Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

Marines of Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, run in formation during their motivation run at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 2. The run signifies the last training event on the training schedule. Annually, more than 17,000 males recruited from the Western Recruiting Region are trained at MCRD San Diego. Fox Company is scheduled to graduate June 3.

Recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, compete against each other during Pugil Sticks III at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 24. The match was won when a recruit delivered a blow to the head or multiple body strikes to their opponent. Annually, more than 17,000 males recruited from the Western Recruiting Region are trained at MCRD San Diego. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate June 17.

Recruits from Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, provide cover for each other during the Bayonet Assault Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 24. Before allowing a team member to advance to the next obstacle, a recruit had to provide cover simulating what it would be like watching another Marine’s back while moving in combat. Annually, more than 17,000 males recruited from the Western Recruiting Region are trained at MCRD San Diego. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate June 17.

Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Cardona, chief drill instructor, Receiving Company, Support Battalion, welcomes new recruits of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, to the depot during receiving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 23. Once the recruits step off the bus, they immediately begin the transformation from civilian to Marine. Annually, more than 17,000 males recruited from the Western Recruiting Region are trained at MCRD San Diego. Alpha Company is scheduled to graduate Aug. 19.

The color guard from Support Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, marches off the field during the opening ceremony of the National High School Physical Fitness Championships at MCRD San Diego, May 20. The event is sponsored by the United States Marines Youth Foundation, Inc. and is a five-event competition consisting of sit-ups, push-ups, broad jump, pull-ups and a shuttle run. High school students from across the country competed in local and state competitions before making it the championships at the depot.

A citation is displayed at the newly dedicated Harris Trail at Edson Range's Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, May 19. An obstacle of the Crucible was named after Cpl. Larry Harris, who was killed in action on July 1, 2010. His citation will be read every iteration of the Crucible, ensuring his heroics and legacy will never be forgotten.

Recruits of Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct crunches during an inventory physical fitness test at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 16. Recruits will take a final PFT during week 10 of training and will be able to track any improvements made over time. Annually, more than 17,000 males recruited from the Western Recruiting Region are trained at MCRD San Diego. Lima Company is scheduled to graduate June 10.

A Marine from Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, hugs his loved ones after being released for liberty at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 19. After the Marines were released, they were allowed five hours of on-base liberty before graduation on Friday. Annually, more than 17,000 males recruited from the Western Recruiting Region are trained at MCRD San Diego. Charlie Company is scheduled to graduate May 20.

Colonel Christopher Nash, Lora Smith-Merriweather, CWO4 Brett Cordsen, battalion gunner, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Ian Gilbert and Ricardo Reyes (L to R), stand beside the citation honoring Cpl. Larry Harris at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 19. An obstacle of the Crucible was named after the Marine, who was killed in action on July 1, 2010. His citation will be read every iteration of the Crucible, ensuring his heroics and legacy will never be forgotten.

Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, conduct smashes during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Test at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 27. If a recruit received more than five deficiency marks during the test, for either conducting the wrong technique or executing it incorrectly, he failed the test. Annually, more than 17,000 males recruited from the Western Recruiting Region are trained at MCRD San Diego. Charlie Company is scheduled to graduate May 20.

Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, conduct dips during a strength and endurance course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 20. The course focuses on the individual efforts of the recruits and is designed to help them achieve a higher level of fitness. Annually, more than 17,000 males recruited from the Western Recruiting Region are trained at MCRD San Diego. Charlie Company is scheduled to May 20.

Service members from the San Diego area and Marines from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego participate in the opening ceremony of the San Diego Padres game at Petco Park, April 17. After the ceremony concluded, service members stayed to enjoy the game. The Padres went up against the Arizona Diamondbacks and lost 3-7.