ABOUT THE TRAINING MATRIX AND WHERE TO FIND ONE
The training matrices are available for free download on MarineParents.com and RecruitParents.com websites and on Official Marine Corps websites (see links below for both Parris Island and San Diego). We also have a printed 11x17 matrix poster and our literature available at no cost to you in many recruiting stations around the US.
(8/16/2024: We no longer sell the matrix poster online due to circumstances beyond our control and complaints about the timeline for First Class Mail to arrive.)
For Parris Island (MCRD PI)
- FREE: Official MCRD PI Website
(Link Updated 1/20/2023. Click for an alternate link.) - FREE: MarineParents.com 8.5x11 PDF
(NEW USMC VERSION 1/20/2023) - FREE from Recruiting Stations: Many Marine Corps recruiting offices have our literature and the matrix available at no charge to you. If your recruiting station does not carry our literature and matrix, please ask them to contact us directly via text at 573-449-2003 so we can send them the Poolee Kits.
For San Diego (MCRD SD)
- FREE: Official MCRD SD Website
(Link Updated 7/1/2024. Click for an alternate link.) - FREE: MarineParents.com 8.5x11 PDF
(NEW USMC VERSION 1/20/2023) - FREE from Recruiting Stations: Many Marine Corps recruiting offices have our literature and the matrix available at no charge to you. If your recruiting station does not carry our literature and matrix, please ask them to contact us directly via text at 573-449-2003 so we can send them the Poolee Kits.
Our printed matrix and online matrix images are based on the 2022 matrix used at MCRD. It is not an official Marine Corps publication. This design was created by MarineParents.com January 2023. The matrix is ONLY a guide and is subject to changes by Drill Instructors or the Marine Corps.
A Place to Connect & Share® is a registered trademark of the United States Marine Corps. Used with permission.
Recruit Training Weeks During Boot Camp
Below is a summary of each training week, according to the Official MCRD Parris Island and San Diego Websites. The schedules for San Diego and Parris Island are different. Select the correct tab below based on your recruit's location.
PHASE ONE
Receiving Week:
USMC photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Recruits arrive on Parris Island late at night and are immediately thrust into the stressful whirlwind of in-processing, haircuts, uniform and gear issue and medical evaluations. Recruits undergo an initial strength test to ensure they are prepared for training. At the end of the week, they meet the team of drill instructors who will be responsible for them for the rest of training.
Click for a closeup: Receiving Week
Weeks 1-3:
USMC photo by Cpl. Joseph Jacob
Recruits receive instruction on military history, customs and courtesies, basic first aid, uniforms, leadership and core values. They begin to learn discipline through close-order drill and hand-to-hand combat skills through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which is made up of various martial arts styles. Recruits will also complete the 5K and 8K hikes.
PHASE TWO
Week 4:
USMC photo by LCpl. Aaron Bolser
Swim Week. True to their name, Marines need to know how to survive in the water. Recruits learn to leap into deep water, tread water, use issued equipment to stay afloat and to shed heavy gear that could pull them under water. Initial drill will also take place during this week, as well as a MCMAP test.
Click for a closeup: Week 4
Week 5:
USMC photo by Cpl. Tyler Viglione
Team Week. The recruits take a short break from nonstop training to help out around the island. Recruits do laundry, help in supply warehouses and clean buildings around the depot. They also get their photos taken in the dress blues uniform. They will finish the week off with the 10K hike.
Click for a closeup: Week 5
Week 6:
USMC photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Grass Week. Recruits hike to the rifle range and begin to learn the fundamentals of Marine Corps marksmanship. Recruits learn the proper firing positions and spend hours sitting in grass fields sighting in on practice targets.
Click for a closeup: Week 6
Week 7:
USMC photo by Pfc. Carlin Warren
Firing Week. Recruits finally fire live rounds with their M16-A4 rifles. Recruits practice firing from different distances in the sitting, standing, kneeling and prone positions. Recruits finish the week with the 12K hike.
Click for a closeup: Week 7
PHASE THREE
Week 8:
USMC photo
Basic Warrior Training. They are taught basic skills of survival in combat, such as combat marksmanship skills, land navigation, proper gas mask use, and how to maneuver under enemy fire.
Click for a closeup: Week 8
Week 9:
USMC photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Testing week. The recruits undergo practical application evaluations. They complete a combat fitness test and face the challenges of the Confidence Course for the last time.
Click for a closeup: Week 9
Week 10:
USMC photo by LCpl. Vanessa Austin
Recruits face the final challenges they must overcome to earn the title of Marine. The week begins with a physical fitness test and a written exam before the final drill evaluation. The recruits then face the Crucible, a final 54-hour field event that tests the recruits on the knowledge, skills and values they have been taught throughout training. Those who complete the final challenge are awarded their Eagle, Globe and Anchors, symbolizing their transformation from recruits to Marines.
Click for a closeup: Week 10
PHASE FOUR
Week 11:
USMC photo
Marine week. Marine week now lasts two weeks, giving the new Marines more time with their Drill Instructors. During this time the Marines will gain more insight as to what it means to be a United States Marine. The Marines will also conduct a uniform inspection for the Battalion Commander.
Click for a closeup: Week 11
Week 12:
USMC photo by LCpl Aneshea Yee
This final week the Marines will complete final administrative tasks on the island before their graduation ceremony. Typically, the new Marines get 10 days of leave before reporting to the Camp Lejeune, N.C., for additional combat training, and then to various military occupational specialty schools across the country. However, during the pandemic of 2020, the Marines travel directly to the School of Infantry (SOI).
Click for a closeup: Week 12
PHASE ONE
Receiving Week:
USMC photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Recruits arrive at MCRD San Diego late at night and are immediately thrust into the stressful whirlwind of in-processing, haircuts, uniform and gear issue and medical evaluations. Recruits undergo an initial strength test to ensure they are prepared for training. At the end of the week, they meet the team of drill instructors who will be responsible for them for the rest of training.
Click for a closeup: Receiving Week
Weeks 1-3:
USMC photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Recruits receive instruction on military history, customs and courtesies, basic first aid, uniforms, leadership and core values. They begin to learn discipline through close-order drill and hand-to-hand combat skills through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which is made up of various martial arts styles. Recruits will also complete the 5K and 8K hikes and take part in the initial drill competition.
PHASE TWO
Week 4:
USMC photo by LCpl. Aaron Bolser
Swim Week. True to their name, Marines need to know how to survive in the water. Recruits learn to leap into deep water, tread water, use issued equipment to stay afloat and to shed heavy gear that could pull them under water.
Click for a closeup: Week 4
Week 5:
USMC photo by Cpl. Tyler Viglione
Team Week. The recruits take a short break from nonstop training to help out around the base. Recruits do laundry, help in supply warehouses and clean buildings around the depot. They also get their photos taken in the dress blues uniform. They will finish the week off with the 10K hike.
Click for a closeup: Week 5
Week 6:
USMC photo by Cpl. Joseph Jacob
This week consists of preparation for the trip to Camp Pendleton. The recruits will complete a physical fitness test, compete in a pugil sticks bout, and conduct a uniform inspection.
Click for a closeup: Week 6
PHASE THREE
Week 7:
USMC photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert
Grass Week. Recruits hike to the rifle range and begin to learn the fundamentals of Marine Corps marksmanship. Recruits learn the proper firing positions and spend hours sitting in grass fields sighting in on practice targets.
Click for a closeup: Week 7
Week 8:
USMC photo by Pfc. Carlin Warren
Firing Week. Recruits finally fire live rounds with their M16-A4 rifles. Recruits practice firing from different distances in the sitting, standing, kneeling and prone positions. Recruits finish the week with the 12K hike.
Click for a closeup: Week 8
Week 9:
USMC photo
Basic Warrior Training. They are taught basic skills of survival in combat, such as combat marksmanship skills, land navigation, proper gas mask use, and how to maneuver under enemy fire. They will also conduct the Final Combat Fitness Test.
Click for a closeup: Week 9
PHASE FOUR
Week 10:
USMC photo by LCpl. Vanessa Austin
Recruits face the final challenges they must overcome to earn the title of Marine. The week begins with a physical fitness test and a written exam before the final drill evaluation. The recruits then face the Crucible, a final 54-hour field event that tests the recruits on the knowledge, skills and values they have been taught throughout training. Those who complete the final challenge are awarded their Eagle, Globe and Anchors, symbolizing their transformation from recruits to Marines.
Click for a closeup: Week 10
Week 11:
USMC photo
Marine week. Marine week now lasts two weeks, giving the new Marines more time with their Drill Instructors. During this time the Marines will gain more insight as to what it means to be a United States Marine. The Marines will also conduct a uniform inspection for the Battalion Commander.
Click for a closeup: Week 11
Week 12:
USMC photo by LCpl Aneshea Yee
This final week the Marines will complete final administrative tasks before their graduation ceremony. Typically, the new Marines get 10 days of leave before reporting to the Camp Pendleton, CA for additional combat training, and then to various military occupational specialty schools across the country. However, during the pandemic of 2020, the Marines travel directly to the School of Infantry (SOI).
Click for a closeup: Week 12
