An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines

Unit HomeAboutThe Mission: We Make Marines

#CC0000

The mission of the Recruit Depot and the Western Recruiting Region is to exercise operational control of enlisted recruiting operations in the 8th, 9th, and 12th Marine Corps Districts; to provide reception, processing, and recruit training for enlisted personnel following initial entry into the United States Marine Corps; and to produce a basically trained United States Marine embodied with the fighting spirit, core values and esprit de corps which have ensured our Corps’ success for over 240 years.

The unique relationship between the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and San Diego is the result of almost 150 years of mutual support, assistance and growth. This relationship is reflected in the history of the Marine Corps in San Diego, the Depot as a post of the Corps, and the heritage of San Diego itself.

The Depot's primary function is to take quality young men and women from the western two-thirds of the United States and transform 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.

The depot is also home to: Drill Instructor School which teaches sergeants, staff sergeants and gunnery sergeants what it takes to make Marines; and Recruiters School which teaches noncommissioned officers and staff NCO's how to find America's best and brightest and bring them into our ranks.

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.

MCRDSD Directions
MCRDSD Base Map

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 Gate 5