Marine Corps Recruit Training Matrix, San Diego

To receive a print copy of the matrix, click RecruitParents.com/MX.

MCRD SD Matrix Terminology Explained

In this section of the website, we'll break down the matrix week-by-week, day-by-day, in civilian terms.

RECEIVING WEEK

• Initial Strength Test: Recruits attempt a test similar to the physical fitness test (PFT) but with lower standards.
• In House Procedures: Recruits begin all paperwork necessary at the beginning of boot camp.
• Religious Services: Recruits are given the opportunity on Sunday to practice their religion. This gives them an opportunity to catch their breath and take a break from Drill Instructors.
• S.U.L.D.: Squad Unit Leader Development Program

WEEK ONE

• Intro to Core Values: Recruits are taught about the core values honor, courage, and commitment.
• M16 Issue: Recruits are issued their weapons that they'll use throughout boot camp.
• Sprints: Recruits take part in sprint exercises.
• SAPR class: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.
• Intro to MCMAP:
Recruits are introduced to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program
• Circuit Course/ Combat Care I: Recruits take part in the circuit course and are instructed on the basics of combat care.
• Intro to O- Course: Recruits are introduced to the obstacle course.
• Intro to CFT/Combat Care II: Recruits are introduced to the combat fitness test (CFT) and get their second lesson in combat care.

WEEK TWO

• 4x400 Intervals/ Combat Care III: Recruits take part in an interval based fitness event and get a 3rd lesson in combat care.
• Bayonet Techniques/Pugil Sticks I: Recruits learn bayonet techniques with their rifles and participate in their first pugil sticks bout.
• Obstacle Course II: Recruits attempt the obstacle course for the 2nd time.
• 2 Mile S&E Course/Platoon Run: Recruits conduct a strength and endurance course teaching them teamwork and they participate in a platoon run.

WEEK THREE

• Confidence Course I: Recruits run through the confidence course to build the self-confidence of the recruits.
• 2x400m Sprints and Circuit Course: Recruits conduct sprints and run through a series of circuits for conditioning.
• Admin/ID Cards: Recruits receive their ID cards
• Combat Conditioning: Recruits conduct conditioning for MCMAP
• SDI Inspection: Recruits are inspected by their Senior Drill Instructors.
• 2.5 mile S&E Ability Group Run: Recruits participate in a strength and endurance group run designed to improve teamwork.
• Initial Drill: Recruits are judged on the close order drill techniques they have learned so far.

WEEK FOUR

• Combat Water Survival: Recruits are taught water survival tips throughout swim week.
• Confidence Course II: Recruits run the confidence course for the 2nd time.
• Pugil Sticks II: Recruits participate in their 2nd pugil sticks bout.
• Individual Photos: Individual dress blues photos.
• PFT I: Recruits will run their initial physical fitness test.
• Academic Review: Recruits review the knowledge they have learned so far.
• O-Course III: Recruits run the obstacle course for the 3rd time.

WEEK FIVE

• Log Drills: Recruits run a course while carrying a log on their shoulders. This is to promote teamwork among the recruits.
• First Uniform Fitting: Recruits are fitted initially for their uniforms.
• MCX-Haircuts: Recruits take their first visit to the Marine Corps Exchange and get haircuts.
• Initial CFT: Recruits run their initial Combat Fitness Test.
• 5k Hike: Recruits participate their first hike 5 km in distance.

WEEK SIX

• PFT II: Recruits run their 2nd physical fitness test
• BAC/Pugil Sticks III: Recruits run the bayonet assault course and participate in their 3rd pugil sticks bout.
• Prac Written Exam I: Recruits take their first written exam, testing their knowledge.
• Admin/Orders: Recruits learn how to read their orders.
• Series Cmdr Inspection: Recruits are inspected by their Series Commander.
• Uniform Issue: Recruits are issued their uniforms.
• Final Drill/Move to WFTBN: Recruits conduct final drill, testing their skills in close order drill. Recruits move to Weapons and Field Training Battalion at Camp Pendleton.

WEEK SEVEN

• RCO Issue: Recruits are issued Rifle Combat Optics prior to Grass Week.
• 8k Hike: Recruits participate in a hike 8 km in distance.
• MCMAP Remediation: Recruits struggling with MCMAP are given an opportunity to get extra instruction.

WEEK EIGHT

• Qualification Day: Recruits qualify for Table I on the rifle range.

WEEK NINE

• Final CFT: Recruits take their final Combat Fitness Test.

WEEK TEN

• Prac Written Exam II: Recruits take their 2nd written test.
• SATO ticket issue: Recruits make their travel plans for after graduation.
• Confidence Chamber: Recruits train with their gas masks in the gas chamber.
• 6k Night Hike: Recruits conduct a night hike 6 km in distance.
• Copeland's Assault Course: Recruits conduct this course to help instill a combat mindset. Recruits conduct many different courses throughout the Crucible.
• 15k Reaper Hike: Recruits conduct the 15 km up the mountain named the Reaper. Completing this hike marks the end of the Crucible.
• Emblem Ceremony: Recruits become Marines and receive their Eagle, Globe, and Anchors.
• Gear De-Issue: Marines return their issued gear.
• Movement to MCRD: Marines return to MCRD San Diego from Camp Pendleton.

WEEK ELEVEN

• Force Fitness: Marines conduct physical fitness activities throughout the week.
• 2nd Uniform Fitting: Marines are fitted for their uniforms a 2nd time.
• Blood Drive: Marines are given the opportunity to take part in a blood drive.
• Museum Visit: Marines visit the Marine Corps Museum aboard MCRD.
• MCMAP Test: Marines are tested on their MCMAP skills.
• PFT III: Marines conduct their final physical fitness test.
• Rappel/Fast Rope: Marines are trained on the rappel tower.
• Company Cmdr's Base Depot Tour: Civilian groups take a base tour with the Company Commander.
• Base Liberty: Marines are given a period of time for base liberty.

WEEK TWELVE

• Grad Practice: Marines practice for graduation.
• SOI/MCT Brief: Marines are briefed on what to expect when they arrive at the School of Infantry (SOI).
• Liberty Brief: Marines are briefed on what they are allowed to do during Family Day, as well as the rules and regulations while on 10 day leave.
• Warrior Preservation: Marines are given a lesson on preserving the history and traditions of the Marine Corps.
• Bn Cmdr's Inspection: Marines are inspected by the Battalion Commander.
• Weapons De-Issue: Marines return their weapons to the armory.
• Moto Run: Marines take part in the motivational run.
• Family Day: Marines see their family for the first time in 3 months.
• Graduation: Marines graduate boot camp and begin 10 day leave.