Parris Island Family Days and Graduation USMC Bootcamp Recruit Training MCRD

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–Proud Marine parents wearing official EGA Shop recruit battalion t-shirts at their Marine's graduation.
(Image used with permission).

For maps of Beaufort, SC and MCRD Parris Island, Click here...

Family and friends of Marine recruits are strongly encouraged to attend their Marine's recruit training graduation ceremony and witness the moment in which he or she officially earns the title of United States Marine. Graduation is three-part: Wednesday is Family Orientation Day, Thursday is Family Day, and Friday is Graduation Day. The Marine Corps has activities planned for all three days.

Plan to arrive at Parris Island by Tuesday evening, as Family Orientation Day begins bright and early Wednesday. You and your new Marine can depart immediately after the graduation ceremony on Friday. The nearest major airports to Parris Island are the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and the Hilton Head Island Airport. The next closest airport is the Charleston International Airport (CHS). Transportation to and from these airports is not provided, however both airports have rental car agencies.

There is no limit to the number of guests the new Marines may have on the Depot for the Family Days or Graduation. Dress is casual but remember you will be walking around with your soon-to-be Marine and attending sessions and meet and greets on Wednesday and Thursday, so dress accordingly. Bare midriffs would be inappropriate. Very comfortable walking shoes for all family members are a requirement on both days. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Douglas Visitor's Center.

You'll want to arrive early each day at the Depot to avoid long lines at the gate. For activities to do on the Depot, see dining, shopping and entertainment at the bottom of this page for restaurants, shops and hours of operation.

Important Note: Due to some holidays, including, but not limited to, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, a handful of graduating classes will graduate on a Wednesday with Family Day on Tuesday and Family Orientation Day on Monday. The same schedule will apply; substitute Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (graduation day) for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the schedule below.

Changes in the levels of security alerts could alter scheduled events. Maps of the Depot, parking passes and the schedule of events can be obtained at the Douglas Visitor's Center.

Gates, Security and Accessing the Depot

Click here for our Parris Island Base Access page

Depot, Family Day, and Graduation Information

Family Day

The day prior to graduation with activities planned for families of graduating Marines. Your new Marine will escort you with his left arm to reserve his right hand for saluting higher-ranking Marines.

Parade Deck

The Parade Deck is the large area of asphalt where recruits practice drills and marching. Formal ceremonies are held on the Parade Deck. While visiting the Depot, please make sure to watch your step and respect the Marine Corps grounds by not walking across the Parade Deck under any circumstances.

Reviewing Stands

Bleachers setup next to the Parade Deck for family members to view emblem ceremony and graduation ceremony.

Motivational Run

The final run for the company of recruits. A milestone in your Recruit's training. Many of the commanding officers run with the recruits for the Motivational Run.

Liberty

Time-off from training for graduating Marines. Recruits must remain on the Depot during Liberty. From 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Family Day for the recruit to visit with family and friends.

Recreation on the Depot

Movie theatre
Bowling
Legends golf course
Brig & Brew recreation center

Dining Services on the Depot

Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) Food Court (assorted restaurants)
Open 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Family Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Sunday.
Java Café (inside the MCX).
Open 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Tuesday–Wednesday, 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Thursday, and 6:00 a.m.–12:00 Friday.
Only open during graduation weeks. Pre-order pizza and wings for Family Day Here: Pre-Order Pizza and Wings
Hangar One
Open 7:00 a.m–2:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Subway (Located inside the Bowling Center)
Open 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Monday–Wednesday, 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Saturday, and 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Sunday.
Sand Trap Grill & Cafe
Open 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Monday–Sunday.
Traditions
Open 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday for lunch. 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Family Day Thursday. 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Thursday (Non-Grad Weeks). 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Friday.
Brig & Brew sports & snack bar.
Open 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Monday–Wednesday. 10:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Family Day Thursday. 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. Thursday (Non-Grad Weeks) and Friday. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Shopping Services on the Depot

Main Marine Corps Exchange
Hours: 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Monday–Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Sunday.
Marine Mart
Hours: 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Monday–Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Sunday.
GNC
Hours: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Monday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sunday.
Engraving Shop
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Saturday.

Below are the schedules of events for Family Orientation Day, Family Day, and Graduation Day:

Wednesday–Family Orientation Day

10:00 a.m.–12 p.m:: Marine Corps 101, including a "Behind the Scenes" tour, at Douglas Visitor's Center.*
-Please check-in by 9:30 a.m. so waitlist seating can begin at 9:45 a.m. Reservations are required. Contact the Douglas Visitor Center for details.
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m:: Family Orientation Brief at Douglas Visitor's Center.