Graduation from Bootcamp USMC Bootcamp Recruit Training MCRD
Marines with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, wait to march onto Peatross Parade Deck during a graduation ceremony aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., April 13, 2012. The graduation ceremony consisted of five platoons from India Company.
—Photo by LCpl Aneshea Yee.
Typical Graduation Information
Thirteen weeks can seem like a long time, but graduation will be here before you know it. Mark your calendars and start planning early.
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. Tickets are not required for Thursday and Friday events. There are no restrictions to the number of family and friends attending graduation. See the note below about Base Access.
"Family Day" includes two events in your Recruit's final training days. The first is the "Motivational Run", the final run for the company of recruits. Your Recruit will also be allowed "Liberty", a time to visit with family and friends, have lunch together, and tour the non-restricted areas of the Depot. Graduation will take place on Friday and is the culmination of Recruit Training.
Note About Wednesday
On Wednesday, each depot MAY hold events for the family members only. This is subject to availability and may change. Tickets are required for Wednesday events.
- MCRD San Diego MAY hold a "Family Meet & Greet" dinner for the family members. The following links are subject to change:
Information from MCRD SD click here
Tickets from Event Brite click here. - MCRD Parris Island events MAY include a "behind the scenes" tour of the Depot and MAY include Dinner with the Depot Command (links subject to change).
Holiday Schedule
There are occasions when graduation will not be held on Friday due to holidays. These likely include Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and other major national holidays. In this case, family day will be on Tuesday and graduation on Wednesday.
Graduation Live Stream
If you are unable to attend graduation, Live Stream videos are available free of charge. For Live Stream video of graduations at both MCRD Parris Island and MCRD San Diego, visit our Live Stream page at https://rp.marineparents.com/bootcamp/grad-live-stream.asp
Note About Base Access
Please note access to military bases Requires a REAL ID for all personnel 18 Years and older. Visit our "Mandatory Real ID Base Access" page for details: https://marineparents.com/realid.asp
