Receiving week is when the recruits arrive at the depot and represents the first step in the process of joining a recruit to the Marine Corps. Receiving Drill Instructors will begin the indoctrination to military life by introducing the following basic military knowledge (In-House Procedures): Wake up procedures, head call procedures, hydration guidance, mess hall procedures, customs and courtesies, squad bay security procedures, and sexual assault prevention and procedures. During the receiving process recruits are checked for contraband, given haircuts, make a scripted phone call home, and are issued their gear required for training.
Arrival and Introduction to Yellow Footprints:
Marine recruits arrive at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, typically late at night.
They are immediately introduced to the famous Yellow Footprints, which symbolize the beginning of their journey into the Marine Corps.
Position of Attention and Phase One:
Recruits are taught the position of attention, marking the formal start of recruit training.
Phase One of recruit training begins, which involves a whirlwind of activities including in-processing, receiving haircuts, issuance of uniforms and gear, and undergoing medical evaluations.
Initial Strength Assessment (ISA):
On Friday of the first week (F-1), recruits undergo the Initial Strength Assessment (ISA).
The ISA is an event designed to ensure that recruits are physically capable of meeting the demands of training.
Assignment to a Recruit Training Company:
Once recruits pass the IST, they are assigned to a recruit training company.
They begin preparing for the next phase, which involves further training and conditioning.
Preparation for T-1 (Training Day 1):
Prior to T-1, which marks the official start of intense training, recruits go through a process called Pick-up T-1.
During Pick-up T-1, Company Commanders, Series Commanders, and Drill Instructors conduct presentations to introduce recruits to the expectations and rigors of training. The presentations are delivered loudly and clearly to ensure every recruit understands fully.
This structured and intense introduction sets the tone for Marine recruit training, emphasizing discipline, physical fitness, and preparation for the challenges ahead.
Initial Strength Test / Pick-Up
Forming Day 01 - Known as “Pick-Up Day,” recruits move into their permanent barracks and meet their drill instructors for the first time. They also complete the Initial Strength Assessment, a baseline fitness evaluation used to ensure they meet the physical requirements to begin training. (Department of War video by Nicholas Groesch)
(This video product includes an artificial intelligence-generated voice created using PlayAI software.)
Initial Strength Assessment (ISA):
On Friday of the first week (F-1), recruits undergo the Initial Strength Assessment (ISA).
The IST is an event designed to ensure that recruits are physically capable of meeting the demands of training.
Assignment to a Recruit Training Company:
Once recruits pass the ISA, they are assigned to a recruit training company.
They begin preparing for the next phase, which involves further training and conditioning.
Preparation for T-1 (Training Day 1):
Prior to T-1, which marks the official start of intense training, recruits go through a process called Pick-up T-1.
During Pick-up T-1, Company Commanders, Series Commanders, and Drill Instructors conduct presentations to introduce recruits to the expectations and rigors of training. The presentations are delivered loudly and clearly to ensure every recruit understands fully.
This structured and intense introduction sets the tone for Marine recruit training, emphasizing discipline, physical fitness, and preparation for the challenges ahead.
In House Procedures
Forming Day 02 - Recruits continue their indoctrination into military life with briefings on basic military knowledge, known as in-house procedures. They are also introduced to the Small Unit Development Program, where some recruits are chosen for leadership positions. (Department of War video by Nicholas Groesch)
(This video includes an artificial intelligence-generated voice created using PlayAI software.)
Religious Services / Squad Unit Leader Development Time (SULD)
Forming Day 03 - As part of the Marine Corps’ commitment to spiritual fitness, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego provides religious services for recruits representing a variety of faith groups during training. (Department of War video by Nicholas Groesch)
(This video includes an artificial intelligence-generated voice created using PlayAI software.)