Recruit Family FAQ

 

We’ve compiled the following list of resources to aid family and friends of recruits who are going through recruit training at MCRD San Diego.

 

Official Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Facebook Page
This is the one and only place where you will find photos of your recruit’s company during recruit training. Check here often to see if there are any photos of your Marine! This is the official public affairs page for the Recruit Depot.
 
 
A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Marine Corps Boot Camp
 
MCRD San Diego Recruit Family Network
This is the MCRD Museum Foundation’s Facebook Group for family members of recruits. We’re here to provide information, help answer questions, and connect you to other families who are going through the same things you are. Click here to view the group.
 
MCRD San Diego History & Current Recruit Training Overview
Presented by the MCRD Museum Foundation and San Diego Business Journal
 
Official USMC Rank Structure
Please refer to this guide on how to spell and abbreviate Marine Corps ranks appropriately. Rank insignia are also included here. Most recruits will graduate as privates, with some graduating as a PFC and few as a LCpl.
 
Official USMC Shirts, Hats, Coins, and Gifts
 
Recruit Mail
During the first two weeks of recruit training, recruits will send home a letter stating they've made it to MCRD San Diego and will provide an address for which to receive mail. About 2-3 weeks into training you’ll receive a letter with your recruit’s company and platoon number. You will need this information to send mail to him. The format should be as follows:
Recruit John Doe
1st Bn. Alpha Company Office
Platoon ####
40004 Midway Ave.
San Diego, Calif. 92140-5670
 
Emergencies
If a message is required to notify a recruit of an emergency situation at any time during recruit training, please contact your local American Red Cross or visit the American Red Cross Emergency Communication Services web page, to have an official message sent to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. To process the message quickly, please provide the recruit's name, social security number, company, and platoon.
 
MCRD Museum Virtual Tour
Learn about the Marine Corps and recruit training through a virtual tour of the museum from the comfort of your home. Your recruit will visit the museum toward the end of his training, where he will learn more about the Corps’ history and customs. The museum is a popular activity on Family Day and Graduation Day.
 
Purchasing photos & videos
To purchase your recruit’s dress blue photo, platoon photo, and/or video, call Recruit Photo at this number: (619) 296-3840. The MCRD Museum Foundation only sells platoon photos and yearbooks for archived graduation classes, not current classes.
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