We make Marines by recruiting quality young men and women and transforming them through the foundations of rigorous basic training, our shared legacy, and a commitment to our core values, preparing them to win our nation’s battles in service to the country.
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U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jason May, a senior drill instructor with Company M, 3d Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, gives a speech to the new recruits of Company M on pick-up day aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., May 20, 2016. May spoke to the recruits about the responsibilities of the drill instructors and what was to be expected of the recruits throughout the 13 weeks of recruit training. (U.S. Marine Corps motion media by Sgt. John C. Lamb/RELEASED)
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DIMarine Corps Recruit Depot San DiegoM CompanyMCRD SDRTRPick-Up DaySDI3d RTBn3d Recruit TrainingMighty MikeSenior Drill Instructor SpeechMCRDSDCOMCAMU.S. MarinesMarinesbattalionUSMCRecruit Training Regiment
May 19, 2016 | 3:09
Aug. 15, 2025 | 01:04:02
July 17, 2025 | 1:03
Sep 17 2025
Marine Band San Diego perform at the 159th Scottish Highland Gathering and Games
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maggie Ferrick, assistant drum major, Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, participates in the opening ceremony of the 159th Scottish Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, California, Aug. 30, 2025. The Marine Band San Diego was invited by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco to provide musical support, strengthening community relations, boosting morale, and raising awareness of opportunities within the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)
U.S. Marines with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, perform during the opening ceremony of the 159th Scottish Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, California, Aug. 30, 2025. The Marine Band San Diego was invited by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco to provide musical support, strengthening community relations, boosting morale, and raising awareness of opportunities within the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)
A U.S. Marine with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region performs during the opening ceremony of the 159th Scottish Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, California, Aug. 30, 2025. The Marine Band San Diego was invited by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco to provide musical support, strengthening community relations, boosting morale, and raising awareness of opportunities within the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Luke Smoak, trumpet instrumentalist, Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, performs a solo during the opening ceremony of the 159th Scottish Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, California, Aug. 30, 2025. The Marine Band San Diego was invited by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco to provide musical support, strengthening community relations, boosting morale, and raising awareness of opportunities within the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brian Martinez, enlisted conductor, Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, conducts during the opening ceremony of the 159th Scottish Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, California, Aug. 30, 2025. The Marine Band San Diego was invited by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco to provide musical support, strengthening community relations, boosting morale, and raising awareness of opportunities within the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)
U.S. Marines with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region and the Wasatch and District Pipe Band, perform in the closing ceremony of the 159th Scottish Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, California, Aug. 30, 2025. The Marine Band San Diego was invited by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco to provide musical support, strengthening community relations, boosting morale, and raising awareness of opportunities within the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brian Martinez, enlisted conductor, Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, conducts during the closing ceremony of the 159th Scottish Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, California, Aug. 30, 2025. The Marine Band San Diego was invited by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco to provide musical support, strengthening community relations, boosting morale, and raising awareness of opportunities within the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)
U.S. Marines with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region and the Wasatch and District Pipe Band, march in formation during the closing ceremony of the 159th Scottish Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, California, Aug. 30, 2025. The Marine Band San Diego was invited by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco to provide musical support, strengthening community relations, boosting morale, and raising awareness of opportunities within the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)
U.S. Marines with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region and the Wasatch and District Pipe Band, participate in the closing ceremony of the 159th Scottish Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, California, Aug. 30, 2025. The Marine Band San Diego was invited by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco to provide musical support, strengthening community relations, boosting morale, and raising awareness of opportunities within the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)
Sep 08 2025
Charlie Company Land Navigation
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson
A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, plots his target points during a land navigation training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 21, 2025. Land navigation is part of basic warrior training and is designed to teach recruits how to use a compass and map for navigation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion take notes during a land navigation class at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 21, 2025. Land navigation is part of basic warrior training and is designed to teach recruits how to use a compass and map for navigation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion reviews her pace count during a land navigation training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 21, 2025. Land navigation is part of basic warrior training and is designed to teach recruits how to use a compass and map for navigation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Marcus Mantel with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, looks through his compass during a land navigation training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 21, 2025. Land navigation is part of basic warrior training and is designed to teach recruits how to use a compass and map for navigation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion plot their next target point during a land navigation training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 21, 2025. Land navigation is part of basic warrior training and is designed to teach recruits how to use a compass and map for navigation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion reviews his target points during a land navigation training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 21, 2025. Land navigation is part of basic warrior training and is designed to teach recruits how to use a compass and map for navigation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion looks at a map prior to a land navigation training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 21, 2025. Land navigation is part of basic warrior training and is designed to teach recruits how to use a compass and map for navigation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
Sep 05 2025
Hotel Company Receiving
New U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion rush off the bus during a receiving event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 18, 2025. During the receiving process, recruits are checked for contraband, given a haircut, make a scripted phone call home, and issued their gear required for training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Briana Lomeli, a senior drill instructor with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, gives instructions to new recruits during a receiving event for Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 18, 2025. During the receiving process, recruits are checked for contraband, given a haircut, make a scripted phone call home, and issued their gear required for training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
New U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion receive a welcome brief during a receiving event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 18, 2025. During the receiving process, recruits are checked for contraband, given a haircut, make a scripted phone call home, and issued their gear required for training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
A new U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion is given a haircut as part of a receiving event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 18, 2025. During the receiving process, recruits are checked for contraband, given a haircut, make a scripted phone call home, and issued their gear required for training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson
A U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, looks through new recruits’ belongings during a receiving event for Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 18, 2025. During the receiving process, recruits are checked for contraband, given a haircut, make a scripted phone call home, and issued their gear required for training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Xavier Pasillas, a drill instructor with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, gives instructions to a new recruit during a receiving event for Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 18, 2025. During the receiving process, recruits are checked for contraband, given a haircut, make a scripted phone call home, and issued their gear required for training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Reginald Seabrook, a drill instructor with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, looks through new recruits’ belongings during a receiving event for Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 18, 2025. During the receiving process, recruits are checked for contraband, given a haircut, make a scripted phone call home, and issued their gear required for training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
Sep 03 2025
Lima Company Water Survival Training
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Genaro I. Valdez-Sepulveda
U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Elena Murillo, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conducts the gear shed during water survival training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 13, 2025. Basic water survival teaches recruits how to execute basic water maneuvers to prepare them for their swim qualification test. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Genaro I. Valdez-Sepulveda)
Lance Cpl. Genaro Valdez-Sepulve
U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Gladys Salgado with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, prepares to shed gear underwater during water survival training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 13, 2025. Basic water survival teaches recruits how to execute basic water maneuvers to prepare them for their swim qualification test. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Genaro I. Valdez-Sepulveda)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion jump off of a tower during water survival training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 13, 2025. Basic water survival teaches recruits how to execute basic water maneuvers to prepare them for their swim qualification test. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Genaro I. Valdez-Sepulveda)
A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, executes a swimming technique during water survival training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 13, 2025. Basic water survival teaches recruits how to execute basic water maneuvers to prepare them for their swim qualification test. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Genaro I. Valdez-Sepulveda)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion rotate through events during water survival training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 13, 2025. Basic water survival teaches recruits how to execute basic water maneuvers to prepare them for their swim qualification test. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Genaro I. Valdez-Sepulveda)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion receive a brief before conducting water survival training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 13, 2025. Basic water survival teaches recruits how to execute basic water maneuvers to prepare them for their swim qualification test. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Genaro I. Valdez-Sepulveda)
Sep 02 2025
250815-M-GO078-1093
A U.S. Marine with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, is greeted by a guest following a graduation ceremony on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 15, 2025. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion retire the guidons during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 15, 2025. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion prepare to retire the guidons as part of a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 15, 2025. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marines with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion march in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 15, 2025. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
Aug 28 2025
Mike Company Rappel Tower
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Valerio
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Garrett Tyler with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, waits in line during a rappel tower training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The rappel tower provides opportunities for the new Marines to gain confidence in themselves and their gear and is one of the last training events Marines will conduct while at MCRD San Diego. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Valerio) Tyler is a native of Beach, North Dakota.
U.S. Marines with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion stand in formation prior to a rappel tower training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The rappel tower provides opportunities for the new Marines to gain confidence in themselves and their gear and is one of the last training events Marines will conduct while at MCRD San Diego. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Valerio)
A U.S. Marine with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, scales down the rappel tower during a training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The rappel tower provides opportunities for the new Marines to gain confidence in themselves and their gear and is one of the last training events Marines will conduct while at MCRD San Diego. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Valerio)
U.S. Marines with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion wait in line prior to a rappel tower training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The rappel tower provides opportunities for the new Marines to gain confidence in themselves and their gear and is one of the last training events Marines will conduct while at MCRD San Diego. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Valerio)
U.S. Marines with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion wait in line during a rappel tower training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The rappel tower provides opportunities for the new Marines to gain confidence in themselves and their gear and is one of the last training events Marines will conduct while at MCRD San Diego. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Valerio)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joshua Thompson, a rappel tower chief with Support Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, gives a demonstration to Marines with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion prior to a rappel tower training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The rappel tower provides opportunities for the new Marines to gain confidence in themselves and their gear and is one of the last training events Marines will conduct while at MCRD San Diego. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Valerio)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joshua Thompson, a rappel tower chief with Support Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, briefs Marines with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion prior to a rappel tower training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The rappel tower provides opportunities for the new Marines to gain confidence in themselves and their gear and is one of the last training events Marines will conduct while at MCRD San Diego. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Valerio)
U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. James J. Kayser with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, puts on proper protective gear prior to beginning a rappel tower training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The rappel tower is conducted to build confidence within new Marines and prepare them for future training and overcoming difficult situations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Valerio)
Aug 27 2025
Morning Colors Ceremony and Hotel Company Graduation
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie N. Palomino
U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Hotel Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion retire the guidons as part of a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie N. Palomino)
Doctor Katie Helland, left, the director of military accessions policy, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, and Brig. Gen. David C. Hyman, the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, render a salute during a graduation ceremony at MCRD San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. This ceremony marked the end of a 13-week transformation that included training in drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie N. Palomino)
U.S. Marines with Hotel Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion march during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. This ceremony marked the end of a 13-week transformation that included training in drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie N. Palomino)
U.S. Marines with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, execute the eyes right movement during the graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. This ceremony marked the end of a 13-week transformation that included training in drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie N. Palomino)
U.S. Marines and guests bow their hands during the invocation prior to a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. This ceremony marked the end of a 13-week transformation that included training in drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie Palomino)
The desire and drive to earn the title of Marine can be found across the Nation, from coast to coast, city to city. Over the last couple of years Marine Corps Recruiting Command has put a strong emphasis on finding well qualified and motivated individuals to become not only Marine Corps Officers, but Judge Advocates.
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U.S. Marines and Airmen conducted the first ever joint Toys for Tots operation, Dec 4 – 18, 2024 in isolated Alaskan communities. The Marines from a detachment of Company D, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, were assisted by Airmen from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
The Marine Corps Recruiting Command hosted Fiscal Year 2025’s National Officer Selection Officer Training Symposium in Orlando from December 9 - 13, 2024. NOSOTS plays a critical role in maintaining the Marine Corps' high standards by ensuring that Officer Selection Officers are well-prepared to recruit candidates who uphold the Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment.
As the lights dim, a hush sweeps over the audience – the anticipation builds. From the wings, steps a Marine in her iconic dress blue uniform. Her smile and poise grabs the audience’s attention. As she raises the microphone she draws in a breath and releases the first note letting her powerful voice fill the air.
Britney Moyeda is no stranger to adversity. As she donned her U.S. Marine Corps dress uniform in her recruiting office, she recalled the journey life has brought her thus far.
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