Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements from RecruitParents.com!
9/19/2024
Semper Gumby in the Marine Corps means "Always Flexible" and is a play on the Marine Corps slogan "Semper Fidelis" or "Semper Fi" meaning "Always Faithful". In the Marine Corps, whether a family member or a Marine, we quickly learn that Semper Gumby is a way of life! He's a true icon of the Marine Corps family.
9/19/2024
Friday, September 6, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Ashley, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Kilo Company to become a Marine.
Seeing my son graduate from MCRD San Diego and become a United States Marine was probably the most rewarding moment I have ever felt as a parent. Marine Parents Travel Assistance allowed my family to make the trip for that special day. Ashley, New Marine Mom
9/19/2024
Christopher Joseph "Gus" Loria is a retired Marine Corps Colonel and a medically-retired NASA astronaut. He is a Distinguished Hispanic graduate of the Naval Academy.
After numerous assignments in the Corps, including a combat deployment in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Loria was selected by NASA in April of 1996 as an Astronaut Candidate, and that August, he reported to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. After completing two years of training, Loria qualified for flight assignment as a shuttle pilot.
9/19/2024
Well, it doesn't. Recruits train whether the weather is fair, cold, cloudy, or raining. But if you'd like to check the weather daily, we've got a page for that, too.
9/18/2024
On September 18, 1990, the dedication of a 40-acre training facility for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The dedication took place in a ceremony presided over by then-Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Alfred M. Gray.
9/18/2024
The link below to the website page includes a chart to understand better the uniforms your Marine is wearing. The chart is an excellent reference as well as a learning tool. You can also learn about the differences between uniforms in other branches of the service.
9/18/2024
MarineParents.com, Inc. discourages any interference with recruit training, including but not limited to photos of recruits in training, attendance at pep rallies or bus rallies, attendance at Sunday services with recruits, or anything outside the regular Family Day and Graduation Ceremony held at MCRD.
9/17/2024
Marine Barracks Washington, known as "8th & I," is the oldest post in the Marine Corps and has been the residence of every Commandant since 1806. The site for the barracks, at the intersection of 8th St. and I St. in Washington, D.C., was chosen by President Thomas Jefferson and the second Commandant of the Marine Corps, Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, after the two rode through the city looking for a suitable location. The intersection of 8th St. and I St. was chosen due to its proximity to the Washington Naval Yard and the fact that it was within easy marching distance of the Capitol building.
9/17/2024
The first known Latina woman Marine served during World War II. Her name was Maria Lourdes (Torres) Maes. Like many women of her era, she joined the Marines specifically to “Free a Man to Fight.” She attained the terminal rank of Corporal.
Born in Puerto Rico, Rose Franco enlisted in 1952 during the Korean War and served until her retirement in 1977. She was the first Hispanic woman to become a chief warrant officer.
Corporal Ramona Valdez, born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx was the first woman to die in combat in the Iraq War. She was killed in Iraq on June 23, 2005. On August 26, 2017, Fordham Road & Grand Concourse was dedicated as “Marine Corporal Ramona Valdez Square,” in her honor.
The child of Mexican immigrants, Angela Salinas was the first in her family to graduate from college. On August 2, 2006, Major General Angela Salinas made history when she became the first Hispanic female to obtain a general rank in the Marine Corps. Upon her retirement in 2013, she was the highest-ranking female officer in the Marines.
9/17/2024
It is not uncommon to hear a statement like, "Marines sure do look sharp in uniform!" As a matter of fact, some Marines claim part of their motivation to join the Marine Corps was found in the desire to attain the honor of wearing the esteemed uniform.
Why do Marines look so sharp in uniform? The answer lies in their incredible attention to detail and strict uniform regulations which include specifications regarding haircuts and hygiene.
9/16/2024
On September 16, 1814, a detachment of Marines from the Naval Station at New Orleans under the command of Major Daniel Carmick, together with an Army detachment, destroyed a pirate stronghold at Barataria, on the Island of Grande Terre, near New Orleans. The stronghold was commanded by the famous pirate Jean Lafitte.
9/16/2024
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.
9/16/2024
On September 16, 1951, Corporal Joseph Vittori, 22, of Beverly, Massachusetts, earned the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of the Punchbowl near Songnae-dong, South Korea.
During the battle, Vittori's company was attacking Hill 749, on which North Korean troops had several entrenched positions. Following a North Korean counter-attack that resulted in heavy Marine Corps casualties, Vittori, along with two other volunteers, charged into oncoming enemy troops, engaging them in hand-to-hand combat to give his company time to consolidate its positions.
Later, Vittori volunteered to defend an isolated machine gun position on his company's flank. Over the next three hours, Vittori single-handedly fought to prevent enemy troops from breaking through Marine lines. Vittori repeatedly made trips through enemy fire to replenish his ammunition, manned a machine gun after the gunner was killed, and, despite North Korean troops closing to within feet of his position, Vittori continued to fight until he was killed. The following morning, Marines counted nearly 200 dead enemy soldiers in Vittori's vicinity.
9/16/2024
Friday, September 6, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Rebecca, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Kilo Company to become a Marine.
I am a proud Marine Mom! I was so blessed to get to graduation in San Diego, and MPTA helped me with that. I am more than grateful for this service. I had an incredible adventure that will never happen again. Thank you so much. Rebecca, New Marine Mom
9/15/2024
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!
9/15/2024
On September 15, 1950, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines captured Wolmi-do Island in Inchon Harbor prior to the main landing.
That same day, the 1st Marine Division under the command of Major General Oliver P. Smith landed at Inchon in what is widely viewed as one of, if not the greatest, amphibious assaults of the 20th Century, and began the Inchon-Seoul campaign.
9/15/2024
National Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15 through October 15. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
The number of Marines of Hispanic descent who infuse the Marine Corps with the unique customs and traditions of their culture continues to grow. The young Hispanic men and women who join the Marine Corps today are born of a proud culture. They choose to adopt the ethos of the Marine Corps, and ultimately strengthen our Corps and Nation.
While it is almost impossible to determine exactly when Hispanics first began serving in the Marine Corps, it is a verifiable fact that the answer is at least since the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) when Private France Silva became the first Marine of Hispanic descent to be awarded the Medal of Honor. In the years since, Hispanic Marines have participated in every major conflict our nation has participated in, including World War I, the "Banana Wars" in Latin America, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and, most recently, in Afghanistan and Iraq.
9/15/2024
Friday, September 6, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Shaundale, Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Kilo Company to become a Marine.
Thank you so very much to the Marine Parents Travel Assistance Program. The volunteer organization has done such a phenomenal job helping new Marine parents like us. Their assistance gave us a little wiggle room that helped with expensive gas costs and snacks for the road trip to watch the first Marine graduate in my family! The experience was beyond amazing. Witnessing my son's transformation has given us such pride, and we are very confident his future will be successful with the help of the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot. Shaundale, New Marine Mom
9/14/2024
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:
9/14/2024
On Friday, September 6, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Jin Hee and Kwang Hee, Parents of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Kilo Company to become a Marine.
We really appreciate the MarineParents Travel Assistance program, which greatly helped with our air ticket reimbursement and expense award. Thank you again! Jin Hee and Kwang Hee, New Marine Parents
9/14/2024
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.
9/14/2024
The first appearance of the “battlefield cross” is not a known fact. Some believe it may have been during the Civil War where it may have been used to signify the location of a dead soldier to be collected and buried during which time they would call a temporary truce.
9/13/2024
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!—Marine Mom Genevieve from Plano, TX in 2020
9/13/2024
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.
9/13/2024
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.
9/12/2024
On Friday, August 30, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Zunaira and Ahmad, parents of a recruit, to Parris Island for the recruit's graduation from Delta Company to become a Marine.
Please accept our sincere thanks for accepting our travel assistance application. Thank you for considering us in our time of financial need. We are grateful for the shirts and assistance. We were so happy to see our son and are honored and proud to be Marine parents! Once again, a bundle of thanks and all our sincere regards and prayers. It's nice to know your assistance and support is available. Thank you! Zunaira and Ahmad, New Marine Parents
9/12/2024
This page is a great reference for those who want to learn military acronyms and abbreviations. The military uses many acronyms that troops must learn. There are some that are specific to a branch, including the Marine Corps.
9/12/2024
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.
9/12/2024
Making your travel plans to San Diego or Parris Island is easy enough, but what about your soon-to-be Marine? Will he/she travel back home with you for 10-day leave? How do you know what time to arrange flights?
If you didn't discuss this with your recruit prior to leaving for boot camp, and most of us did not, and the letters you're getting from your recruit aren't giving you the answers you need, where do you turn?
9/11/2024
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.
9/11/2024
On Friday, August 30, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Amanda and Randy, Parents of a recruit, to Parris Island for the recruit's graduation from Delta Company to become a Marine.
There are no words to describe how proud we are of our son. We were happy to see him and spend time with him, and I know from the look in my son's eyes that it meant the world to him. This has been a different and new experience for us. Amanda and Randy, New Marine Parents
9/11/2024
We've got great stuff on Instagram and adding more content daily. Take a minute to follow us and see what's up!
9/11/2024
September 11 marks the anniversary of the single largest loss of life from a foreign attack on American soil, ever. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives on that Tuesday morning, and over 7,000 brave Americans have sacrificed everything in the resultant military operations. Read how the events of 9/11 led to the founding of Marine Parents.
9/10/2024
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.
9/10/2024
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.
9/10/2024
When it comes to Personal Security (PERSEC), there seems to be some confusion about what it is and how it can affect a Marine and their families on a daily basis. So we're going to attempt to clear it up.
First of all, PERSEC is similar but is NOT OPSEC. OPSEC deals more with the day-to-day operations going on in the Marine Corps. This can be for anything from deployment dates to weapons serial numbers to troop movements.
On the other hand, there is PERSEC. PERSEC deals more with each individual's personal security and how they safeguard their own personal information. We will talk about how it relates to deployments and social media, and how we can better protect ourselves from giving up our personal information.
The Marine Corps does not enforce PERSEC regulations as strictly as they do for OPSEC. However, that does not make PERSEC less important than OPSEC. If safety, in general, is important to you then you should be taking PERSEC seriously.
9/9/2024
Sergeant Major Bradley Kasal is one of the most legendary Marines in Marine Corps history. While he is most well-known for the iconic photograph of him being helped from a building in Fallujah, Iraq by two of his Marines, he is equally well-known by Marines for his leadership and courage.
9/9/2024
When parents learn that their son or daughter has enlisted, or is contemplating enlisting, in the Marine Corps, they may go into "This can't be happening" mode - particularly those with little or no military familiarity. An infinite number of questions may immediately arise, and sometimes there are no answers.
9/9/2024
Marines are known for being adaptable and creative. So what are some of the advancements they’re trying out to improve in the field? This video explains some recent technologies to make tools lighter, faster, and deadlier for the Marine Corps. Narrated by Todd South, Editor-at-Large for Military Times.
9/8/2024
On September 8, 1942, the 1st Raider Battalion and the 1st Parachute Battalion, carried out a successful raid on a Japanese supply base.
The Marines, who were supported by planes from Marine Air Group-23 and two destroyer transports, landed east of the village of Tasimboko, before advancing west into the rear of Japanese positions.
9/8/2024
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.
9/8/2024
The Watson Institute 2021 study of suicide among military finds that at least four times as many active duty personnel and war veterans of post-9/11 conflicts have died of suicide than in combat. An estimated 30,177 have died by suicide as compared with the 7,057 killed in war operations after 9/11. (See the reference and link below.)
It's critical that family members of our military personnel understand more about suicide and share an awareness of suicide prevention. September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month. Suicidology is the scientific study of suicidal behavior, the causes of suicidalness, and suicide prevention. AAS, the American Association of Suicidology, has a vast list of resources for sharing among family members.
What can YOU do? Spread the word. Share this announcement and list of resources with your military family and friends. Let's make September this year the year that Suicide Prevention Awareness reaches more military families than ever before!
9/7/2024
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.
9/7/2024
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.
9/6/2024
On September 6, 1983, two Marines were killed and a further two were wounded when rockets hit their compound in Beirut, Lebanon.
Heavy fighting continued for the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit near their positions around the Beirut International Airport, culminating in the militant group Hezbollah bombing the Marine barracks in Beirut the following month.
9/5/2024
Reading Books from the CRL (Commandant's Reading List) can help with promotions. How a Marine demonstrates completion of this annual requirement will be at the discretion of the commander, whether it be through a book report or guided discussion.
9/5/2024
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®.
9/3/2024
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!
9/3/2024
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.
9/3/2024
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.
9/2/2024
On September 2, 1945, the Japanese Empire officially surrendered to Allied forces on board the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, officially bringing World War II to an end.
With General Holland Smith having been transferred stateside in July of 1945, Lieutenant General Roy S. Geiger, who had succeeded Smith as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, was chosen by Admiral Nimitz as the lone representative from the Marine Corps to attend the surrender ceremony.
9/2/2024
Great images to share on your timeline, make your profile picture, or use in your cover photo, to let everyone know you are a proud recruit parent! We've also included some motivational quotes to share with your recruit in letters.
Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal—a commitment to excellence—that will enable you to attain the success you seek. —Mario Andretti
9/2/2024
Photos are worth a thousand words and who doesn't love seeing photos of mascot bulldogs? Ooh Rah!
9/1/2024
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.
9/1/2024
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.
9/1/2024
8/31/2024
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.
8/31/2024
A poolee is an individual who has already signed up to become a Marine but has not yet left for the 13 weeks of recruit training at boot camp in San Diego or Parris Island. Each spring, Marine Corps recruiting stations around the United States hold a "Poolee Family Night" to bring poolees and their parents together to learn what to expect in, and how to prepare for, boot camp.
8/31/2024
CONGRATULATIONS to Linsey Bankes 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®!
8/30/2024
On Friday, August 16, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Rena, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Alpha Company to become a Marine.
Our son has graduated from MCRD San Diego, and we couldn’t be more proud! Attending Family Day and Graduation Day meant the world to me, my husband, and our Marine. To say that we are grateful to Marine Parents for the Travel Assistance we received is an understatement. We absolutely would not have been able to attend the graduation if not for their help. A million thanks for all you do and for helping us be there for our Marine. Semper Fi! Rena, New Marine Mom
8/30/2024
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).
8/30/2024
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?
8/30/2024
After a Marine is married it's important that they enroll their spouse in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) so that they will be eligible to receive the benefits available to them.
8/29/2024
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.
8/29/2024
On Friday, August 9, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent Erin, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Mike Company to become a Marine.
It means a lot to me to be able to attend my son's graduation. I appreciate the assistance. We have had a hard year, my daughter passed away and so much more. I had to show up for my twin sons. One of them is my son Matthew, who is now PFC. Thank you for the shirt and the assistance. Bless you all. Erin, New Marine Mom
8/29/2024
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!
8/29/2024
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!
8/28/2024
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).
8/28/2024
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.
8/28/2024
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.
8/27/2024
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!
8/27/2024
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.
8/27/2024
Not every Marine that serves their country is a United States citizen. At least not always right away. There are different scenarios where a Marine can obtain citizenship from their service. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have outlined how Marines and their spouses can become citizens through military service.
8/26/2024
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.
8/26/2024
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.
8/26/2024
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.
8/25/2024
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.
8/25/2024
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.
8/25/2024
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.
8/24/2024
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.
8/24/2024
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).
8/23/2024
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.
8/23/2024
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.
8/22/2024
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.
8/22/2024
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.
8/22/2024
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.
8/20/2024
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.
8/20/2024
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.
8/20/2024
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.
8/17/2024
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.
8/16/2024
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.
8/16/2024
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.
8/16/2024
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
8/15/2024
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.
8/15/2024
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.
8/15/2024
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.
8/14/2024
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.
8/14/2024
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.
8/14/2024
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.
8/13/2024
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!
8/13/2024
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.
8/13/2024
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.
8/12/2024
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.
8/12/2024
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.
8/12/2024
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.
8/11/2024
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.
8/11/2024
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.
8/11/2024
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.
8/11/2024
On Friday, August 2, 2024, Marine Parents Travel Assistance sent April, the Mother of a recruit, to San Diego for the recruit's graduation from Hotel Company to become a Marine.
I cannot thank MPTA enough for the help getting to San Diego to share this moment with my son. It has been an incredible experience I will cherish for a lifetime. April, New Marine Mom
8/10/2024
Do you have a family member in training to be a Marine Corps officer? We have a growing section of our website dedicated to helping you find the information you need. That includes this page, which includes report/graduation dates for Officer Candidate School and The Basic School.
8/10/2024
As a reserve Marine, some factors could dictate which education programs and benefits you are eligible for. When deciding which education assistance to use, consider where you are in your service and education level. Read more on our website.
8/10/2024
Siga el enlace a continuación para unirse a un grupo oficial para familiares de Marines en Facebook para familias de habla hispana:
Para unirse a nuestros grupos de Facebook, debe responder claramente a las tres preguntas en el pedido de entrada.8/9/2024
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.
8/9/2024
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).
8/8/2024
Recruits spend a great deal of time in the classroom during recruit training and, during weeks 10 and 11 of boot camp, they must prove they have retained the abundance of information they were taught. Recruits must perform a Final Practical Application Test, as well as a Final Written Academic Test.
8/8/2024
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.
8/8/2024
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.
8/7/2024
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.
8/7/2024
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.
8/6/2024
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.
8/6/2024
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.
8/6/2024
This page consists of links to OFFICIAL Marine Corps websites as well as Marine Corps services, foundations, organizations, and associations that are endorsed or recognized by the USMC.
As I build this page of the website, and read about all of these organizations, I am truly humbled by the greatness of the United States Marine Corps. I am honored to be a small part of this elite and outstanding organization.Tracy Della Vecchia ~ Founder, MarineParents.com, Inc.
8/5/2024
We have created memes for volunteers and members to use on social media. Please do not alter or crop these images.
On a computer, right-click the image and click "Save Image As" to save the image to your downloads. On a mobile device, tap and hold your finger on the image and tap "Save Image" to download the image to your camera roll.
8/5/2024
While your son or daughter is preparing to leave for recruit training it is important that they ensure there is a plan for how their bills will be paid while they're gone. Some services will allow your recruit to put payments on suspension while at recruit training, however they will have to check with those services beforehand.
8/5/2024
All graduates of Marine Corps recruit training attend the School of Infantry (SOI). At SOI, they will train with one of two training battalions, either MCT or ITB. All non-infantry Marines attend training at Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT), while infantry Marines (all Marines with a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 03xx) attend training at Infantry Training Battalion (ITB).
8/4/2024
You've got questions, we've got answers. In civilian terms. For help navigating our website "After the Corps" use our website map page. You guessed it, there's another whole set of acronyms to understand when your son or daughter is ready for EAS: End of Active Duty Service. We'll help you navigate this stage in the Marine Corps career as well. For help navigating our website, use this map of pages on AfterTheCorps.com.
Thanks to this organization and volunteers for keeping me informed every step of the way. I will forever feel such gratitude. During the difficult times of my Marine's career in the Corps, I felt like I wasn't alone. Two Grateful Marine Parents, 2012
8/4/2024
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.
8/3/2024
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.
8/3/2024
Sometimes graduation videos and yearbooks can get lost or damaged. If this happened to you and you want to get new ones, this page will help you find the contact information for those who make the videos and yearbooks.
8/2/2024
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!
8/2/2024
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.
8/2/2024
Marines are not known just for their battlefield prowess, but for their unparalleled standards of professionalism and uncompromising personal conduct and appearance.
8/1/2024
The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, generally referred to as a "DD 214", is a document of the United States Department of Defense, issued upon a military service member's retirement, separation, or discharge from active-duty military service.
8/1/2024
The mission of Marine Parents Travel Assistance is to support Marine Corps recruits by assisting one of their family members who show significant financial need to attend boot camp graduation events, so the Marine is not alone.
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. We raise money for each boot camp graduation cycle to fund our Travel Assistance program. Funds reimburse a recruit's family members who meet our financial need requirements. Administrative costs for the program are funded through Marine Parents. Recipients are not required to repay the travel costs.
7/31/2024
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.
7/31/2024
While attending the School of Infantry (SOI), Marines will be instructed on how to conduct foot patrols in both urban and rural environments. Learning the proper techniques of foot patrolling is a critical component to becoming a rifleman, as patrolling is a key element of asserting combat power and gaining battlefield dominance to accomplish the mission.
7/31/2024
Are you looking for reliable resources, education, information, or legitimate organizations? On this page of our website, you'll find a list of resources recommended by MarineParents.com.
7/30/2024
Your son or daughter joined the Marine Corps to serve their country; being deployed is part of their job. It's the part of their job most Marines desire. As the parent of a Marine, deployment feels scary. But it doesn't have to be. Our mission is to provide you with information to better understand and prepare YOU for what to expect during deployment. This website page is worth a glance today; knowing you can turn to Marine Parents is the takeaway.
+We've been sharing information with family members during deployments since January 2003. Our information is accurate and trusted. And we speak your language. We have worn YOUR shoes.
I somehow feel closer to my son when I read the information on your website. Thank you for giving that to me.
7/30/2024
Do you have a poolee shipping to boot camp soon? Or maybe you have a recruit who will graduate from recruit training in a month or so. This page will help you find what you're looking for. We keep this page up-to-date as the Marine Corps announces changes to their recruit training graduation schedule. We understand communication with your recruit can be sporadic at times. We hope this page will help ease some of your concerns!
7/30/2024
The Marine Corps is full of traditions and customs, and that comes with many types of military etiquette. We will discuss some of the common types as they pertain to family members and their Marines and how you should act in those situations.
7/29/2024
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.
7/28/2024
MarineParents.com has been providing support and information for Marines and their loved ones for over 20 years. We take pride in ensuring the information we provide is accurate and relevant. We believe that boot camp is a time to start the process of letting go.
7/28/2024
Information in Graduation Dates link updated 3/15/2023. Camp Pendleton, California, 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 Pendleton is located approximately 40 miles north of San Diego.
7/27/2024
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.
7/27/2024
There are multiple ways that a Marine can choose to move him or herself and their family. A Marine may choose to do a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly a Do It Yourself (DITY) move, or he or she may choose to have the military move their personal family items for them.
