Marines

MCRDSD LOGO


Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and WESTERN RECRUITING REGION

 

Who we are

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.

 

 

Featured Videos

Crucible
April 5, 2018 | 3:55
The Crucible is a 54-hour culminating event recruits must go through to earn
the title of United States Marine while training at Marine Corps Recruit
Depot San Diego. This event consists of several team-building activities and
allows recruits to take on leadership roles by being the squad leaders of
the challenge

The Crucible is a 54-hour culminating event recruits must go through to earn
the title of United States Marine while training at Marine Corps Recruit
Depot San Diego. This event consists of several team-building activities and
allows recruits to take on leadership roles by being the squad leaders of
the challenge

Tags

MCRDCrucibleSemper FidelisRecuitsMCRDSDMarinesUSMCSan Diego

Discover
More Recent

Filter
Crucible

April 5, 2018 | 3:55

View Video
Crucible

April 5, 2018 | 3:55

MCRD San Diego Kilo Company Graduation

Dec. 12, 2025 | 01:07:42

View Video
MCRD San Diego Kilo Company Graduation

Dec. 12, 2025 | 01:07:42

MCRD San Diego Golf Company Graduation

Dec. 5, 2025 | 50:11

View Video
MCRD San Diego Golf Company Graduation

Dec. 5, 2025 | 50:11

U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Ethan Watts, a Marine with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, stands in formation after receiving his Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem during an EGA ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 8, 2025. The EGA ceremony was the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation of recruit to Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin Alonso)
U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Cesar Martinez, the company first sergeant of Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, delivers a speech during an Eagle Globe and Anchor ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 8, 2025. The EGA ceremony was the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation of recruit to Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin Alonso)
A U.S. Marine with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, holds the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem during an EGA ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 8, 2025. The EGA ceremony was the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation of recruit to Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin Alonso)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Elwood CandelariaCordova, a senior drill instructor with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, hands out Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblems during an EGA ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 8, 2026. The EGA ceremony was the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation of recruit to Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin Alonso)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion participate in a 15-kilometer hike during the final portion of the Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 8, 2026. The Crucible is a 54-hour event where recruits apply the knowledge they have learned throughout recruit training, to earn the title of United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin Alonso)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion participate in a 15-kilometer hike during the final portion of the Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 8, 2026. The Crucible is a 54-hour event where recruits apply the knowledge they have learned throughout recruit training, to earn the title of United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin Alonso)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion stage their gear for a 15-kilometer hike during the final portion of the Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 8, 2026. The Crucible is a 54-hour event where recruits apply the knowledge they have learned throughout recruit training, to earn the title of United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin Alonso)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion prepare to begin a 15-kilometer hike during the final portion of the Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 8, 2026. The Crucible is a 54-hour event where recruits apply the knowledge they have learned throughout recruit training, to earn the title of United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin Alonso)
U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion march through an archway at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Jan. 6, 2026. The Marines went to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum to learn about the history of the Marine Corps. The MCRD Command Museum opened its doors in 1987 and is focused on maintaining the history of the Marine Corps throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion listen to a brief during a visit at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum at MCRD San Diego, California, Jan. 6, 2026. The MCRD Command Museum opened its doors in 1987 and is focused on maintaining the history of the Marine Corps throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Savannah Stockesberry with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion looks at a display during her visit at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum at MCRD San Diego, California, Jan. 6, 2026. The MCRD Command Museum opened its doors in 1987 and is focused on maintaining the history of the Marine Corps throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion listen to a brief during a visit at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum at MCRD San Diego, California, Jan. 6, 2026. The MCRD Command Museum opened its doors in 1987 and is focused on maintaining the history of the Marine Corps throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion listen to a brief during a visit at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum at MCRD San Diego, California, Jan. 6, 2026. The MCRD Command Museum opened its doors in 1987 and is focused on maintaining the history of the Marine Corps throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion stand in formation outside the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum at MCRD San Diego, California, Jan. 6, 2026. The MCRD Command Museum opened its doors in 1987 and is focused on maintaining the history of the Marine Corps throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Elizabeth Marino, vocalist, Marine Band San Diego, Headquarters and Service Battalion, performs during the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marines with Marine Band San Diego, center, Headquarters and Service Battalion perform at a reception after the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christopher Carter, left, communications maintenance technician, 4th Medical Battalion, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, retired Col. Daren Erickson, center, executive director of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Museum Foundation and Sgt. Katelyn Leavines, data system administrator, 4th Medical Battalion, MCAS Miramar, pose for a photo at a reception after the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
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, poses for a photo with his wife, Karna Hyman, at a reception after the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jesse Powers, percussionist, Marine Band San Diego, Headquarters and Service Battalion, performs during the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Desean Porchea, guitar instrumentalist, Marine Band San Diego, Headquarters and Service Battalion, performs during the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jacob Leonard, guitar instrumentalist, Marine Band San Diego, Headquarters and Service Battalion, performs during the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Thomas Conley, percussion instrumentalist, Marine Band San Diego, Headquarters and Service Battalion, plays the triangle during the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Hannah Ford, enlisted conductor, Marine Band San Diego, Headquarters and Service Battalion, conducts the band during the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Hannah Ford, center, enlisted conductor, Marine Band San Diego, Headquarters and Service Battalion, conducts the band during the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Megan Harper, left, band officer, Marine Band San Diego, Headquarters and Service Battalion, conducts the band during the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Megan Harper, band officer, Marine Band San Diego, Headquarters and Service Battalion, conducts the band during the Annual Holiday Winter Concert at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 11, 2025. MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region hosted an annual Winter Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego musicians performing a variety of holiday classics and seasonal favorites for permanent personnel and visitors aboard the installation to celebrate the winter season and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. ValerioAlvarez)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Elizabeth Marino, a vocalist with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, dances with the audience during a tree lighting ceremony in Little Italy, San Diego, California, Dec. 6, 2025. The Little Italy tree lighting ceremony is an annual event; The bands participation helps build community relations, increase morale, and spread awareness of Marine Corps opportunities to the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco Angel)
U.S. Marines with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region perform during a tree lighting ceremony in Little Italy, San Diego, California, Dec. 6, 2025. The Little Italy tree lighting ceremony is an annual event; The bands participation helps build community relations, increase morale, and spread awareness of Marine Corps opportunities to the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco Angel)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Elizabeth Marino, a vocalist with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, sings during a tree lighting ceremony in Little Italy, San Diego, California, Dec. 6, 2025. The Little Italy tree lighting ceremony is an annual event; The bands participation helps build community relations, increase morale, and spread awareness of Marine Corps opportunities to the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco Angel)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kasie Wagner, a vocalist with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region kneels down to hold a microphone for children singing during a tree lighting ceremony in Little Italy, San Diego, California, Dec. 6, 2025. The Little Italy tree lighting ceremony is an annual event; The bands participation helps build community relations, increase morale, and spread awareness of Marine Corps opportunities to the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco Angel)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kasie Wagner, a vocalist with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, sings during a tree lighting ceremony in Little Italy, San Diego, California, Dec. 6, 2025. The Little Italy tree lighting ceremony is an annual event; The bands participation helps build community relations, increase morale, and spread awareness of Marine Corps opportunities to the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco Angel)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kasie Wagner, a vocalist with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, sings during a tree lighting ceremony in Little Italy, San Diego, California, Dec. 6, 2025. The Little Italy tree lighting ceremony is an annual event; The bands participation helps build community relations, increase morale, and spread awareness of Marine Corps opportunities to the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco Angel)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Desean Porchea, a bass guitarist with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region plays the electric bass guitar during a tree lighting ceremony in Little Italy, San Diego, California, Dec. 6, 2025. The Little Italy tree lighting ceremony is an annual event; The bands participation helps build community relations, increase morale, and spread awareness of Marine Corps opportunities to the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco Angel)
U.S. Marines with Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region perform during a tree lighting ceremony in Little Italy, San Diego, California, Dec. 6, 2025. The Little Italy tree lighting ceremony is an annual event; The bands participation helps build community relations, increase morale, and spread awareness of Marine Corps opportunities to the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco Angel)
A crowd watches as a Christmas tree is lit in Little Italy, San Diego, California, Dec. 6, 2025. The Little Italy tree lighting ceremony is an annual event; The bands participation helps build community relations, increase morale, and spread awareness of Marine Corps opportunities to the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco Angel)
A U.S. Marine with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion is greeted by a guest after a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 12, 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. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion march in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 12, 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. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion march in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 12, 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. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion march in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 12, 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. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion march in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Dec. 12, 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. Jacob B. Hutchinson)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion receive instructions during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Dec. 5, 2025. Recruits were introduced to their drill instructors and gained an understanding of the rules and expectations set for their training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Mattew Ramos, a senior drill instructor with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, gives the senior drill instructor speech during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Dec. 5, 2025. Recruits were introduced to their drill instructors and gained an understanding of the rules and expectations set for their training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)
U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion recite the Drill Instructor’s Creed during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Dec. 5, 2025. Pick-up day is when recruits were introduced to their drill instructors and gained an understanding of the rules and expectations set for their training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)
A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, responds to instructions during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Dec. 5, 2025. Recruits were introduced to their drill instructors and gained an understanding of the rules and expectations set for their training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Alex Savage, a drill instructor with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, gives instructions during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Dec. 5, 2025. Recruits were introduced to their drill instructors and gained an understanding of the rules and expectations set for their training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Alex Savage, a drill instructor with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, gives instructions during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Dec. 5, 2025. Recruits were introduced to their drill instructors and gained an understanding of the rules and expectations set for their training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Mattew Ramos, a drill instructor with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, gives instructions during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Dec. 5, 2025. Recruits were introduced to their drill instructors and gained an understanding of the rules and expectations set for their training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion stand at attention during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Dec. 5, 2025. Recruits were introduced to their drill instructors and gained an understanding of the rules and expectations set for their training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training follow instructions during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Dec. 5, 2025. Recruits were introduced to their drill instructors and gained an understanding of the rules and expectations set for their training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, move equipment during pick up at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Dec. 5, 2025. Recruits were introduced to their drill instructors and gained an understanding of the rules and expectations set for their training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)

 

Featured News

 

CONNECT WITH US