Resource Hub

These resources are designed to guide you through the process with clarity, connection, and calm. From understanding what your recruit is going through to staying connected and preparing for graduation, everything you need is here in one place.

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From left, Rct. Alexander P. Bouthillet, Rct. Chase G. Vandyke, Rct. Andrew M. Redman and Rct. Joshua A. Dibiasie, all with Platoon 1086, Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, crawl through a combat training course Sept. 22, 2015, on Parris Island, S.C. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Bolser)<br />

Family Day Events

Recruits, with November Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, take notes while learning basic land navigation skills on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 8, 2025. Land navigation is part of Basic Warrior Training and is designed to teach recruits how to use a lensatic compass and topographic map. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Claudell)

The Training Matrix

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ayden Cassano Pvt. Quang Do with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, and his sister Quyng Do pose for a photo following his graduation ceremony on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C, July 12, 2024. The graduation ceremony is the last event and marks the successful completion of Recruit Training

Graduation Gift Ideas

Bug Out Bag

Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for approximately 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Greg Thomas)<br />

Official Marine Corps Links

Articles and Guides

Pvt. Robert Desin, a recruit with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, embraces his child during Family Day on Parris Island Recruit Depot, S.C., September 19, 2024. Family Day is the first time recruits see their families after a long three months of basic training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Van Hoang)

How to Stay in Touch With Your Recruit During Marine Corps Training

During Marine Corps boot camp, letters are a recruit’s only link to home. This post shares when and how to write, what to include, and why heartfelt, encouraging notes mean so much during training.

Photo by Cpl. Aneshea Yee Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion Color Guard stand at parade rest during a morning colors ceremony aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., June 8, 2012. Morning colors are conducted every morning throughout the Marine Corps

What is the Colors Ceremony and Why Should I Attend?

Each morning at 8:00 a.m., Marines honor tradition with the morning colors flag-raising. At Parris Island, this brief but powerful ceremony before graduation captures the pride and spirit of the Marine Corps.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Vaniah Temple Rct. Hannah Blimka-Ford, with Platoon 4005, Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, has her dress blue uniforms fitted Jan. 28, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits had four sets of uniforms tailored during the fitting.

Alphas Through Deltas: Phase 2 Clothing

On Training Day 26, recruits are fitted for their first Marine Corps uniforms—a proud milestone that renews motivation and marks their progress toward earning the title Marine.

1st Sgt. Stacey K. Gillion speaks to recruits of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, and Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, after an emblem ceremony June 25, 2016, on Parris Island, S.C. After receiving their Eagle, Globe and Anchor, recruits gather around the Iwo Jima flag raising statue to remember and honor the Marines who came before them. Both companies are scheduled to graduate July 1, 2016. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 19,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 12 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 49 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Cpl. Vanessa Austin)

Visit Parris Island

From graduation schedules and on-base dining to local sights and family fun, our complete visitor guide covers everything you need to make the most of your Marine’s big day.

A guide to keeping your sanity while your loved one is completing Marine Corps boot camp.

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Parris Island Planner

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More support and family tools

Parris Island Coloring Book: Color your way to graduation day 

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U.S. Marine musicians with the Parris Island Marine Band perform during a Charleston Riverdogs baseball game at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, Charleston, S.C., Aug 12, 2025. The Parris Island Marine Band performance during the game is part of an effort to help build community relations between the Marine Corps and its local communities, and honor our 250 year legacy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Claudell)

The 80-Year History of Women Marines at Parris Island

For more than 80 years, women Marines at Parris Island have played a pivotal role in shaping the U.S. Marine Corps. From clerical duties in World War II to fully integrated combat training today, their journey reflects the evolution of equality, courage, and service in the military’s most demanding branch.

The Parris Island Commissary: A Lifeline Benefit for Marine Families

The Parris Island Commissary is a cornerstone of Marine family life, offering savings, stability, and community. This post highlights why it remains one of the most valued—and vital—benefits of military service.

Letter to recruit

Quiet Moments of Boot Camp: Mail Call Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island

Mail call offers recruits a rare moment of comfort during boot camp. Each evening, letters from home bring encouragement, connection, and motivation—a brief reminder of loved ones beyond Parris Island.

How Long Have Marines Been on Parris Island?

Since 1891, Parris Island has been forging Marines and tradition. From its humble beginnings as a small post to today’s premier recruit depot, it continues to shape the Corps—training over 18,000 new Marines each year.

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