MCRDSD FAQ

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All visitors and graduation traffic please enter the base through Gate 5 at the intersection of Washington Street and Pacific Highway. All visitors must have a valid driver's license, state issued identification card, or passport, and all drivers are required to have a valid driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance in their possession.

All vehicles and personnel are subject to search upon entry and firearms, weapons, knives greater than 3 inches, drugs and all drug paraphernalia are prohibited. Prohibited items will be seized and offenders may be cited and denied entry. Expect delays for security screening and please plan accordingly.

MCRD Useful Numbers
Military Police: 619-524-4202
Pass and ID Center 619-524-8740/8741
Marine & Family Programs: 619-524-5732
MCCS: 619-725-6400
Chaplain: 619-524-1783
Commercial Travel Center: 619-524-5254
Marine Corps Exchange: 619-524-2500
Temporary Lodging: 619-524-4401
Command Museum: 619-524-8431
Library: 619-524-1849
MCRD Fitness Center: 619-524-4428
Bachelor Enlisted Quarters: 619-524-1947

MCRD SD 38990 Midway Ave, San Diego, CA 92140. This is a physical address only, not a mailing address. Please go to the recruits mailing address page for more information here

MCRDSD DIRECTIONS
MCRDSD BASE MAP

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GRADUATION FAQ's

WHEN DOES GRADUATION TAKE PLACE?
Graduations are now on Fridays until further notice, and Moto Run is now on Thursday.

MCRD San Diego Graduation (Friday)
0630 - MCRDSD opens for visitor access Gate 5 (Washington St)
0730 - 0830 Color’s Ceremony Commanding General’s Building
0830 - 0945 Graduation Seating Shepherd Field
1000 - 1130 Graduation Ceremony Shepherd Field
1130 - Authorized boot leave
1100 - 1600 Liberty Lunch Buffet Bay View

Beginning 22 October 2021, all Marines graduating from Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego will once again be authorized “boot leave,” and will be given the opportunity to take 10 days of leave following their graduation from Recruit Training.

Recruits will be given the opportunity to make all travel arrangements during the training cycle, and will have them completed prior to their graduation from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Travel plans may be coordinated to enable Marines to depart the Depot with their family following graduation and travel to their leave location together. Marines will travel with their follow-on orders which state the date that they are required to report to the School of Infantry to continue their Marine Corps training.

Guests are strongly urged to reconsider attending graduation if they are actively sick with a cough or fever, or have been in contact with a suspected case of COVID-19. We continue to urge precautions to ensure force health protection as vaccinations increase nationwide. Graduation will still be available online. Please stay tuned with our social media applications and website.
TAILGATING/RV PARKING
For guests to MCRD San Diego that intend to park a recreation vehicle or “tailgate” on family or graduation day, please refer to the following map and utilize the highlighted lot.

Conducting these activities surrounding the parade deck has become a safety hazard and guests will be asked to move their vehicles if they are found outside of the designated lot. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
DO I NEED A PARKING PASS FOR FAMILY DAY OR GRADUATION?
There is no special pass or parking pass for Family Day and Graduation. Visitors are advised to park in the parking lots adjacent to the parade deck and base theater. Visitors may park in any open space not marked or reserved for base purposes.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL GRADUATION WEEK SCHEDULE?
For the graduation schedule please visit http://www.mccsmcrd.com/gradinfo/

To request American Sign Language (ASL) services, please contact MCRDSD Protocol Office at 619-524-8707/8710. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least 3-4 weeks prior to arrival for Family Day and Graduation Events.

Wheelchair rentals are not available at MCRDSD. For information about base lodging, please click here or call 619-524-4401.
IS THERE A DRESS CODE FOR FAMILY DAY AND GRADUATION?
There is no specific dress code, but visitors are reminded not to wear clothing which could be considered offensive. Also, visitors should account for the weathered forecasted during the day. To show support for your new Marine, it has become customary to wear the color of his battalion. The color for 1st Recruit Training Battalion (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta Companies) is red. The color for 2nd Recruit Training Battalion (Echo, Fox, Golf and Hotel Companies) is yellow. The color for 3rd Recruit Training Battalion (India, Kilo, Lima and Mike Companies) is blue.
MILITARY UNIFORMS TO GRADUATION
Yes, current and former service members are permitted to wear uniforms to graduation in accordance with the uniform regulations for their branch of service. Wear of any version of the camouflage utility/field uniform is not encouraged, while wear of uniforms comparable or more formal than the graduates is appropriate. In the summer months (during Daylight Saving Time), the graduation uniform is the Dress Blue D. In the winter months (non-Daylight Saving Time), the graduation uniform for the new Marines is Dress Blue B.

Beginning 22 October 2021, all Marines graduating from Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego will once again be authorized “boot leave,” and will be given the opportunity to take 10 days of leave following their graduation from Recruit Training.

Guests are strongly urged to reconsider attending graduation if they are actively sick with a cough or fever, or have been in contact with a suspected case of COVID-19. We continue to urge precautions to ensure force health protection as vaccinations increase nationwide. Graduation will still be available online. Please stay tuned with our social media applications and website.
HOW DO RECRUITS MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION HOME?

The recruits are provided the opportunity to book travel on T-33. Currently, they are authorized time to call respective family members to determine if they will pay/book travel for the recruit or if the recruit should book the travel.

Marine Recruit are authorized to utilizing CPEN ITT Latitudes
NEW MARINES LUGGAGE
Marines are issued two sea bags, one garment bag and one small duffle bag for their uniforms and gear. A sea bag measures approximately 32 inches tall and 15 inches in diameter.

The garment bag measures approximately 40 inches tall, 26 inches wide and 5 inches thick, but may be folded in half. Excess baggage fees will not be reimbursed to new Marines for their commercial travel home; however, some airlines may waive baggage fees for Marines who show their military orders and ID at check-in.
CAN I VISIT MY RECRUIT?
Families cannot visit their recruits during training. The first time families are able to see their new Marines is on Graduation and Family Day.
RECRUIT PHONE CALLS, E-MAIL OR INTERNET
Recruits are required to make one phone call on the night they arrive at MCRDSD to inform someone of their choice (typically a parent) they have arrived at training safely.

However, this call does not always go through and not receiving a call does not mean your recruit has not arrived. Other than that, recruits are not permitted to make phone calls, send e-mails or texts, or access the Internet. Recruits are not permitted to be in possession of cellphones or other electronic communication devices. All correspondence between a recruit and family/friends is made via letters/postcards sent via the USPS. In the event of an emergency, a recruit will be permitted to phone someone for awareness.
RECRUIT MAIL IN TRAINING?
Mailing address templates can be found at http://www.mcrdsd.marines.mil/Recruit-Training/Contacting-a-Recruit/, and your recruit will mail home in the first 2-3 weeks with his unit information.

You can also contact your recruit's recruiter if you do not know the platoon, company or battalion information. Please remember not to mail your recruit any prohibited items while they are in training.
PROHIBITED ITEMS TO MAIL MY RECRUIT?
• Medication of any kind (prescription or nonprescription)
• Vitamins, minerals
• Tobacco products or paraphernalia
• Any alcoholic or intoxicating substances, including alcoholic drinks, mouthwash, cough medicine and all performance enhancing supplements.
• Drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Combustibles, matches, lighters, or any flammable materials
• Gum
• Weapons
• Ammunition
• Gambling devices (including playing cards and dice)
• Hygiene products, toiletries
• Pornographic materials
• Prophylactics (condoms)
• Magazines and newspapers (with the exception of recruiter handouts and religious material)
• Subversive literature
• All electrical or battery-operated devices must have batteries removed (except for watches).
• Any items already prohibited by the USPS or shipping companies.
RECRUIT PORTRAIT FROM RECRUIT TRAINING?
Photos and yearbooks are limited to stock on hand. Your recruit will have been given the opportunity to order his portrait and yearbook while in boot camp. You can also order by telephone. Please contact Leonard Studios for more information at 619-296-3840.
HOW DO I ORDER RECRUIT VIDEOS OF A RECRUIT GRADUATION?
Questions about Graduation videos should be directed to 619-725-6279 (Note: videos were produced by external commercial video production companies contracted with the U.S. Marine Corps).
HOW CAN I GET AN OLD GRADUATION PHOTO OR GRADUATION BOOK?
Please call the Command Museum at 619-524-4426.

Or go the MCRDSD Museum website at https://www.mcrdsd.marines.mil/Visitors/MCRDSD-Museum/
WHY IS MY RECRUIT NOT GETTING MY MAIL?
During the first 2-3 weeks of recruit training, recruits will send home a letter stating they've made it to MCRDSD and will provide an address for which to receive mail. All mail is routed through the only mail office on MCRDSD and your mail will not reach your recruit without the correct company and platoon number.

The mail office will see that information and sort the mail to that company and platoon. The company and platoon information will be listed on the letter your recruit sends home approximately 2-3 weeks into training. If you don’t receive mail for a period of time, please call his recruiter to get his correct platoon number and company. Please visit http://www.mcrdsd.marines.mil/Recruit-Training/Contacting-a-Recruit/ for additional information.
INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL
Información en español
Paquete de información de graduación en español
Enlace al Guía Virtual de Graduación grabado en
español: https://meeting.marinenet.usmc.mil/p6ixalslcwzj/

Objetos perdidos
Preguntas Frecuentes en Español

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MCRDSD BASE FAQ's

WHO DO I CALL IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ON MCRDSD?
You can contact PMO at:
• Emergency Line: 911 (Request for Fire, EMS, police)
• Non-Emergency Line: 619-524-6999 (Reporting a crime or request for Fire, EMS, Police)
• PMO Desk Sergeant: 619-524-4202 (General inquiries)
CAN I VISIT MCRDSD?
Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego is open for graduations only.

We must all understand the importance of protecting the force and, as a Marine Corps, continue to be the “most ready when the nation is the least ready.
NEED TO HAVE TO VISIT MCRDSD?
All visitors and graduation traffic
Please enter the base through Gate 5 at the intersection of Washington Street and Pacific Highway. All visitors must have a valid driver's license, state issued identification card, or passport, and all drivers are required to have a valid driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance in their possession.

All vehicles and personnel are subject to search upon entry and firearms, weapons, knives greater than 3 inches, drugs and all drug paraphernalia are prohibited. Prohibited items will be seized and offenders may be cited and denied entry. Expect delays for security screening and please plan accordingly.
HOW DO I GET TO MCRDSD?
From the North:
Take Interstate-5 South to the Washington St. exit. At the Stop light, turn right onto W. Washington St. Go straight through the next two Stop lights. This will take you directly to Gate 5.

From the South:
Take Interstate-5 North to the Washington St. exit. At the Stop light, turn left onto W. Washington St. Go straight through the next two Stop lights. This will take you directly to Gate 5.

From the East:
Take Interstate-8 West to Interstate-5 South. Take the Washington St. exit, the second exit after the Interstate-8 interchange. At the Stop light, turn right onto W. Washington St. Go straight through the next two Stop lights. This will take you directly to Gate 5.

From the West:
Take Rosecrans St. to Lytton St. Turn right onto Lytton St. At the curve in the road, the street becomes Barnett Ave. Continue straight on Barnett for approximately one mile where the road will merge with the Pacific Highway. Take the Washington St. exit on the right. Turn right onto W. Washington St. This will take you directly to Gate 5.

Base Map
FIREARMS ON BASE?
Visitors are not permitted to bring firearms on base, including off-duty civilian law enforcement personnel. For military members or other base personnel or residents, contact the Provost Marshal's Office (PMO) for more information on registering firearms and other regulations at 619-524-4202.
CIVILIANS MOTORCYCLE ON BASE
• Headlights must be on when in operation.
• A rear view mirror must be on each side’s handle bars.
• Eye protection must be shatter resistant goggles or a full face shield attached to the helmet. Eyeglasses are not enough protection.
• Sandals, open toe shoes, and tennis shoes are not permitted.
• Gloves must be full fingered.
MCRDSD LOST-AND-FOUND?

Lost and Found - Lost an item? Call extension x4128, stop by Building #217 (Physical Security office), to see if your lost item has been turned in. Currently within our lost and found we have: Purchased MCX items forgotten at the register, driver licenses/identification cards, debit/credit cards, wallets, gift cards, recruit duffle bags, toys, hats, clothing items, prescription glasses/sunglasses, military uniform items, watches, electronic cords, jewelry, etc. When reclaiming lost property, we will need identification and be able to give a detailed description of the item or provide proof of ownership.
RECRUIT SERIOUS EMERGENCY?
If a message is required to notify a recruit of an emergency situation at any time during recruit training, please contact your local America Red Cross or please visit the American Red Cross Emergency Communication Services webpage, to have an official message sent to MCRDSD. In order to process the message quickly, please provide the recruit's name, social security number, company and platoon.

The American Red Cross Hero Care Center is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To Contact American Red Cross or to learn more about their services to military families, please contact http://www.redcross.org/emergencycommunication/ or 1-877-272-733
WHO CAN SHOP AT THE MCRDSD EXCHANGE (MCX) ON MCRDSD?
MCX Logo and Memorabilia Store: Civilians may shop on Family Days and Graduations only.

MCX Marine Mart: Civilians may not purchase alcohol and tobacco products aboard MCRDSD.

MCX Main Store: You must be an authorized patron (active-duty, reservist, military retiree, or a military dependent with valid military-issued ID) in order to purchase within the Main Store.
CHAPELS ON MCRDSD
The services provided at the MCRDSD Chapel are for military personnel only, including those who live on base. The recruit services are strictly for recruits and their family members only.
WHAT IS THE POLICY FOR DOGS?
Dogs are allowed aboard MCRDSD under the following stipulations:

• Dogs must be kept on a leash not to exceed six feet in length.
• Animals, except Military Working Dogs in the performance of official duties, the MCRDSD mascot, and licensed service dogs, are not allowed in the dispensary, lodging, dining facilities, exchange activities, swimming pool, gymnasium, any area where food is prepared or stored, theaters, or office buildings.
• Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, canine/wolf hybrids, or any canine breed with dominant traits of aggression are prohibited aboard MCRDSD.
• When an animal is reported to PMO as a public nuisance, the report will be investigated, and if substantiated, the owner will be ordered to remove the animal from MCRDSD.
WHAT HOTELS DO YOU RECOMMEND IN THE AREA?
We cannot recommend lodging in the area due to regulations; however, on-base lodging (Billeting) may be available. Please follow the link to learn more. https://www.mcrdsd.marines.mil/Visitors/Billeting/ E-mail: reservations@mcrdsd-billeting.org
CAN I LEAVE MY CAR ON THE BASE?
Only personnel who are assigned to MCRDSD and their dependents, and Department of Defense civilian employees employed at MCRDSD, are authorized to park on the installation in excess of 72 hours.

Authorized personnel who wish to park their vehicle on the base in excess of 72 hours must meet the following criteria: be registered on base, a parking pass must be issued in person by PMO, the vehicle must be legally parked in a designated long-term parking area (gravel lot adjacent to PMO), and the parking pass must be visible for inspection on the front dashboard.
DO YOU OFFER TOURS OF THE BASE?

Unfortunately, due to the restrictions of COVID-19 the depot has not returned to normal operations. The depot has authorized family and friends to attend graduations, but the base is not open to the public for tours. At this time you are allowed to visit the depot during graduation weeks, but tours are not available

Groups visiting MCRDSD who wish an organized, escorted tour must submit a request at least 30 days prior to arriving. Group tours will be granted on a case-by-case basis and is contingent on factors such as manpower and time, as well as government regulations. Visits are typically limited to Mondays through Fridays.

Eligible groups include JROTC, ROTC, reunion groups, community organizations, veterans organizations, active duty military groups/units, etc. Groups of family and friends attending Family Day and Graduation should not submit a request. For more information please visit http://www.mcrdsd.marines.mil/Site-Management/Visits-and-Group-Tours/.
MCCS SERVICES
MCX Services offer a variety of programs developed to meet the needs of our patrons and their families. Please click on the following link:
http://www.mccsmcrd.com/services/
REAL ID
Effective May 7, 2025, all guests and visitors 18 years and older accessing Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego should be prepared to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an approved alternate form of identification (i.e. - U.S. passport) to enter the base, in accordance with federal law, MCO 5530.13, and the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID Act.

Visitors without a REAL ID-compliant license or ID must bring:

A valid, unexpired state-issued photo ID, AND one of the following secondary forms of ID that matches the name on the primary ID:
- Original birth certificate with raised seal
- Social Security card
- If the name is different, an official court document or marriage certificate must be presented to verify the name change.
This requirement applies to all guests attending:
- Family Day
- Graduation Ceremonies
- Special Events hosted aboard MCRD SD (Bay View, Community Center, Boathouse, etc.)
- Job interviews or onboarding events (e.g., job candidates)

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GENERAL FAQ's

COPY OF PERSONNEL RECORDS, PLATOON ROSTERS, TRAINING RECORDS, ETC.?
MCRDSD does not keep personnel records of former recruits, drill instructors or other military personnel stationed here in the past, nor do we keep track their current whereabouts. Those searching for former service members are advised to search the internet for sites and organizations that may be of assistance.

For procedures on requesting archived military personnel records, visit the National Archives website at http://archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/. Please note, access to these records are typically only granted to the owners of the records or their family members.
ENLISTMENT OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS?
You should speak with your local Marine recruiter, visit www.marines.com or call 1-800-Marines.
WHEEL CHAIRS OR OTHER MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR USE?
Questions about mobility equipment rentals should be directed to 619-725-6270.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) SERVICES
To request American Sign Language (ASL) services, please contact MCRD Protocol Office at 619-524-8707/8710. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least 3-4 weeks prior to arrival for Family Day and Graduation Events.
HOW CAN I GET A FLAG FLOWN ABOARD THE BASE?
Please mail your flag to:
Deputy Protocol Officer
Marine Corps Recruit Depot
1600 Henderson Avenue, Suite 230 - Building 31
San Diego, CA 92140-5100

Please include the following information in a memo:
Rank
Full Name
Reason being flown
If you have a preferred date you want it flown
Any additional information you want on the certificate (ex: your time served)
Contact information for records

Additionally, please include return postage and address/shipping label. For additional questions, please contact 619-524-8707.
HOW DO I REQUEST A COLOR GUARD OR OTHER SUPPORT?
Fill out the form DD2536 (click here). Please make sure the form is completed correctly and all boxes are answered. Please send the completed form to rdsd_pao@usmc.mil.
HOW DO VERIFY A MARINE’S FORMER SERVICE?
For military service verification of a current or former Marine, please call 800-268-3710 (option 1) or follow the link at http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies/USMC-FOIA/.

For military service verification of a current or former U.S. Marine please call 1-800-268-3710 (option 1)
HOW DO I CONTACT DEPOT FRO'S?
- Family Readiness Officer
  "Linking Units and Families"
  
  Mission: Ensuring families are ready regardless of deployment status or operational tempo by maintaining optimum unit and personal effectiveness. Educate, assist and empower Marines and families to achieve and maintain a high state of personal readiness and resiliency in response to life, career and mission events by providing information, tools, resources and support thereby enhancing the Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program.
  
  The Family Readiness Officers for Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and Western Recruiting Region are listed below.
  Headquarters and Service Battalion
  Office (619) 524-0160
  
  Recruit Training Regiment
  Office (619) 524-1774
  
  Weapons & Field Training Battalion
  Office (760) 763-7351
  
  Recruiters School
  Office (619)524-8474
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS (COMMSTRAT) STUDIO HOURS
Photo Studio Hours of Operation

Monday-Wednesday: 0800-1100 / 1300-1500

Thursday: 0800-1100 / 1300-1400

Friday: 0800-1100

619-524-4233
NEWS MEDIA QUESTIONS

Media Request FORM

Complete a Media Query Form
Once the form is received and reviewed, a representative from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and the Western Recruiting Region, Communication Strategy and Operations section will reach out regarding the request.

All base access requests must be coordinated in advance of arrival. While on MCRDSD, all coordinated media will be escorted by the COMMSTRAT staff. To request information under the Freedom of Information Act, click here. However, media may first attempt to request the information via the COMMSTRAT.

(*print and video reporters, photojournalists, documentarians, authors, producers, bloggers, radio DJs, freelancers, etc.)
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
MCRD San Diego Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT):
Email rdsd_pao@usmc.mil

If you have a question about the website or the (COMMSTRAT) office, please e-mail: rdsd_pao@usmc.mil.

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FAQ'S