If you visit Parris Island to see a recruit graduate you might like to wear a t-shirt with the colors of your recruit’s battalion. But which color goes with which platoon?
Here is a little bit of information for you about the structure of the Recruit Training Regiment and the colors worn by each battalion.
The Recruit Training Regiment contains four battalions dedicated to the recruits. Each Recruit Training Battalion has a specific color; 1st Battalion red, 2nd Battalion gold, 3rd Battalion dark blue, 4th Battalion maroon. Each Battalion is made up of companies and each company is made up of platoons.
The first, second and third Battalions contain 4 companies each. Fourth Battalion contains three companies. As an example a recruit in 1st Battalion might be in Alpha Company, Platoon 1234.
1st Battalion Logo Red
First Recruit Training Battalion (1st RTBn) is comprised of four companies; Alpha Company (A Co), Bravo (B Co), Charlie (C Co) and Delta (D Co). Each platoon (Plt) in 1st Bn is identified by its four digit number; the first of which is always a 1. These identifiers may be seen on the platoon’s guide on (flag).
Second Battalion Logo Gold
Second Recruit Training Battalion (2nd RTBn) is comprised of four companies; Echo Company (E Co), Fox Company (F Co), Golf Company (G Co), and Hotel Company (H Co). Each platoon (Plt) in 2nd Bn is identified by its four digit number; the first of which is always a 2.
3rd Battalion Logo – Dark Blue
Third Recruit Training Battalion (3rd RTBn) is comprised of four companies; India Company (I Co), Kilo Company (K Co), Lima Company (L Co), and Mike
Company (M Co). Each platoon (Plt) in 3rd Bn is identified by its four digit number; the first of which is always a 3.
4th Battalion Logo – Maroon
Fourth Recruit Training Battalion (4th RTBn) is comprised of three companies; November Company (N Co), Oscar Company (O Co), and Papa Company (P Co). Each platoon (Plt) in 4th Battalion is identified by a four digit number; the first number is always a 4.
The pictures you see here are t-shirts from the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) on Parris Island; at the time of this blog post they cost $15.99 each.
You don’t have to buy t-shirts at the exchange, there are stores off base that carry them and you will find many web sites that have various t-shirts and other items you can purchase before you visit Parris Island.
Is the structure of the Recruit Training Regiment easier to understand now that you’ve read this post? Is there something you would like to read about on my blog? Be sure to let me know in the comments below.
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Anyone know why the difference in the 3rd battalion symbol versus the other 3?
Hello, do most people use the battalion color for their t-shirt? If we wanted to use a different color, is that disrespectful?
Hi Angie,
Yes, many people wear their recruit’s battalion color. Wearing other colors is acceptable but it would be inappropriate to wear another battalion’s color.
My grandson is in the 3rd battalion in the Marines…….is the color we’re supposed to wear a navy blue?? My daughter in law thinks it’s a royal blue but I thought it was a navy blue….please help.
Hi Karen,
The color for 3rd Battalion is dark blue.
Vera
Just to clarify…..is it a dark NAVY blue??
Hi Karen, The color is closer to a dark indigo as it appears black in certain spectra. It is very similar in color to the blue dress uniform which is considered midnight blue as documented in the USMC uniform regulations.
Hello,
My grandson Da Quan Watson is scheduled to graduate on November 10th according to his letter. I was reading about the graduation package that will be mailed. Can you tell me something about it or when we should receive it.
Hi Casandra,
The graduation packet is compiled by MCCS and includes a 26 page pamphlet with useful information including the schedule of events, where to eat, and how to get around. The packet also contains graduation gift order forms so you may purchase graduation DVDs, challenge coins, t-shirts and other Marine Corps items.
My son is scheduled for graduation on October 21st, 2016,in light of the marines evacuation due hurricane matthew, is graduation still as scheduled. The recruites are presently in Albany, Georgia as you, with limited training at this time.
Hi Janice, I think the graduations will continue on schedule. They had a grad this week but they canceled Family Day ☹️️. It looks like Paris Island is back on schedule. The Recruits did not stop training when they went to Albany. If plans change Public Affairs will put out a press release
my daughter ‘s graduation date is for December 9 th, 2016 and I was wondering if we get the shirts for everyone attendinmg the graduation, should we also wear them on the family day? we expect to have around 16 family members there and want to do what is the best for all,
Yes, wear your 4th Battalion t-shirts on Family Day! Wow, 16 people, that’s awesome! I think it’s great to see everyone in their matching t-shirts when I drive around the base. 🙂
Thank you for the reply, now should we also wear them on graduation day?
I thought that was also a day to wear them.
And of course we should all be sitting together.
It is so wonderful that you do this post.
It is so important to me to do the right thing, that is best for my daughter.
This whole process is so stressful and highly emotional.
Thank you so much,
Dee
Thank you. Sure you can wear your 4th Battalion t-shirts on graduation day. 🙂
I graduated back in 1978. It was Platoon 11A WRTC. Have any t-shirts with that logo?
im a grandma who raised a grandaughterwho is now at parris island right now .im worried about her it is so hard
What did 2nd recruit training battalion change there color? It used to be green and now it’s yellow, what happened?
my son is graduating july 10th and i’m just trying to figure out his color and company name, 2nd rtbn pl # 2054 co g, what does all that stand for, want to wear colors for him
Awesome! G stands for Golf Company and 2nd Battalion’s color is gold.
Hello, I graduated in 1998 from 2nd Battalion Hotel Company. I was wondering why did the colors go from Green to Gold?
Hi Luis, I’m unaware of any color change for 2nd Bn
Yes, it was green when I graduated in 1996.
I graduated from 2nd battalion in 1999, color was gold at that time.
What time does the graduation ceremony begin this Friday Oct 11th?
The graduation ceremony normally begins at 9:00, however times and locations are always subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check in to the Douglas Visitor’s Center to confirm the times and location.