United States Marine Corps Drill Instructor Creed

"These recruits are entrusted to my care. I will train them to the best of my ability. I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained Marines, thoroughly indoctrinated in love of the Corps and country. I will demand of them and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality, and professional skill."

Dedication—Leadership—Integrity

Marines attending Drill Instructor School earn their campaign covers during a Drill Instructor graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, December 17, 2014. The course consisted of 500 hours that included academics, physical training and practical applications
—USMC photo.

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.

How do recruits move from first meeting their DIs to holding them in the highest esteem in just 13 weeks? The Drill Instructor Creed, above, says it all. These are not just words—this is a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week, 13-week mindset all DIs must, and do, have. DIs sacrifice much to live by this creed and they will do everything in their power to ensure your son or daughter earns the title of "United States Marine".

— Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert.

Our sons and daughters are in good hands, the Marines and Drill Instructors our sons come in contact with are the cream of the crop! They are true professionals and will train our sons to the best of their abilities. Every day, our sons and daughters will be their top priority. I put all my trust in the professionals that will take my son though the toughest training in the world. Our sons and daughters are in good company!

—Quote from a Marine with a son in recruit training

To this day, my son, as well as every Marine I have met, continue to hold their DIs and SDIs (Drill Instructors and Senior Drill Instructors) in the highest esteem and with intense respect. Your son or daughter will do the same.

—MarineParents.com Founder & Executive Director, Tracy Della Vecchia

Every Marine will tell you that they may not remember what they ate yesterday, but they will always remember their Drill Instructors. Drill Instructors are highly trained professionals who are the foundation to the process of making Marines. Working countless hours, they ensure that recruits receive the best training possible to prepare them for the rigors they will face as a Marine. It is the Drill Instructors who serve as model Marines and who teach recruits about Ethics and the Marine Corps' Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

—Marine Mom and Marine Parents Volunteer, 2009