FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When can I see my Marine?
You can see your Marine when he passes by in the
Motivational Run at 1000. You can spend the day with
your Marine after the Liberty Formation at 1215.
Can we go off base on Family Day?
No. Your Marine must stay on base on Thursday, Family
Day. He can only leave the Depot after Graduation.
Do you have wheelchairs or walkers for use?
Unfortunately the Depot does not provide wheel chairs for
public use. Please bring any necessary adaptive and
medical equipment.
What can I buy on base?
Without an authorized ID Card:

Perishable items such as food and drinks

Incidentals such as toothpaste and aspirin

Memorabilia or USMC logo items
With an authorized ID Card (Active Duty or Retired):

All items listed above

Clothing, Accessories

Electronics

Gas

Tobacco products (18+), Alcohol (21+)
For more information:
Please call:
619-524-5732
Or visit our website:
www.mccsmcrd.com
Your hard work and sacrifice have
prepared your Marine for the most
rigorous and elite training in the world.
His life transformed the day he stepped
on the yellow footprints at
Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.
Your life has also been transformed at
this time. Being a Marine family requires
the same core values of
HONOR
COURAGE
COMMITMENT
Begin your Family Day by learning about
what it means to be part of the
MARINE CORPS FAMILY
COMMANDING GENERAL
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, SAN DIEGO
WESTERN RECRUITING REGION
Families and Friends:
Greetings from Marine Corps
Recruit Depot San Diego. I know
you are eagerly anticipating your
Marine’s imminent completion of
Recruit Training.
This graduation marks a true milestone in his lifeand yours as well. I can imagine your pride and
excitement!
At this point you’ve likely heard about the Family
Day events that will lead up to the Friday morning
graduation.
If you haven’t, please visit
http://mccsmcrd.com/Graduation/index.html,
or ask your son’s recruiter for further information.
I’d like to highlight one of these events. At 0830
on Thursday (the day preceding graduation), we
will host a class called Marine Corps 101. This
hour long class will provide you with useful
information on Marine Corps history, customs,
courtesies, and resources. It is tailored to provide
you with basic knowledge that will assist you in
supporting your Marine as he continues through
his training, and eventual arrival at his first unit. I
can assure you that if you choose to attend, you’ll
be glad you did.
Thank you for supporting your Marine throughout
this challenging 13 week rite of passage. Your
support has made all the difference… and it will
continue to be critical.
Semper Fidelis,
THURSDAY FAMILY DAY
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
0600-0900 Breakfast Buffet
Bay View Restaurant
An optional event. A beautiful dining option to relax and
plan your day.
Your Marine cannot join you for breakfast: he is still
under the watchful eyes of the Drill Instructors!
Shuttle from the Depot Theater to the Bay View
Restaurant available from 0600-1630
0830-0930 Marine Corps 101/LINKS for Families
Depot Theater
Join us for an overview of Marine Corps history,
customs, and courtesies as well as an in-depth look at
resources and benefits available to your Marine
worldwide!
0930-1000 Drill Instructors’ Brief
Command Museum
Learn about the do's and don'ts for the day from
MCRD's Drill Instructors.
1000-1030 Motivational Run
Command Museum
Your first chance to see your new Marine! To get the
best photos remain in one place. The Marines will make
two passes by your location.
1040-1215 Welcome Orientation
Depot Theater
Hear from your Marine’s Company Commander about
what he experienced the last 13 weeks, find out about
the different Marine Corps installations worldwide, and
witness the Naturalization Ceremony of Marines
becoming U.S. Citizens.
FRIDAY GRADUATION
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
0630-0900 Breakfast Buffet
Bay View Restaurant
An optional event. A beautiful dining option to relax and
plan your day.
Your Marine cannot join you for breakfast: he is still
under the watchful eyes of the Drill Instructors!
0800-0830 Colors Ceremony
Commanding General’s Building
An optional event beginning promptly at 0800. Witness
the raising of the flags and enjoy performances by
Marine Band San Diego and the Color Guard.
0830-0945 Graduation Seating
Parade Deck Bleachers
Please be in your seats no later than 9:45 AM.
1000-1200 Graduation Ceremony
Parade Deck
Graduation marks the end of a Marine’s time in boot
camp. It is his final dismissal and the culmination of his
Recruit training. The graduation ceremony includes the
graduating Marines, their Drill Instructors and other key
training personnel.
1100-1300 Lunch Service
Bay View Restaurant
An optional event for visitors. Lunch menu service
available. The Bay View Restaurant is known for
impeccable service.
Graduating Marines will receive a free meal!
1215-1230 Liberty Formation
Depot Theater
After this ceremony you can go over and give your
Marine a big hug!
1230-1700 Depot Liberty
Spend the afternoon with your new Marine!
Remember: your Marine MUST stay on base.
(During summer months, Depot Liberty ends at 1800)
1200-1600 Liberty Lunch Buffet
Bay View Restaurant
J.W. Bierman
Commanding General
Everyone is invited and encouraged to meet their new
Marine's Drill Instructor. Say hello, take pictures or just
give a heartfelt thanks to the Drill Instructors for a job
well done.
REV 06/2015