Stories

U.S Marine Corps Pfc. Sayeed Montazeri with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stands in formation before the Battalion Commander’s Inspection, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Oct. 23, 2024. The Battalion Commander’s Inspection surveys new Marines’ knowledge, bearing, and attention to detail as one of their last tests before graduating. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson) - U.S Marine Corps Pfc. Sayeed Montazeri with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stands in formation before the Battalion Commander’s Inspection, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Oct. 23, 2024. The Battalion Commander’s Inspection surveys new Marines’ knowledge, bearing, and attention to detail as one of their last tests before graduating. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson)

From Afghanistan to Becoming a United States Marine

It’s rare to find a Marine Corps recruit that has combat experience prior to commencing recruit training, but for one new Marine, war was a reality long before stepping on the yellow footprints to embark on a new journey of becoming a U.S. Marine.

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Courtesy photo of Capt. Gary L. Bringham who served as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, from 1962 to 1965—a role that left a lasting impression on him and his family. The Bringham family toured the depot to learn more about his role as a drill instructor and the significance of training recruits. (Courtesy Photo) - Courtesy photo of Capt. Gary L. Bringham who served as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, from 1962 to 1965—a role that left a lasting impression on him and his family. The Bringham family toured the depot to learn more about his role as a drill instructor and the significance of training recruits. (Courtesy Photo)

A Legacy of Service: Retracing Marine Corps Footsteps

On a sunny October afternoon, Dustin and Terry Bringham watched in quiet reflection as Marines of India Company marched across the parade deck, preparing for their upcoming graduation. For the first time, they were walking the same ground where their grandfather and father, Capt. Gary L. Bringham, had once trained recruits nearly 70 years ago as a Drill Instructor. This visit held special weight for them; only six months earlier, Capt. Bringham had passed away at the age of 89.

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Spectators attending the 2024 National Concert Tour stand for the playing of the National Anthem by "the President's Own" U.S. Marine Corps band on October 22, 2024, in Ogden, Utah. “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band’s mission is to perform music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Founded in 1798 by an Act of Congress, the Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Luis A. Ponce Alavez Jr.) - Spectators attending the 2024 National Concert Tour stand for the playing of the National Anthem by "the President's Own" U.S. Marine Corps band on October 22, 2024, in Ogden, Utah. “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band’s mission is to perform music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Founded in 1798 by an Act of Congress, the Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Luis A. Ponce Alavez Jr.)

"The President’s Own" United States Marine Band Leaves Lasting Impact on Utah and Idaho Audiences

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band, the Marine Corps’ premier musical unit, captivated audiences in Utah and Idaho this week with stirring performances. In collaboration with representatives from Recruiting Station Salt Lake City, 8th Marine Corps District, the band toured Weber State University, Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Idaho State University, and concluded its tour at Capital High School in Boise, Idaho.

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Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Tours MCRD San Diego

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Facilities Ms. Brenda M. Johnson-Turner toured Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. It’s her responsibility as the DASN I&F to advise The Honorable Meredith A. Berger, assistant secretary of the Navy, on matters related to things such as military construction, facilities sustainment, and restoration/modernization for all Marine Corps and naval installations.

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Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay poses with Marines from 4th Reconnaissance Battalion during the 74th annual 5th Marine Division reunion on October 19, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Begay is one of two remaining original Navajo Code Talkers that served during World War II. He was joined by many other WWII and Vietnam veterans at their annual reunion honoring all Marines who served under 5th MARDIV. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ryanne Williams) - Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay poses with Marines from 4th Reconnaissance Battalion during the 74th annual 5th Marine Division reunion on October 19, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Begay is one of two remaining original Navajo Code Talkers that served during World War II. He was joined by many other WWII and Vietnam veterans at their annual reunion honoring all Marines who served under 5th MARDIV. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ryanne Williams)

Carrying on Fifth Marine Division's proud legacy

The Fifth Marine Division was activated on November 11, 1943, for service in World War II. The ground combat element first saw action in the Battle of Iwo Jima, known infamously as the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history. Shortly following their victory at the top of Mount Suribachi, Japanese forces surrendered, effectively ending the war. 5th MARDIV deactivated on February 5, 1946, and reactivated on March 1, 1966, as a force in readiness during the Vietnam War. Though not intended to deploy overseas, the rising conflict caused the need for reinforcements, and they sent troops to South Vietnam. They were the first unit to return following the end of the war and formally deactivated on November 26, 1969.

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Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Billy Hall, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War, stands on the Yellow Footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Oct. 11, 2024. Hall visited MCRD San Diego to attend a graduation ceremony for Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. The Yellow Footprints are iconic to the Depot as all recruits stand upon them to receive initial instruction during their immediate arrival for training to become Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander O. Devereux) - Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Billy Hall, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War, stands on the Yellow Footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Oct. 11, 2024. Hall visited MCRD San Diego to attend a graduation ceremony for Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. The Yellow Footprints are iconic to the Depot as all recruits stand upon them to receive initial instruction during their immediate arrival for training to become Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander O. Devereux)

Decorated Marine, Army Veteran Returns to Depot 83 Years After Graduating from Recruit Training

Retired Maj. Billy C. Hall, a U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army veteran, visited Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., on October 11, 2024 to celebrate the 83rd anniversary of his graduation from recruit training.

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