Marine Corps Recruit Depot

Welcome Aboard Package
Recommended PT Program
7 Foundational Movements Practical
Pull Up Program
Recovery Foam Rolling and Stretching​
Class Materials
Teachbacks/Drill Commands
MCBUL 10120

MCRD San Diego
MCRD San Diego DSN Prefix: 524
All Emergencies (on-base): 911
Operator Assistance from off-base: (619) 524-6400
On-base information: 0

Recruit Training Regiment
RTR Duty Officer: (619) 524-1775/1777
RTR Chaplain: (619) 524-1784
RTR Career Planner: (619) 524-1782

Drill Instructor School
DI School Director: (619) 524-6529
DI School Assistant Director: (619) 524-4414
DI School First Sergeant: (619) 524-4412
DI School Administration Office: (619) 524-4410
DI School Chief Instructor: (619) 524-4417

HISTORY OF DRILL INSTRUCTOR SCHOOL
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, SAN DIEGO

Prior to the conception of the recruit depots and Drill Instructor Schools, Noncommissioned Officers at the various posts and stations trained newly joined Marine recruits in the "principles of military movements" and the use of the rifle.  The quality of training was as varied as the number of bases and Noncommissioned Officers.  In 1911, Major General William Biddle, 11^th Commandant of the Marine such training was inadequate and established the first centralized recruit depots at Norfolk, Va.; Philadelphia; Mare Island, Calif. and Puget Sound, Wash.  By 1915, East Coast recruit training was centralized at MCRD Parris Island, S.C.  In 1923, MCRD San Diego assumed the duties as sole recruit depot for the West Coast.

During World War II, the Drill Instructor Schools were first established at both depots, but shortages of Drill Instructors needed to train the influx of new recruits forced the schedule to cover only a couple of weeks.  In 1947, academic instructors were added to supplement the staff at the schools and the training syllabus was expanded to ten weeks.

During the Korean War, recruit training was once again in high gear and Drill Instructor School was reduced to 3 1/2 weeks.  Exceptionally qualified Privates First Class were admitted to the school until 1954 when enrollment was restricted to Noncommissioned Officers.

Today, Drill Instructor School strives to be the premier leadership school in the Marine Corps.  It encompasses over 500 hours of academics, physical training and practical applications over an 11-week course.  Not only are students given a thorough review of all military skills, but they are acquainted with an intensive indoctrination in the conduct, regulations, and procedures governing recruit training.  The students also undergo a comprehensive leadership package that includes time management, communication skills, and counseling.  Squad instructors continuously evaluate and counsel their respective students to ensure maximum performance.
 

HISTORY OF THE CAMPAIGN COVER

The introduction of the pre-World War II campaign or field hat worn by Drill Instructors today originated during an advisory council meeting in 1956. Senior Noncommissioned Officers strongly recommended the adoption of better "headgear" for DIs.

At that time, the khaki barracks cap had a bill, but didn't shade the eyes. The soft khaki garrison cap didn't have a bill, and the green herringbone cape worn with the field uniform was also inadequate in the summer sun. The pith helmet was a practical alternative for wear in the hot Carolina summer. It was cool and its wide brim provided good shade for the eyes and neck. It later became the hat used by marksmanship instructors at the rifle range.

Further study indicated that the field hat was the item most preferred by DIs. It shaded the neck and eyes well, but did not keep the head as cool as the pith helmet. The field hat was a bit of tradition going back to the "Old Corps" or pre-World War II days. It also was more suitable for year-round wear than the pith helmet. By early June 1956, the Depot had requisitioned 1,000 field hats for delivery on Sept. 1, 1956, but General Wallace M. Greene Jr., wanted to order 700 hats immediately. On Saturday, July 21, 1956 at 7:30 a.m. all 603 drill instructors of the recruit training command obtained their new hats.
 

FEMALE DRILL INSTRUCTORS AUTHORIZED TO WEAR "SMOKEY"
The Commandant of the Marine Corps announced on Sept. 13, 1996, that all female Drill Instructors were authorized to wear the previously male-only "Smokey" field hat. The commandant's decision has answered the frequently asked question, "Why not?" It was first asked in 1976 when the first females graduated from DI School and again in 1983 when female DIs began wearing the scarlet shoulder cord. During their Sept. 26, 1996 graduation ceremony, female DI School graduates were issued field hats. A cord retirement ceremony took place Oct. 2, 1996, after which female DIs ceased wearing the scarlet cord and began wearing the cover. The commandant, General Charles C. Krulak, was on hand for the event.

The final scarlet shoulder cord, the previous symbol of a female DI, was placed in the Parris Island Museum. Marines that wear the field hat, the campaign cover or the "Smokey" and train Marine Corps recruits must train recruits by the Drill Instructor Creed. The Creed was written in 1956 by Drill Instructors for Drill Instructors.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR CREED

"These recruits are entrusted to my care.
I will train them to the best of my ability.

I will develop them into smartly disciplined,
physically fit, basically trained Marines,
thoroughly indoctrinated in love
of Corps and country.

I will demand of them, and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standard of personal conduct, morality and professional skill."

HONORS 

DRILL INSTRUCTOR SCHOOL,
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT
SAN DIEGO,  CALIFORNIA

MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER
WITH TWO BRONZE STARS 

1987 - 1989
1989 - 1991
1996 - 1997

AMERICAN CAMPAIGN STREAMER
1942 - 1946
 
WORLD WAR II VICTORY STREAMER
1942 - 1946
 
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMMER
WITH THREE BRONZE STARS 
1950 - 1954
1960 - 1974
1990 - 1995
2002 - TBD

The mission of the Series Commander Course (SCC) is to train, educate, and introduce newly assigned company grade officers with the basic knowledge and skills to successfully perform the duties as a series commander within the Recruit Training Regiment (RTR). The Deputy Director of Drill Instructor School serves as the primary instructor for the SCC and coordinates the development and accomplishment of the training schedule. The SCC is two weeks in length and consists of nine training days. The frequency of courses is determined by class size and the need of the RTR.

The SCC is a TECOM sponsored formal school.  It is guided by TECOM, fluidity of recruit training, and the guidance of the Commanding Officer, RTR. The course consists of an orientation to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, guided discussions, classes, close order drill, physical training, and recruit training observation. The information and training covered in the course is vital to successfully performing the duties of a series commander. Graduation from the course is a requirement by Depot Order P1510.32A Recruit Training Order.

Each SCC is time intensive and demanding. In addition to normal training hours, students will receive homework assignments in the form of psychological screening, reading, speech memorization, and uniform preparation averaging about two hours of work each evening. Due to the concentrated nature of each course, the following recommendations are given in order to assist preparations:

Have your personal affairs in order. It is imperative that all billeting, TMO, and personal issues are taken care of before the course.

Arrive prepared for rigorous PT; leadership by example is essential for your success.

Bring at least two sets of combat utilities (desert and woodland MARPAT) and all service and dress uniforms ensuring proper fit and appearance to include barracks and garrison covers; you are guaranteed to wear them.

Bring your sword and all its trappings (service belt, frog, sling, knot, etc.); ceremonial participation is a way of life aboard the Depot.

Bring an open mind and a positive attitude; recruit training is a dynamic and demanding process for all involved.

To graduate from the course the student must demonstrate mastery (80%) in the following areas: RTO certification consisting of a 70 question multiple choice exam, SCC certification consisting of a 25 question short answer exam, drill evaluation, speech evaluation, delivery of a period of instruction, Camp Pendleton range safety officer certification, CPR certification and execution of the obstacle course, confidence course, and 1st Class physical fitness test.

Upon receipt of orders to MCRD, San Diego the Deputy Director will contact you with additional resources. Questions concerning the administration, content, and/or instruction of the SCC may be directed to the Deputy Director of Drill Instructor School at (619) 524-4419.