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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Check out the new Marines of India Company as they participate in a motivational run here aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego!
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MCRDrecruit training
Feb. 11, 2021 | 9:41
Sept. 12, 2025 | 01:19:43
Aug. 29, 2025 | 01:07:47
Sep 18 2025
Alpha Company Initial Strength Assessment
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Briana Lomeli, a drill instructor with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, instructs recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, during the plank portion of an initial strength assessment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Sept. 6, 2025. The ISA is a baseline test for new recruits to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin the 13-week transformation to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)
U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Pau Sum with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, conducts a plank during an initial strength assessment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Sept. 6, 2025. The ISA is a baseline test for new recruits to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin the 13-week transformation to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Bronson Sahut, left, and Sgt. Kevin Garcia, both drill instructors with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, instruct recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, during the pull-up portion of an initial strength assessment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Sept. 6, 2025. The ISA is a baseline test for new recruits to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin the 13-week transformation to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)
U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, instruct recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, during the pull-up portion of an initial strength assessment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Sept. 6, 2025. The ISA is a baseline test for new recruits to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin the 13-week transformation to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Andrew Dussap, right, a drill instructor with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, documents a score for a recruit with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, during the plank portion of an initial strength assessment Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Sept. 6, 2025. The ISA is a baseline test for new recruits to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin the 13-week transformation to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion wait to conduct the pull-up portion during an initial strength assessment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Sept. 6, 2025. The ISA is a baseline test for new recruits to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin the 13-week transformation to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Johana Tucubal, left, Sgt. Andrew Dussap, right, both drill instructors with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, instruct recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit training Battalion, during the pull-up portion of an initial strength assessment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Sept. 6, 2025. The ISA is a baseline test for new recruits to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin the 13-week transformation to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Miguel Ramirez Serratos, a chief drill instructor with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, instructs recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit training Battalion, prior to the pull-up portion of an initial strength assessment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Sept. 6, 2025. The ISA is a baseline test for new recruits to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin the 13-week transformation to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)
U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, give a pull-up demonstration to recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion prior to an initial strength assessment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Sept. 6, 2025. The ISA is a baseline test for new recruits to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin the 13-week transformation to earn the title United States Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)
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)
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