Announcements from RecruitParents.com
Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements from RecruitParents.com!
Second Battle of Khe Sanh
January 20, 1968, in Marine Corps history.
1/20/2025
On January 20, 1968, the second battle for Khe Sanh began outside the village of the same name in the Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, 14 miles south of the DMZ and six miles east of the Laotian border, when the People's Army of North Vietnam (PAVN) launched a massive artillery bombardment on the U.S. Marine garrison. For the next 77 days, until April 6, the Marines and their South Vietnamese allies, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), fought off the siege in what was the longest, and one of the bloodiest, battles in the war.
Combat Marksmanship
SOI: Marines will undergo combat marksmanship training
1/20/2025
The Marine Corps' primary mission is to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, as well as to repel an assault by fire and close combat during amphibious assaults and subsequent operations ashore. Combat-ready Marines must be skilled in tactics and highly proficient in firearms.
Boot Camp Survival Tips for Parents
If you read nothing else, read this article.
1/20/2025
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.
The United States Military Code of Conduct
Learn about the U.S. Military Code of Conduct at Marine Parents
1/19/2025
All service members receive training in the U.S. military's Code of Conduct at various times in their careers.
The Code of Conduct, which was introduced by President Eisenhower in 1955, is based on time-honored concepts and traditions dating back to the American Revolution.
The six articles outline the obligations and responsibilities of U.S. service members in harm's way.
Knowledge is Power!
Visit Marine Parents to Learn about the Corps
1/19/2025
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!
The Recruiters
Are They Your Resource for Questions?
1/19/2025
As the parents and/or family of a Marine Corps applicant or recruit, you likely have many questions. You may or may not find your son or daughter's recruiter to help answer your questions. Bear in mind your son or daughter's recruiter has a mission to accomplish and the recruiter's duties are to the Marine Corps and the applicants. Don't fret; there are plenty of other avenues to find the answers you're looking for.
The Crucible During Recruit Training
The Crucible is a test every recruit must go through to become a Marine.
1/18/2025
The Crucible is a test every recruit must go through to become a Marine. It tests every recruit physically, mentally, and morally and is the defining experience of recruit training. The Crucible takes place over 54 hours and includes food, sleep deprivation, and over 45 miles of marching. The Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together to solve problems, overcome obstacles, and help each other along the way.
The Marine Parents Website
22 Years of Information in Civilian Terms
1/18/2025
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®.
Marines Begin Operations Against Guerrillas in Korea
January 18, 1951, in Marine Corps history.
1/18/2025
On January 18, 1951, Marines with the 1st Division began operations against guerrillas near Pohang, South Korea, following the Division's return from its monumental battle with Chinese Communist forces at the Chosin Reservoir.
Congratulations to Danielle Truesdell, our newest Volunteer!
Danielle completed 40+ hours of training and mentoring!
1/18/2025
CONGRATULATIONS to Danielle Truesdell, who recently completed 40+ hours of training to become one of our newest volunteers for the official MarineParents.com Facebook Groups in support of our Marine Corps family members and a place to connect and share®!
3 Reasons to Shop at the EGA Shop
Official Marine Corps Licenses, Nonprofit, Great Products!
1/17/2025
- We are an official trademark licensee of the United States Marine Corps. Royalty fees support Marine Corps morale programs on posts around the world.
- As a nonprofit corporation, 100% of the proceeds support our outreach programs.
- We have great products and designs for every member of your family!
Protein Bars in Boot Camp
Written by a Marine who served USMC '08-'12
1/17/2025
Protein bars. Delicious and filling, a deviation from the usual and bland Marine Corps boot camp diet. It's no wonder they are the most requested item from recruits. But should you be sending them?
Here's a reasonable answer: We discourage sending anything to your recruit in boot camp other than cards and letters. If your recruit asks you to send something i.e. protein bars, then that's between you and your recruit.
Navigating the VA Healthcare System
We're here to help you navigate the VA healthcare system.
1/17/2025
Enrolling for health benefits through the VA is typically a very time-consuming and confusing process. We would recommend that you speak with someone who has already gone through the process, or with a patient service representative (PSR) at the VA before beginning the enrollment process. Remember, you are not alone in this process and there is always some sort of assistance to be provided if you are lost. The paperwork is time-consuming, and you will need your DD214 along with additional documents to verify your eligibility.
Professional Photos and Videos
Taken of Recruits During Boot Camp
1/16/2025
During boot camp, recruits will have their photos taken with their platoon as well as individually in the "dress blues" uniform. A video of graduation will also be produced, and that video will include footage from each battalion. Both Parris Island and San Diego offer these services. Your recruit will be given an opportunity to purchase the photos as well as the video.
Newsletter Sign Up
Stay in-the-know with our daily information newsletters as well as EGA Shop Promotions.
1/16/2025
Sign up to receive the MarineParents.com newsletter delivered once daily to your email. You'll learn about the Marine Corps and read articles on boot camp and the Marine Corps. You'll also receive coupons and specials to the EGA Shop for Marine Shirts, garden flags, and graduation gifts.
To the great folks at MarineParents.com, thanks for your web page and newsletter. We don't hear from our Marine often, so it makes us feel closer to him when we go to your site. Heartfelt Thanks!
Operation Desert Storm Begins
January 16, 1991, in Marine Corps history.
1/16/2025
On January 16, 1991, Operation Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm as allied coalition forces launched an all-out attack air campaign against targets in Iraq and occupied Kuwait in an effort to liberate Kuwait and enforce the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. During the course of Operation Desert Storm, coalition forces included more than 415,000 American troops.
Preparing for Boot Camp
For your Poolee and for YOU!
1/15/2025
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?
Knowledge is Power
Learn About SOI EAST & SOI WEST
1/15/2025
What comes next after boot camp? Your new Marine will go to SOI. Click to learn more about SOI and ITB. MCT and ITB are both part of SOI East and SOI West. Which will your Marine attend? What will they do? Do families attend graduations? Learn More.
Homecomings
Marine Units Returning Stateside
1/15/2025
Retrograde is the return of deployed Marines, better known as homecoming for our Marine parents, spouses, family, and friends. Homecomings include return from MEUs/floats and in-country deployments (overseas stations).
Bulldogs in the Marine Corps
We've added a few photos of Marine Corps mascot bulldogs
1/14/2025
Photos are worth a thousand words and who doesn't love seeing photos of mascot bulldogs? Ooh Rah!
Consejos para padres
Leer en Español
1/14/2025
Queremos compartir contigo estos consejos de supervivencia en el campo de entrenamiento. Si no lees nada más sobre MCRD, lee esto. De hecho, incluyen cuatro reglas de "NO HACER", pero este es el Cuerpo de Marines y tienen reglas. Te alegrará conocerlos.
Join an Official Marine Parents Facebook Group
Make sure you get the most accurate information! Join OUR groups.
1/14/2025
If you are on Facebook, make sure you're in at least ONE of our OFFICIAL Marine Parents Facebook groups. With 21 years of experience offering recruit and Marine families a place to connect and share, we're your trusted source in social media!
Marine Corps Boot Camp Training Weeks
Here is a summary of the training weeks at boot camp.
1/13/2025
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.
Permanent Duty Stations (PDS)
Do you know what a Permanent Duty Station is?
1/13/2025
When formal training (boot camp, School of Infantry, and military occupational schooling) is complete, each Marine is assigned to a Permanent Duty Station (PDS).
Your Marine may be stationed at any number of permanent duty stations around the world, depending on his or her Military Occupational Specialty (the job that your Marine will do while in the Corps).
Structure of the Marine Corps
Learn More About the Corps in Civilian Terms
1/13/2025
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.
10 Rules for Posting
Useful for all Social Media Platforms
1/12/2025
Our ten rules for posting in our Facebook groups have been around for a long time; nearly 20 years. They're tried and true. We firmly believe that our 10 posting rules help to keep our military safe and help to keep you and your Marine's personal information safe. We hope you'll follow our rules in all social media platforms your participate in!
Learning About the Red Cross
How they help family members during an emergency
1/12/2025
If you have a family emergency during your Marine's deployment or while your recruit is at boot camp, and feel you need to contact the recruit/Marine, your best course of action is to contact the American Red Cross. Please be aware that contact from the Red Cross will alert your Marine to a serious condition at home. The Red Cross has guidelines they must follow for qualifying emergency notification to your Marine.
Western Inn San Diego Hotel
For Boot Camp Graduations
1/12/2025
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.
The Official Marine Parents Facebook Group
Join us today to meet other Marine Parents!
1/11/2025
Marine Parents has official Facebook Groups for every stage of your Marine's career in the Corps. Everyone can join our primary group! Hook up with us today and join this amazing group of Marine Parents and family members!
MAG-24 Arrives in Philippines
January 11, 1945, in Marine Corps history.
1/11/2025
On January 11, 1945, the first elements of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, commanded by Colonel Lyle H. Meyer, arrived at Lingayen, Luzon in the Philippines to provide air support for US Army forces. Over the following three months, MAG-24, along with MAG-32, flew a combined 8,842 combat sorties and dropped more than 19,000 bombs as part of the Fifth Air Force in support of the Sixth Army.
Travel Assistance is Available
Do you need financial help to attend boot camp graduation?
1/11/2025
If you need help with finances to attend your recruit's graduation from boot camp, we're here for you. While we can't pay the full cost, we hope you'll apply for assistance if you have a financial need.
Attending the graduation ceremony for your newly-minted Marine is an experience every soon-to-be Marine parent would like to experience. However, some families cannot afford to attend their recruit's graduation. For each boot camp graduation cycle, we raise money to fund our Travel Assistance program. Funds are used to reimburse a recruit's family members who meet our financial need requirements.
How to Become an Officer in the Marine Corps
Learn the different ways to become a Marine Corps Officer.
1/10/2025
There are a few different paths to becoming a Marine Corps officer. One path is to attend a 4-year college/National Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). They can attend the U.S. Naval Academy, or they can go from an enlisted Marine to an officer. If you are looking for a Place to Connect and Share® with others who have loved ones in OCS or TBS, you'll want to join our Facebook group. You must answer all three questions to be accepted into the group.
MCRD Support Battalion is not RTBN
More Acronyms: STC, MRP, PCP, EHP
1/10/2025
MCRD San Diego and Parris Island have a Support Battalion that functions in several capacities for each Depot. Included in the companies for this battalion is the Special Training Company (STC), which is the company recruits are assigned to should they need to be removed from the standard Recruit Training Battalion (RTBN). Taking these actions could happen for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to recruits who need medical rehabilitation (MRP), physical conditioning PCP), and evaluation (EHP).
Marines Deployed to Somalia
January 10, 1995 in Marine Corps History
1/10/2025
On January 10, 1995, the Pentagon announced that 2,600 U.S. Marines would be deployed to Somalia for Operation United Shield to assist the final United Nations peacekeeping troops to withdraw from the country. The decision came in response to the UN's request for American protection of its peacekeeping troops serving in Somalia.
*Image info: Official logo for Operation United Shield
(released)
Marine Corps Boot Camp Structure
Training Battalions, Companies, and Platoons
1/9/2025
There are two facilities for Marine recruit training. Marine Corps Recruit Depots (MCRDs) are located in San Diego, California, and Parris Island, South Carolina. Their acronyms are MCRDSD and MCRDPI, respectively.
United We Stand: We Need Your Help
Please support the organization that supports you
1/9/2025
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.
Medical Care and Emergencies
Injury, Illness, or Incident of Your Marine or Recruit
1/9/2025
Important to know BEFORE you need it! Your recruit or Marine may become ill, incur an injury, or be affected by some type of incident during his/her career in the Corps. Know that this may happen and that your loved one may not be the person making the phone call to inform you.
MPTA Helps Marine Mother, Monica, Attend Graduation
Thank you Marine Parents Travel Assistance!
1/8/2025
On Friday, December 20, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Monica, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Fox Company to become a Marine.
Thank you so much, Marine Parents. God bless all who helped make a dream come true. I will always remember. Thank you!
Monica, New Marine Mom
OPSEC in Boot Camp
Is it REALLY Necessary NOW?
1/8/2025
What's critical is that you are aware of what OPSEC is. You can protect your loved ones by protecting the information that you know. This is known in the military as "Operations Security" or OPSEC.
In this series of articles on "Becoming a Marine Parent", we've talked a little bit about privacy and respect, noting that both are important concepts to learn as the parent of a recruit. As your recruit nears graduation, the concept of Operations Security becomes just as important to understand.
Combat Hunter Course
Learn about the Combat Hunter Course that Marines go through at SOI.
1/8/2025
In the Marine Corps, "Combat Hunter" is more than just a title, it's a mindset. It's a challenge for Marines to be more intuitive and more aware of their surroundings. The "Combat Hunter" course is designed to teach Marines how to track targets, friendly or enemy, by noticing differences in the environment around them.
Marines are taught three main skills throughout the Combat Hunter course: tracking, observation, and profiling. These skills are the foundation of the program and teach Marines to be aware of dangers at all times. The observation and pattern analysis skills inherent to hunting help Marines identify a threat, reduce the risk of casualties, and increase their chances of survival. Marines learn to balance movement with stealth and speed. They are taught to take into consideration how they could be viewed by a target on a potential landscape and to take advantage of concealment when possible.
Letters Sent Home from Recruits
What to Expect, When to Expect, How it All Works
1/7/2025
You may be a lucky parent and receive a lot of mail from your recruit. Many are not so lucky, as recruits are very busy during boot camp and will likely be using every spare moment to study and get caught up on work related to becoming a Marine. Recruits are given time to write, but it is up to each individual recruit to choose what he or she needs to do during that free time.
Marine Corps Pay and Allowances
Information regarding your Marine's pay
1/7/2025
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.
MPTA Helps Marine Mother, Abigail, Attend Graduation
Thank you Marine Parents Travel Assistance!
1/7/2025
On Friday, December 20, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Abigail, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Fox Company to become a Marine.
The travel assistance meant I did not have to worry about paying my electric bill when I returned and used the money for gas. It meant we could watch my daughter experience one of the best moments of her life! We are so very proud of her! Thank you so much for helping us get to see her graduate! The assistance helped ease my stress and fears of not being able to make it to her graduation. I am so happy to see her accomplish what only a few could! We are beyond proud of her and all of FOX Company! Again, thank you so much from my family!
Abigail, New Marine Mom
TAPS/TAMP - Transition Assistance Programs
Learn about the process Marines go through as they transition out of the Marine Corps.
1/7/2025
Before your Marine's end of active service (EAS) date, he or she will be required to go through a series of classes, discharge medical checks, terminal leave documents, separation documents, check out sheets, and more. These will assist your Marine during the process of ending their active service and after their separation from the Marine Corps.
Deployment: Embassies
Learn about the force that provides security for United States embassies around the world.
1/6/2025
One of the most visible functions of the United States Marine Corps is the Marine Special Duty Detail. This is the force that provides Embassy security duty for United States Facilities around the world.
Communicating a Family Emergency to Your Deployed Marine
Notifying your Marine of an emergency is best done through the American Red Cross.
1/6/2025
Things are different in the military. If your family has an emergency, how do you let your recruit or deployed Marine know about it? While we all hope that we don't need to know, it's better to be prepared and understand the next steps for notifying your loved one who is serving our country. This article is an essential read to gain that understanding no matter where your recruit or Marine are in their journey.
If you have a family emergency during your Marine's deployment and feel you need to contact the Marine, your best action is to contact the American Red Cross. Please be aware that contact from the Red Cross will alert your Marine to a serious condition at home. The Red Cross has guidelines they must follow for qualifying emergency notification to your Marine. The Red Cross can be contacted for birth announcements of a Marine's new baby.
Becoming a Marine Parent
A 13-Week Journey for You, Too.
1/6/2025
Your loved ones have enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and now YOUR journey begins as well. As they get ready to leave for boot camp they are busy preparing for their career as one of "The Few, The Proud." One of the most important steps for loved ones at home is already completed! You have joined Recruit Parents and are well on your way to becoming informed, educated and supported by others experiencing the same emotions.
Deployment Pages on Marine Parents
About Deployment, OPSEC, Emergencies, and Support
1/5/2025
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.
—Jackie, Marine Mom in Missouri, 2006
Marine Corps Challenge Coins
Do you know about the tradition of carrying the challenge coin?
1/5/2025
Among the Marine Corps' many traditions is the carrying of the challenge coin, and it is rooted in history dating back to World War I.
Today, service members possess many medallions, or challenge coins, bearing their organization's insignia. These coins are often presented by high-ranking officers for a job well done, which is a great honor. They are also sometimes traded between men and women in a unit.
Weather Emergencies & Boot Camp
Natural Disasters During Recruit Training
1/5/2025
Any area of the country is subject to natural disasters. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) at Parris Island is subject to hurricanes. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot at San Diego, as well as other bases in the San Diego-area, are subject to fires. Being informed and understanding how the Marine Corps handles a natural disaster will help you feel confident that your son or daughter will be safe during boot camp, regardless of environmental factors.
Marine Corps Boot Camp Terminology and Acronyms
Learn some of the earliest terminology your recruit is taught during boot camp.
1/4/2025
There are literally thousands of acronyms in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and all branches of the military and there are hundreds of new terms to learn. This reference is a starting point for recruit families—those that are most important to learn during recruit training. After graduation, there are additional resources with more terminology on the primary website for MarineParents.com. But these are the most important to learn at this time.
The Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Learn about the highest-ranking officer and enlisted Marine in the Marine Corps.
1/4/2025
The Commandant of the Marine Corps commands the United States Marine Corps and is the senior officer of the United States Marine Corps. The Commandant is not necessarily the highest-ranking officer in the Marine Corps, but holding the position of Commandant makes him senior to all other officers regardless of rank.
The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps and serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant. The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is revered as the most outstanding, unparalleled enlisted Marine.
Knowledge is Power!
Learn more about what's after boot camp!
1/4/2025
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.
Your Recruit is a Recruit, Not a Marine
What it means to say the title is earned, never given
1/3/2025
This page of our website includes several great articles to read during the first week your recruit is in boot camp. In the Marine Corps, a recruit must earn the title of United States Marine. A recruit is not a Marine when they enlist. A recruit is not a Marine when they step on the yellow footprints.
MCRD San Diego Graduations
A Great Hotel 2 Miles from MCRD!
1/3/2025
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:
Red Friday: Our Historical Participation
Written by Tracy Della Vecchia, Our Founder
1/3/2025
Are you wearing red today? There are many variances of how "Red Friday" got started in the United States. While I can't state whether or not those accounts are accurate, I can share how we adopted the phrase as an organization to promote wearing red on Fridays.
CACO Terminology
Casualty Terminology During Deployment
1/2/2025
A casualty is a member of the military unable to fulfill their duties due to death or incapacitation by injury or illness. For families of our military, the term "casualty" conjures up images of destruction and death. It's a tough term to grapple with when you've got a Marine deployed or soon to be deploying.
However, knowledge is power, and we firmly believe that educated families are better able to handle the rollercoaster of deployment emotions. So, let's dig into some terminology and procedures.
Addressing Letters to Recruits
Be sure to properly address letters to your recruit so they arrive as quickly as possible.
1/2/2025
During the first two weeks of recruit training, recruits will send home a letter stating they've made it to MCRD and will provide an address for which to receive mail.
All mail is routed through the only mail office on the depot. Your mail will not reach your recruit without the correct COMPANY AND PLATOON NUMBER. The mail office will see that information and sort the mail to that company and platoon. The company and platoon information will be listed on the letter your recruit sends home about 2 - 3 weeks into training.
IRR Obligations and Requirements
Learn about the requirements for the Individual Ready Reserve.
1/2/2025
All Marines are required to go through the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) after their initial active-service comes to an end, unless he or she chooses to reenlist.
A Marine who wishes to remain in the IRR must be in good standing and continue to uphold the traditions of honorable service. Additionally, that Marine must accrue a minimum of 50 Reserve Retirement Credit Points during their Anniversary Year* (failure to do so can lead to denial of reenlistments/extensions for enlisted Marines and discharge for both officers and enlisted Marines).
Individual Ready Reserve Information
For many Marines, the end of active-duty is not the end of their Marine Corps career.
1/1/2025
All Marines are required to go through the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) after their initial active service comes to an end unless he or she chooses to reenlist. If a recruit enlists prior to the required age of enlistment, he or she would be placed in the Delayed Entry Program. The benefit of the Delayed Entry Program is that it counts towards the time spent in the IRR after separation from the service. So, if your Marine was in delayed entry for one year, he or she would only be in the IRR for 3 years after separation.
Corps Respect: A Family Value
What is it all about? What do Marines call it?
1/1/2025
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.
Structure of a Marine Corps Regiment
Learn how a Marine Corps Regiment is structured from top to bottom.
1/1/2025
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.
Wisdom Teeth
If necessary, boot camp is the best time to have wisdom teeth removed.
12/31/2024
The Marine Corps has made it a common practice to remove wisdom teeth during boot camp. While every situation is different, the reasons are usually the same.
MarineParents.com Founder and executive director, Tracy Della Vecchia, has told a story of her son, Derrick, getting his wisdom teeth removed while he was in the Marine Corps. Only, Derrick's wisdom teeth weren't removed during boot camp. His unit was in Japan conducting training when his were removed. Soon after, the unit got the call that they were going to Iraq. Derrick sat on the plane with bloody rags in his mouth and spent his first few days in combat healing. There are many stories out there just like this one. So if your recruit has to get their wisdom teeth removed in boot camp, be thankful; it's much better than on deployment.
Can You Help Us?
Volunteer Print Graphic Design Needed
12/31/2024
We have an immediate need for a print graphic designer to work with the executive director and several key volunteers to develop a new printed Marine Corps Recruit Training Matrix. We no longer employ graphic designers in house.
This is a volunteer position. The work would require between 20-30 hours of design work using Adobe InDesign to prepare a 2-sided print-ready 11x17 training matrix. The skill base required would be highly proficient in Adobe InDesign with the ability to prepare documents to be published at a commercial printer.
Can you help us or do you know someone who can? Please forward this message to people you may know that could help.
If you are interested, we ask that you complete a Google Form which goes directly to Tracy Della Vecchia, the founder and executive director of the organization. The link follows.
Sole Surviving Son
Learn the history of Sole Surviving Son during war and peacetime.
12/30/2024
Contrary to popular belief, "only sons," "the last son to carry the family name," and "sole surviving sons" must register and they can be drafted. However, they may be entitled to a peacetime deferment if there is a military death in the immediate family.
What's After Boot™ FAQ
Got questions? We've got answers!
12/30/2024
This is our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page for recruit and Marine parents to understand what happens AFTER boot camp. More schooling! Yep, there you have the short answer. But you've likely got more questions, so tune in to this page to learn more!
Boot Camp: New for You or Memories?
Firing Week and Qualification Day During Boot Camp
12/29/2024
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.
School of Infantry: Camp Geiger
Basic info about SOI East + Grad Date Schedule
12/29/2024
Camp Geiger, North Carolina, is one of two School of Infantry (SOI) locations where newly-minted Marines will be instructed on modern Marine Corps infantry tactics in order to conduct expeditionary combat operations. Camp Geiger is a satellite facility of Camp Lejeune and is located in eastern North Carolina, approximately 250 miles east of Charlotte, NC and 50 miles north of Wilmington, NC.
Tradition of the Yellow Footprints
Excerpt from an April, 2009 Marine Corps Article
12/28/2024
4/10/2009 by Lance Corporal Ed G., MCRDPI.
As the air brakes hiss, hearts beat faster, palms sweat, breaths become shorter and a bus of hopeful recruits are unified by the fear of the unknown.
These are the experiences of so many recruits who have passed through Parris Island's main gate.
Marine Corps Physical Fitness
Learn about the physical fitness standards that allow Marines to perform so well in combat.
12/28/2024
When asked what your son or daughter is doing these days, you may have noticed a very impressed reaction when you tell whoever asked that he/she is a United States Marine. Undoubtedly, this is due to the illustrious history of the Corps, the rigorous 13-week boot camp, and the expectation that the Marines are in optimal shape. But what is the Marine Corps' secret to this standard of excellence? It has to do with the emphasis that individual Marines and the Corps place on physical conditioning.
History of the Marine Corps from Marine Parents
A Learning Opportunity for Proud Marine Parents
12/27/2024
This page of our website includes an overview of Marine Corps history, something every proud parent of a Marine should be familiar with. This is your learning opportunity! You can check it out on our website.
Knowledge is Power!
Learn more at Recruit Parents
12/27/2024
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.
Types of Deployment
Learn the different types of deployments for Marines.
12/27/2024
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.
Official Links to SOI Websites and Resources
Use these official links for useful resources at SOI East and West.
12/26/2024
The websites on this page are official USMC websites and offer additional information on the topic of the School of Infantry (SOI) in the "What's After Boot?" category.
Mail and Packages During Boot Camp
You may begin writing to your recruit as soon as you receive his/her address.
12/25/2024
Though your recruit may move from one location to another during boot camp, you will always use the same mailing address for him or her.
The first letter you receive from your recruit will be a form letter. This letter should arrive in your mailbox approximately 10-14 days after they leave. The form letter should include your recruit's mailing address.
WAB: What Comes After Boot Camp?
12/25/2024
What happens when your Marine graduates and leaves the Marine Corps Recruit Depot? Where does your new Marine go next? What's After Boot?
To that end, every Marine goes on to additional weapons training at the at School of Infantry (SOI) following boot camp graduation. Your Marine will have specific written orders before departure from the Recruit Depot.
Licencia de 10 Días
Después de la Graduación de Boot Camp
12/24/2024
La siguiente fase de entrenamiento después del campamento de reclutamiento es SOI, o Escuela de Infantería. Su nuevo Marine tiene derecho a diez días de licencia después de reclutamiento. Su nuevo Marine puede reportarse a SOI antes de tiempo para guardar la licencia si lo desea.
If you're in the San Diego area: MUST SEE
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum
12/23/2024
If you're in the San Diego area, stop in to the museum at the Recruit Depot. If you're going to graduation, your newly-minted Marine will most likely insist on it. They are proud of their history and want to share that with you. Our website offers additional information about the museum along with a slide show of images. Check it out!
Marine Parents Donation
Your Gift Supports Families Through the Corps
12/19/2024
For over 20 years, we've been serving the Marine Corps community and helping family members new to the Corps and military understand and follow their recruit or Marine's career. We help thousands of people like you feel closer to their Marine by providing accurate information and support throughout their careers. Your donation helps us continue our mission of supporting and educating Marine Family members. Click the image to donate.
Over 93% of our income goes to program use, with 100% of donations supporting outreach services. We've been supporting warriors and their family members since 2003 as an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. Receipts are sent via email or US Mail for all donations.
US Dept of Navy and Marine Corps
Learn the structure of the Navy and Marine Corps
10/30/2024
It's a question often asked by new Marine and Navy parents, what is the relationship between the Navy and the Marine Corps? The Navy provides support to the Marines through Navy Docs, Chaplains, and Transportation by ship, among other things. This page on our website looks at the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps organization.
