have not yet received my
graduation video/DVD?
Q: Once the recruit graduation
ceremony is over, can the new Marines leave MCRD San Diego?
Q: How do new Marines get home on leave and back to follow-on training?
Visiting San Diego
Q: How do I get to MCRD San Diego?
A: Please refer to "Maps & Directions" web page for
more information.
ENTERING AND LEAVING THE DEPOT:
Vehicle driver must show a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of automobile insurance to the military policeman/policewoman (MP) at the gate before entering the depot. All occupants of the vehicle must be wearing seat belts. The MP will direct you to the appropriate depot facilities. The speed limit on base is 20 Miles Per Hour.
TRAVELING FROM THE NORTH:
Take Interstate-5 South to the Washington Street exit.
At the stop light, turn
right onto West Washington Street.
Go straight through the next two stop lights.
This will take you directly to Gate 5.
TRAVELING FROM THE SOUTH:
Take Interstate-5 North to the Washington Street exit.
At the stop light, turn left
onto West Washington Street.
Go straight through the next two stop lights.
This will take you directly to Gate 5.
TRAVELING FROM THE EAST:
Take Interstate-8 West to Interstate-5 South.
Take the
Washington Street exit, the second exit after the Interstate-8 interchange.
At the
stop light, turn right onto West Washington Street.
Go straight through the next two
stop lights.
This will take you directly to Gate 5.
TRAVELING FROM THE WEST:
Take Rosecrans Street to Lytton Street.
Turn right onto Lytton.
At the curve in the road, the street becomes Barnett Avenue.
Continue straight on
Barnett for approximately one mile where the road will merge with the Pacific
Highway.
Take the Washington Street exit on the right.
Turn right onto West
Washington St. This will take you directly to Gate 5.
Q: Entry Access to MCRD
A: Please be prepared to have the following ready for entry: Current driver's
license, current vehicle registration, and proof of current automobile insurance.
· All persons entering the MCRD are subject to search and seizure of
illegal substances.
· Weapons of any type, alcohol, glass bottles and illegal drugs or
paraphernalia are strictly prohibited on base.
· All bags, packs, camera bags and personal property will be searched. Guests
are encouraged to limit baggage brought into the MCRD. This will facilitate
expeditious entry.
· Entry into the MCRD constitutes consent to search of personnel and the
property under their control, pursuant to internal security act of 1950,
section 21, 50 u.s.c. 797 (1979).
· The MCRD is an active military base. Due to national security concerns, any
jokes or references will be treated seriously and will result in eviction from
the base and possible arrest.
Q: Do visitors need a pass or
letter to get on base?
A: MCRD San Diego is not open to the public. Individuals operating vehicles aboard the depot must possess a valid
driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of automobile insurance.
Q: While visiting MCRD San Diego,
is there a place aboard to
stay (Billeting)?
A: For information on billeting/lodging, please contact MCRD San Diego's Billeting
and Housing office at (619) 524-4401, or visit the billeting Web site at
www.mcrdsd-billeting.org.
Q: Who can stay in transient quarters?
A: Active duty military, DoD and civilian personnel on TAD orders, retired military, and families of graduating recruits from Wednesday - Saturday of graduation weeks only.Q: Are you a temporary lodging facility?
A: No, we are barracks, our primary mission is to provide the best quality of life possible for single Marines by maintaining comfortably furnished bachelor enlisted quarters that are well maintained. Additionally, transient lodging services are provided similar to a quality hotel or motel.Q: What kind of rooms do you have?
A: Our enlisted rooms are multiple occupancy with two twin beds in each room and two rooms sharing a single bath. We have 7 enlisted suites (living room/bed room combination), 10 officer suites and two single occupancy officer rooms with a private bath.Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located aboard the depot in Building 625, adjacent to Gate 4 and behind the Base Exchange. Our front desk is open 24/7 and can be contacted at 619-524-4401, DSN: 524-4401.Q: How much are the rooms?
A: Single occupancy enlisted rooms with a shared bath are $20.00 per night. Single occupancy enlisted rooms with a private bath are $22.00 per night. An enlisted suite is $30.00 per night. An enlisted VIP suite is $35.00 per night. A single occupancy officer room is $25.00 per night and officer suites are $30.00 per night. An officer VIP suite is $45.00 per night. There is a $5.00 extra person charge for each additional person over the age of 12.Q: How can I make a reservation?
A: Persons on TAD orders can make reservations at any time. Space "A" reservations are taken no earlier than 30 days prior to date of arrival and are subject to bump for active duty on orders. Reservations can made by calling 619-524-4401, DSN: 524-4401 or e-mail your request to the reservations clerk.
Q: What are the nearest major
airports to MCRD San Diego?
Q: Can I take photos and/or video
while I'm visiting MCRD San Diego?
Q: Where can civilian visitors
shop on MCRD San Diego?
Locating/Tracking down Marines
Q: Where can I get a copy of my
recruit training series book or individual/platoon graduation photo?
A: Recruit series book, platoon
and individual photos are available at the Yearbook Office. Yearbooks and photos
are kept for two years. They can be reached at (619) 296-3840. Yearbooks and
photos older than two years can be purchased at the Museum Historical Society.
The Museum Historical Society has an archive of old recruit platoon graduation
photos dating back to the 1930’s and also offers some recruit yearbooks for
sale. Yearbooks from the 1980's and 1990's are available in limited quantities.
Platoon graduation photos and yearbooks may be purchased through the Society at
(619) 524-4426.
Q: I lost
my military record book, how can I obtain a
copy? How do I replace my DD214?
A: The
Military Personnel Records section located at the National Personnel Records Center maintains all records on former Marines. By
contacting them, they can send you information from your SRB (Discharge papers,
Medical Records, etc.). Contact them by phone
(314) 801-0800 or visit them online at
Records Center online. Or send your
requests to:
National
Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page
Avenue
St.
Louis, MO 63132-5100
Q: How can I locate a Marine that
is currently on active duty (non-recruits)?
A: To locate an active duty
Marine, please contact the Marine Corps' World Wide Locator service at
(703) 784-3941 /3942 /3943. For Marines with common last names, a Social
Security Number may be required. Correspondence may be mailed to:
HEADQUARTERS
U.S. MARINE CORPS
PERSONNEL
MANAGEMENT SUPPORT BRANCH (MMSB-17)
2008
ELLIOT ROAD
QUANTICO,
VA 22134-5030
Q: How do I track down former
Marines or find out information about my old recruit training platoon?
A: The Marine Corps has no way to assist individuals looking for former
Marines and records of past platoons are only kept for approximately four years
before they are discarded. However, you can try the following methods to maybe
track them down:
You could get a platoon photo. See previous question for information. You could
also try Leatherneck magazine which runs a monthly feature called "Mail Call."
It is a free service and is printed on a space-available basis. Email:
leatherneck@mca-marines.org, or
send items for this service to:
Mail Call Editor
P.O. Box 1775
Quantico, VA 22134
1-800-336-0291
Also, the Marine Corps Times features a "Locators" section in their weekly newspaper. Send your locator requests to:
Marine Corps Times
6883 Commercial Drive
Springfield, VA 22159
Also, try some of the people search engines on the Internet. Try the one on Yahoo! There is also one just for Marines called Semper Fi Lost Buddies. You could try the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Association or the VFW -- all of which have Web sites.
Joining the Marines
Q: How do I become a
U.S. Marine?
A: If you are interested in seeing if you've got what it takes to
become a U.S. Marine, please contact your nearest Marine Corps recruiter, call
1-800-MARINES (1-800-627-4637) or visit
www.Marines.com. They can
answer all questions regarding enlistment requirements, benefits and procedures.
Q: How can foreigners (non-United
States citizens) join the Marine Corps?
Once in the United States and once all of the criteria is met, interested men and women can go see a United States Marine Corps recruiter who can help them enlist in the Marines or they can call 1-800-MARINES.