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."
The Marine Corps Flag
Learn the history of the Marine Corps Flag.
Published on 7/20/2026
The Marine Corps flag is scarlet and shows the Marine Corps emblem, which contains a fouled anchor, a globe displaying the western hemisphere, and a spread American Bald Eagle atop the globe. A ribbon held in the eagle's beak carries the Marine motto, "Semper Fidelis," (Latin for "always faithful"). Below the emblem, a larger ribbon holds the title, "United States Marine Corps."
The history of the Marine Corps flag is long and diverse. There is little information available about the flags carried by early Marines, although there is evidence that the "Grand Union" flag was carried ashore by a battalion led by Captain Samuel Nicholas on New Providence Island, Bahamas, in March of 1776. The "Rattlesnake" flag may have also been carried on that expedition.
Drill Instructor Creed
of the United States Marine Corps
Published on 7/20/2026
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.
Preparing for Boot Camp Graduation
Helpful tips to prepare for your Marine's graduation from boot camp.
Published on 7/19/2026
Attending boot camp graduation should be an exciting time for a Marine's family members. Use this page for some helpful tips and resources that you may need when you attend your Marine's graduation from boot camp.
Marine Corps Ranks
Learn about ranks using terminology civilians can understand.
Published on 7/19/2026
Learning about Marine Corps ranks is a fundamental yet vital part of life in the Corps. Not only is it essential for your Marine to know the rank structure, but it can also be helpful for loved ones to know which rank their Marine is and which ranks their Marine will work with daily.
Boot Camp: New for You or Memories?
Firing Week and Qualification Day During Boot Camp
Published on 7/18/2026
During Firing Week, the second week of marksmanship training, recruits begin before sunrise, preparing their rifles and themselves to shoot the known-distance course of fire.
Recruits prepare for rifle qualification day by firing rounds of both slow fire (one shot at a time) and rapid-fire (10 shots in a row). Recruits fire from four shooting positions at ranges of 200, 300, and 500 yards.
Marine Corps Motto & Slogans
The long history of the Marine Corps contains many mottos & slogans that are still used today.
Published on 7/18/2026
The Marine Corps has a long and illustrious history dating back to November 10, 1775. Over the years Marines have picked up nicknames like "Devil Dog" and "Leatherneck" and have adopted phrases "Semper Fidelis," "the Few, the Proud," and "Esprit de Corps." From the Marines' Hymn to the famous Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem, there is much to learn about the terminology of the Corps.
Battle of Soissons
July 18, 1918, in Marine Corps history.
Published on 7/18/2026
On July 18, 1918, the 4th Marine Brigade began an attack near Soissons, France. The attack was part of a World War I three-division counterattack against German forces. The Marines sustained 1,972 casualties in the first two days of the battle.
Graduation Photos, Videos, & Yearbooks
This information will help you find graduation videos and yearbooks for either Recruit Depot.
Published on 7/17/2026
Sometimes graduation videos and yearbooks can get lost or damaged. If this happened to you and you want to get new ones, this page will help you find the contact information for those who make the videos and yearbooks.
The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA)
Learn more about the origins of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.
Published on 7/17/2026
The origins of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor insignia worn by Marines can be traced to those ornaments worn by early Continental Marines as well as to the British Royal Marines.
In 1776, Marines wore a device depicting a fouled anchor. Changes were made to that device in 1798, 1821, and 1824. An eagle was added in 1834. The current insignia dates to 1868 when Brigadier General Commandant Jacob Zeilin convened a board "to decide and report upon the various devices of cap ornaments of the Marine Corps." A new insignia was recommended and approved by the Commandant. On 19 November 1868, the new insignia was accepted by the Secretary of the Navy.
THE Transformation
From Civilian to Marine in 13 Weeks
Published on 7/16/2026
Read this story from the Founder of MarineParents.com, Tracy Della Vecchia. Included in the article on Recruit Parents are videos of the transformation from the Marine Corps.
My son was a Recruit in boot camp on 9/11. He'd been there two weeks. The time between then and when he graduated on November 21, 2001, seemed to last forever. I was glued to the news and wanted a letter from him every day. I only got three letters and two very short phone calls.
Recruit Mission Control
It's your digital Marine Corps boot camp Matrix!
Published on 7/16/2026
Built by a Marine recruit's dad: free bilingual dashboards for MCRD San Diego and Parris Island families. Graduation countdown, what your recruit is doing right now, Depot weather, and more. No app, no login, no ads — RecruitMissionControl.com
Embracing All Stages of the Marine Corps
Why We Need to Support and Respect EVERY Stage of the Journey
Published on 7/16/2026
From Marine Parents Founder, Tracy Della Vecchia:
As I reflect on the 20 years of service to Marines and their family members there is one thing I know: everyone is in a different stage of being a Marine family member. Prior to 9/11, I had no idea that the course of my existence would change so drastically. But it did. My son was at Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego and our country was going to war.
When you compare the journey of each of our Marine Parents, family members, and Marines, we each have our own stories to tell and we're each on the journey at a different level of understanding and the emotions that go along with it. It's important to embrace the career stage that each of us is experiencing, as that is the definition of the Marine Corps family.
Graduation from Marine Corps Boot Camp
When your recruit becomes a Marine!
Published on 7/15/2026
Family and friends of Marine Corps Recruits are strongly encouraged to attend the graduation ceremonies for the announcement that your Recruit has earned the respected title of United States Marine. Graduation is two-part: Thursday is "Family Day" and Graduation is Friday. The Marine Corps will have activities planned for both days.There is typically a dinner held on the Wednesday prior to family day now.
Knowledge is Power!
Visit Marine Parents to Learn about the Corps
Published on 7/15/2026
Your recruit or Marine is likely in this profession for at least 4 years. It can be scary when you don't understand what's happening during each career stage of your Marine's journey. Visit the Marine Parents website to learn more about the Corps. We've got over 20 years of experience explaining things in civilian terms. Take a spin through the knowledge today!
Old Town Inn Hotel San Diego
For Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduations
Published on 7/15/2026
Old Town Inn: San Diego Hotel
Celebrate your Marine's proudest moment at the Old Town Inn! We honor your family's sacrifice with special military rates and unmatched convenience.
Why Families Choose Us
- Closest to MCRD: Just a 5-minute drive (0.5 miles) to graduation.
- Exclusive Savings: Score special rates with promo code MARINEPARENTS.
- Prime Location: Walk 10 minutes to Historic Old Town dining.
- Local Exploring: Drive 8 minutes to historic Liberty Station.
- Complimentary Services: Free Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking
Book Your Graduation Stay
- Mention MarineParents when calling, or secure your room online today. Scroll below for all details.
- Click Here to Book Directly with Promo Code: MARINEPARENTS
(Note: Discount excludes holiday weekends and special events.)
Mandatory REAL ID Base Access
Access to Military Bases Requires a REAL ID for All Personnel 18 Years and Older
Published on 7/14/2026
Effective May 7, 2025, all guests and visitors 18 years and older accessing Marine Corps Bases everywhere should be prepared to present one of the following to enter the base, in accordance with federal law, MCO 5530.13, and the Department of Homeland Security's REAL ID Act:
- a REAL ID-compliant driver's license,
- REAL ID-compliant state ID,
- or an approved alternate form of identification (i.e., U.S. passport)
Expired IDs or Passports will not be accepted.
This requirement applies to all guests attending:
- Family Day
- Graduation Ceremonies
- Special Events hosted at any location aboard the Marine Corps Base or Post
- Job interviews or onboarding events (e.g., job candidates)
Visitors without a REAL ID-compliant license or ID must bring:
- A valid, unexpired state-issued photo ID,
- AND one of the following secondary forms of ID that matches the name on the primary ID:
- Original birth certificate with a raised seal
- Social Security card
If the name is different, you must present an official court document or marriage certificate to verify the name change.
Guests under the age of 18, accompanied by an adult, must present a valid form of identification, which may include a driver's license, state identification, school identification, passport, or birth certificate.
(Illustration by the Transportation Security Administration)
Marine Corps Promotions
Every good Marine wants to know how they can get promoted.
Published on 7/14/2026
There is one question that any good Marine will ask on a regular basis. "How can I get promoted?" That answer will vary depending on the rank of the Marine. We will keep it simple and stick to the basics of getting promoted.
Promotions are cause for celebration and Marines have their own traditions. As the parent of a Marine, you can commemorate their promotion with an engraved coin with your Marine's name, new rank, and date of promotion.
USS Iwo Jima Decommissioned
July 14, 1993, in Marine Corps history.
Published on 7/14/2026
On July 14, 1993, the USS Iwo Jima was decommissioned after over 30 years of service in a ceremony at Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia. The ship, named for the World War II battle in which three Marine divisions defeated 20,000 Japanese troops, was commissioned on August 26, 1961, and it was the first ship specifically designed as an amphibious assault ship from the keel up.
Complete Care During Boot Camp
From Health and Wealth to Religious Ministries
Published on 7/13/2026
Marine Corps boot camp recruits receive the best training possible and are cared for throughout their thirteen weeks on the Recruit Depot. Every base, including Religious Ministries, is covered from injury prevention and dental treatment to recruit pay and the Thrift Savings Plan.
OPSEC: Operations Security
An Overview for Parents and Family Members of Marines
Published on 7/13/2026
OPSEC is keeping potential adversaries from discovering critical Department of Defense information. As the name suggests, it protects U.S. operations — planned, in progress, and those completed. Learn what that means to you as the parent or family member of a Marine.
Knowledge is Power!
Learn more at Recruit Parents
Published on 7/12/2026
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.
Western Inn San Diego Hotel
For Boot Camp Graduations
Published on 7/12/2026
The staff at Western Inn are here to serve you during your recruit's graduation from Marine Corps boot camp. We offer a special rate for Marine family members; please mention MarineParents.com when making your reservations. We are a 5 minute drive (1/2 mile) to MCRD and a 5 minute walk to the Old Town Trolley station.
Stages of Your Marine's Career
We are here for you at every stage!
Published on 7/12/2026
The mission of MarineParents.com is to provide support, information, and services to recruit and Marine family members and troops over the course of the life-cycle of your recruit or Marine's career in the Corps.
This sentiment is reflected in our Marine Corps Career icon. From the time your future Marine is a poolee, through boot camp, the school of infantry and military occupational schooling, permanent duty stations, and deployments. Then after your Marine's time in the Corps or if he or she is recovering from wounds or injuries sustained while serving, we have information for every step of the journey.
The Matrix and Recruit Parent Articles
The Perfect Starting Point for Parents of Poolees & Recruits
Published on 7/11/2026
Get started here preparing for your son or daughter leaving for Marine Corps Recruit Training, also known as Boot Camp at both Parris Island and San Diego.
Structure of the Marine Corps
Learn More About the Corps in Civilian Terms
Published on 7/11/2026
The USMC is organized with two parallel chains of command, service and operational. The Service chain begins with the President, through the Secretary of Defense, and continues through the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The operational chain runs from the President, through the Secretary of Defense, directly to commanders of combatant commands for missions and forces assigned to their commands.
An Act for Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps
July 11, 1798, in Marine Corps history.
Published on 7/11/2026
On July 11, 1798, second President of the United States, John Adams, approved "An Act for Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps", and it became law. The following day, President Adams appointed William Ward Burrows the Major Commandant of the new Corps. In August, Major Burrows opened his headquarters in Philadelphia, which, at the time, was still the capital of our young nation.
Live Stream Videos for Graduation
Links to Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation Live Stream Videos
Published on 7/10/2026
This page includes the links to MCRD San Diego and MCRD Parris Island Marine Corps boot camp graduation videos. We provide these links to you as a courtesy to family and friends who are unable to attend graduations. The link to You Tube San Diego videos includes archive videos.
Please be aware of websites or social media links asking you to pay to view the graduation. Those are NOT official Marine Corps graduation videos. You are NOT required to pay to view the videos.
Knowledge is Power!
Learn more about what's after boot camp!
Published on 7/10/2026
Everything you need to know about what comes after Marine Corps Boot Camp Recruit Training. What's the next phase of training for your newly minted Marine? Our website map for "What's After Boot" breaks it down into articles for you.
Marine Speak
Learn some of the common words and phrases Marines use on a daily basis.
Published on 7/10/2026
The Marine Corps has a rich and proud tradition. The countless battle streamers earned by each individual unit is a testament to this fact. There are many things that the Marines do that set them apart from the other branches of service. However, the Marine Corps has always had a long-standing history with the U.S. Navy. This is to be expected, considering that the Marine Corps falls under the Department of the Navy. The United States has a military unlike any other. Specifically, we are fortunate enough to have a maritime tour de force. As such, the Marine Corps and Navy often times operate hand in hand. Consequently, one of the many things that we use in conjunction with the Navy is their terminology.
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."
