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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In today's video SSgt. Sanchez, a chief drill instructor with Delta Company, talks about what it’s like to train recruits at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
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Nov. 7, 2018 | 1:00
Oct. 13, 2018 | 1:19
Aug. 8, 2018 | 0:39
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
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson
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)
U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David C. Hyman, left, the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, and Sgt. Maj. Oranjel Leavy, right, the sergeant major of MCRD San Diego and the WRR, stand at attention during a morning colors ceremony at MCRD San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The morning colors ceremony is conducted to formally raise our nation’s flag and provide a brief moment to reflect on its meaning. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie N. Palomino)
U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David C. Hyman, the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, gives a speech during a morning colors ceremony at MCRD San Diego, California, July 18, 2025. The morning colors ceremony is conducted to formally raise our nation’s flag and provide a brief moment to reflect on its meaning. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie N. Palomino)
U.S. Marines assigned to the Recruit Training Regiment Color Guard, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, present the colors during a morning colors ceremony at MCRD San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The morning colors ceremony is conducted to formally raise our nation’s flag and provide a brief moment to reflect on its meaning. (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 perform as part of a morning colors ceremony at MCRD San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. The morning colors ceremony is conducted to formally raise our nation’s flag and provide a brief moment to reflect on its meaning. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie N. Palomino)
Aug 26 2025
Golf Company EGA Ceremony
A U.S. Marine with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion holds his Eagle, Globe and Anchor after a ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 13, 2025. The Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony was the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation from recruits to United States Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion stand in formation after the Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 13, 2025. The Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony was the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation from recruits to United States Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Lincoln Burnett with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, cries after receiving the Eagle, Globe and Anchor during a ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 13, 2025. The Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony was the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation from recruits to United States Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Isaac Castillo, a drill instructor with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, hands out an Eagle, Globe and Anchor during a ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 13, 2025. The Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony was the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation from recruits to United States Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
A U.S. Marine with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, receives his Eagle, Globe and Anchor during a ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 13, 2025. The Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony was the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation from recruits to United States Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion stand in formation prior to the Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 13, 2025. The Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony was the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation from recruits to United States Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
Aug 25 2025
Marine Corps Recruiting and Retention Course 5-25 Field Meet
U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Recruiting and Retention Course, Western Recruiting Region pose for a photo after a mock Recruiting Station pool function training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. Recruiters with MCRRC participate in a mock RS pool function to better understand what future Marine Corps applicants will go through before going to their respected RS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Recruiting and Retention Course, Western Recruiting Region participate in tug-of-war during a mock Recruiting Station pool function training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. Recruiters with MCRRC participate in a mock RS pool function to better understand what future Marine Corps applicants will go through before going to their respected RS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Daniel Lara, a recruiter with Marine Corps Recruiting and Retention Course, Western Recruiting Region, poses for a photo before a mock Recruiting Station pool function training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. Recruiters with MCRRC participate in a mock RS pool function to better understand what future Marine Corps applicants will go through before going to their respected RS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Recruiting and Retention Course, Western Recruiting Region participate in a mock Recruiting Station pool function training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. Recruiters with MCRRC participate in a mock RS pool function to better understand what future Marine Corps applicants will go through before going to their respected RS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Recruiting and Retention Course, Western Recruiting Region, execute pull-ups during a mock Recruiting Station pool function training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. Recruiters with MCRRC participate in a mock RS pool function to better understand what future Marine Corps applicants will go through before going to their respected RS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Recruiting and Retention Course, Western Recruiting Region, participate in a mock Recruiting Station pool function training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. Recruiters with MCRRC participate in a mock RS pool function to better understand what future Marine Corps applicants will go through before going to their respected RS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Servante Coba, a recruiter with Marine Corps Recruiting and Retention Course, Western Recruiting Region, poses for a photo before a mock Recruiting Station pool function training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. Recruiters with MCRRC participate in a mock RS pool functions to better understand what future Marine Corps applicants will go through before going to their respected RS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Wesley Butler, a recruiter with Marine Corps Recruiting and Retention Course, Western Recruiting Region, poses for a photo before a mock Recruiting Station pool function training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. Recruiters with MCRRC participate in a mock RS pool functions to better understand what future Marine Corps applicants will go through before going to their respected RS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. James Knight III, a recruiter with Marine Corps Recruiting and Retention Course, Western Recruiting Region, poses for a photo before a mock Recruiting Station pool function training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 8, 2025. Recruiters with MCRRC participate in a mock RS pool functions to better understand what future Marine Corps applicants will go through before going to their respected RS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
Aug 14 2025
Lima Company Receiving
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie Palomino
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Manuel Maciel, left, a clothing and supply clerk with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, measures recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, for uniform items during a receiving event at MCRD San Diego, California, July 14, 2025. During the receiving process, recruits are taken to the United Service Organizations for accountability, bussed to the Depot, checked for contraband, given haircuts, make scripted phone calls home, and issued gear required for training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Angie Palomino)
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