Announcements and What's New
If it's news or simply an announcement, you'll find it here. In the "Announcements" section of the website, you'll find our electronic newsletters, newsletter sign up, archive newsletters, press releases, news room, what's new on the websites, and MarineParents.com "in the news."
Knowledge is Power!
Learn more at Recruit Parents
Published on 7/9/2026
Everything you need to know about Marine Corps Boot Camp Recruit Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot MCRD Parris Island. Our website map breaks it down into articles for you.
Video Marine Corps
Following the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor: The Legacy
Published on 7/9/2026
The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is so much more than the Marine Corps insignia. It's a symbol of the honor, courage, and commitment of every Marine who has fought and won our Nation's battles.
10-Day Leave After Boot Camp Graduation
Learn about the 10-day leave Marines earn after completing recruit training.
Published on 7/8/2026
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.
Deployment Pages on Marine Parents
About Deployment, OPSEC, Emergencies, and Support
Published on 7/8/2026
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
A Good Review for the Parent of a Marine
Our article written by a Marine talks about helicopter parenting
Published on 7/7/2026
This article was written by a Marine in our office probably ten years ago. This is as true today as the day it was written. It was written for parents of recruits in boot camp, but it's a good review for parents with a son or daughter in any stage of their career in the Marine Corps. Read and share!
Core Values: Honor, Courage, Commitment
It's what Marines learn from day one as a recruit.
Published on 7/7/2026
To understand how to do what is right, recruits and Marines are taught about ethics and the core values of the Marine Corps. The Corps' core values are Honor, Courage, and Commitment. These values make up the bedrock of a Marine's character. During recruit training, recruits are taught these core values and numerous others related to them, such as integrity, discipline, teamwork, duty, and "esprit de corps."
1st Marine Air Wing Activated
July 7, 1941, in Marine Corps history.
Published on 7/7/2026
On July 7, 1941, the 1st Marine Air Wing (1st MAW) was activated at Quantico, Virginia. Less than a year after its activation, the 1st MAW participated in the Marine Corps offensive at Guadalcanal. The Guadalcanal campaign would be the first of many legendary battles in the Wing's history, and over the course of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, the 1st MAW earned five Presidential Unit Citations for gallantry.
First Phone Call at Boot Camp
Recruits are allowed to make a phone call to inform their loved ones they have arrived safely.
Published on 7/6/2026
All new Marine recruits make a phone call home after arriving at the Recruit Depot. The sole purpose of this first phone call is to notify the family that their recruit has arrived safely.
It's a short scripted phone call and typically you'll hear others talking in the background with Drill Instructors using their best "Drill Instructor" voice giving directions. Some families record the call on their phone. What was your experience?
Life in the Corps Website Map
Marine Corps Knowledge, Marine Life, History, and Tradition
Published on 7/6/2026
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
A-4 Skyhawk Retired
July 6, 1990, in Marine Corps history.
Published on 7/6/2026
On July 6, 1990, the last two A-4 Skyhawks from Marine Aircraft Group 32 flew their initial flights from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, as the Marine Corps decided to retire the Skyhawk from its active aviation structure. The Skyhawk was one of the oldest, most versatile attack aircraft in USMC history, having been in service for more than 30 years.
The Recruit Parents Website
Navigating Boot Camp for 20 Years
Published on 7/5/2026
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!
—Jill from Iowa, Marine Mom, 2007
MCRD San Diego Graduations
A Great Hotel 2 Miles from MCRD!
Published on 7/3/2026
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:
