A United States Marine Corps boot camp graduation is the defining point in the young career of a Marine.
It indicates that you have survived boot camp and are ready to begin advanced individual training for your Military Occupational Speciality (MOS).
Marine Corps boot camp graduation is worth celebrating with friends and family.
Fortunately, the USMC is now allowing in-person graduation events to resume effective immediately.
Learn more about the boot camp graduation dates for 2023 at both Parris Island and San Diego.
Related Article – Marine Corps Boot Camp Schedule
Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation Dates 2023
Special Note: Click Here to check out a great graduation gift idea for your newly graduating Marine.
MCRD San Diego Graduation Dates (2023)
The 2023 graduation dates at the Recruit Training Depot in San Diego which have been released include:
| Company | Ship Date | Graduation |
|---|---|---|
| Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion | 10/11/2022 | 1/13/2023 |
| Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion | 10/17/2022 | 1/20/2023 |
| No Graduation | No Graduation | 1/27/2023 |
| Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion | 11/7/2022 | 2/3/2023 |
| India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion | 11/14/2022 | 2/10/2023 |
| No Graduation | No Graduation | 2/17/2023 |
| Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion | 11/28/2022 | 2/24/2023 |
| Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion | 12/5/2022 | 3/3/2023 |
| Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion | 12/12/2022 | 3/10/2023 |
| No Graduation | No Graduation | 3/17/2023 |
| No Graduation | No Graduation | 3/24/2023 |
| Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion | 1/2/2023 | 3/31/2023 |
| Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion | 1/9/2023 | 4/7/2023 |
| Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion | 1/16/2023 | 4/14/2023 |
| Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion | 1/23/2023 | 4/21/2023 |
| No Graduation | No Graduation | 4/28/2023 |
| Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion | 2/2/2023 | 5/5/2023 |
| Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion | 2/9/2023 | 5/12/2023 |
| Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion | 2/16/2023 | 5/19/2023 |
| No Graduation | No Graduation | 5/26/2023 |
| Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion | 3/2/2023 | 6/2/2023 |
| India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion | 3/9/2023 | 6/9/2023 |
MCRD Parris Island Graduation Dates (2023)
The 2023 graduation dates at the Recruit Training Depot in Parris Island which have been released include:
| Company | Ship Date | Graduation |
|---|---|---|
| Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion | 10/11/2022 | 1/13/2023 |
| Bravo, 1st Recruit Training Battalion | 10/17/2022 | 1/20/2023 |
| No Graduation | No Graduation | 1/27/2023 |
| Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion | 11/7/2022 | 2/3/2023 |
| India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion | 11/14/2022 | 2/10/2023 |
| No Graduation | No Graduation | 2/17/2023 |
| Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion | 11/28/2022 | 2/24/2023 |
| Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion | 12/5/2022 | 3/3/2023 |
| Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion | 12/12/2022 | 3/10/2023 |
| No Graduation | No Graduation | 3/17/2023 |
| No Graduation | No Graduation | 3/24/2023 |
| Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion | 1/2/2023 | 3/31/2023 |
| Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion | 1/9/2023 | 4/7/2023 |
| Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion | 1/16/2023 | 4/14/2023 |
| Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion | 1/23/2023 | 4/21/2023 |
USMC Graduation Gift Idea
If you’re looking for a graduation gift for your newly graduating Marine, we recommend you check out the HERO11 by GoPro.
The GoPro HERO11 Black was practically made for the men and women serving in uniform.
It’s sleek design, built-in mounting, hyper smooth 2.0 stabilization, and overall incredible video resolution makes it one of the most popular graduation gifts for virtually every branch of the military.
Marines love the GoPro HERO11 because they can take videos of them doing the jobs they love, and share them with the ones they love (meaning you!).
Check out a couple of examples of Marines using the HERO11 below:
A Day In The Life Of An Infantry Marine
My Marine Corps Boot Camp Experience
A Day In The Life Of A Deployed EOD Tech
Click Here to pick up the GoPro HERO11 camera today.
Or click here to see some other great ideas for USMC graduation gifts.
USMC Boot Camp Graduation Schedule
Both the boot camp graduation in San Diego and Parris Island have a full list of scheduled events.
The Marine Corps divides boot camp graduation into two days: Family Day (the day prior) and Graduation Day (the actual date).
Graduations are normally on weekends so more friends and family can attend the special ceremonies. This year virtual family days will take place on a Thursday followed by a virtual graduation on Friday.
San Diego Boot Camp Graduation Schedule
Family Day starts early the day before the graduation ceremony.
Past years, it would begin with an optional breakfast with the recruit (usually from 6-9 am) followed by a voluntary Motivational Run. This year there will be a virtual presentation from 10:30-11:30am on Pacific Time.
USMC Family Day teaches families about what the recruit went through the last 12 weeks during basic combat training.
Marine Corps boot camp is generally considered the most intense and demanding of all the boot camps in the military.
Past Family Day Schedule of Events include:
- Orientation – 8:30 am
- Drill Instructor’s Brief – 9:00 am
- Motivational Run – 9:30 am
- Marine Corps 101 – 10:30 am
- Company Commander’s Brief – 11:30 am
- Liberty Formation – 12:00 pm
- End of Liberty – 5:00 pm
Past Graduation Day Schedule of Events include:
- Morning Colors Flag Raising – 8:00 am
- Graduation Seating – 8:30 am
- Graduation Ceremony – 10:00 am
- Lunch – 12:00 pm
Related Article – USMC PFT/CFT Calculator
Parris Island Boot Camp Graduation Schedule
Parris Island has a very similar format for Family Day and Graduation Day, like San Diego.
Once again, the USMC also teaches friends and families about basic combat training with speeches. Their virtual and past graduations can be viewed on their Facebook page.
Past Family Day Schedule of Events include:
- Motivational Run – 7:00 am
- Marine Corps 101 – 8:00 am
- Battalion Commander’s Brief – 9:30 am
- Liberty – 10:00 am
- Family Day Buffer – 10:30 am
- Liberty Ends – 3:00 pm
- Meet & Greet with the Depot Command – 4:00 pm
- Command Welcome Remarks – 4:30 pm
- Family Night Dinner with Depot Command – 4:45 pm
Past Graduation Day Schedule of Events include:
- Morning Colors Flag Raising – 7:45 am
- Graduation Ceremony – 9:00 am
- Lunch – 11:00 am
*Make sure you double-check the itinerary before the graduation as times or dates are subject to change.
Related Article: 10 Best Marine Corps Jobs For Civilian Life
FAQ
What do you need to know about the Marine Corps boot camp graduation for 2023?
Reference some of the most frequently asked questions:
Where Is Marine Corps Boot Camp Conducted?
Although the Marine Corps has many bases in the United States, it conducts basic combat training, or boot camp, at two different locations in the United States.
Most new recruits west of the Mississippi River attend boot camp at the Recruit Training Depot in San Diego, California.
Meanwhile, most new recruits east of the Mississippi River attend boot camp at the Recruit Training Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina.
Where is the Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation?
The U.S. Marine Corps conducts basic combat training, or boot camp, at two locations in the United States:
- Recruit Training Depot (San Diego, California)
- Recruit Training Depot (Parris Island, South Carolina)
Before the ship date of the recruit, you will discover what training depot he or she will spend their time at boot camp.
This year both locations are closed to the public. All Family Days and Graduation ceremonies will be available to view virtually.
You can see a Google Map of the San Diego Recruit Training Depot by clicking here.
You can see a Google Map of the Parris Island Recruit Training Depot by clicking here.
How long is Marine Corps boot camp graduation?
Marine Corps boot camp graduation consists of two days of activities. The first day is dedicated to Family Day, with a presentation of what the Marines have endured.
The second comprises the graduation ceremony itself.
Related Article: 12 Famous Female US Marines
How do I get onto the base at Parris Island?
Although the bases are currently closed to the public, the hope is that they will reopen at some point to allow physical participation. There is one road that takes visitors to and out of Parris Island.
You do not need a vehicle pass to enter the military base.
The Marine Corps recommends that families arrive at least an hour before the first scheduled event as it can take a while to get through security clearance.
The nearest airports to Parris Island are the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and Hilton Head Airport (HHH).
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the third nearest airport for long-distance travelers.
There are a couple of different ways to reach Parris Island from the south and north.
Signs exist for turn-offs to Parris Island though you may find it helpful to look up directions in advance on your GPS.
Here is a great visitor’s map of the Recruit Training Depot.
How do I get onto the base at San Diego?
Although the recruit depot is still closed to the public, similar rules apply for reaching and entering the Recruit Training Depot in San Diego when physical participation resumes.
You should plan in advance and make sure you arrive in plenty of time to avoid any delays.
Visitors need to go through a security checkpoint as well as navigate larger than normal crowds on the base for family days.
The military base does not require a vehicle pass but every individual 16 or older must carry a form of identification at all times.
You also need to follow the driving rules of the base as they are strictly enforced.
Directions for reaching the base are available HERE!
Related Article: Marine Corps Height And Weight Standards
Do I need a military ID to attend a Marine Corps boot camp graduation?
No military ID is required for entry.
To attend a Marine Corps boot camp graduation, you’ll need to go through a security checkpoint at the depot gate, and every individual over the age of 16 must carry some form of identification.
Is there a dress code for the graduation?
The Marine Corps does not have any required dress code for friends and family visiting the military base on Family Weekend.
Clothing can be casual and comfortable.
It is not uncommon for families and friends to sport custom T-shirts that celebrate the recent graduate and his or her platoon.
Keep in mind that many of the festivities take place outdoors so you should anticipate the weather forecast.
We recommend bringing a sweater or jacket as both bases can get cool despite being in relatively warm climates.
How many visitors can attend Marine Corps boot camp graduation?
Under normal circumstances when the base is open to the public there are no limits to the number of people that can attend the boot camp graduation.
The more friends and family you can get to join and support the recruit the better!
Can I take photos and videos while on the base?
Photos and videos are usually allowed during graduation ceremonies as long as you don’t record footage of recruit training areas.
The restricted training areas include the close combat training area, Basic Warrior Training, and Confidence Course.
Related Article – Marine Corps Grooming Standards: Hair, Beard, And Nail Regulations
Are there any other rules or codes of conduct families should make themselves aware of on the military base?
It is important to keep in mind that you are on a military base where different rules and regulations apply.
For example, when walking with a recruit on the base always stay on their left side.
Why?
Recruits must salute with their right hand when passing higher-ranking Marines on the base.
Walking on their left side will prevent any knife-handling accidents to free up the right hand for salutes.
Secondly, make yourself mindful of driving rules on the base.
The Marine Corps strictly enforces the speed limit.
Additionally, seatbelts must be worn at all times.
Drivers need to carry identification and proof of insurance.
All passengers above the age of 16 should also carry a form of identification at all times.
Related Article: Marine Corps Age Limits
What happens after the Marine Corps boot camp graduation?
Completing boot camp is the first of many achievements a new recruit hopes to accomplish in the Marine Corps.
Following graduation, recruits get ten days of leave to go home and prepare for the next phase of training.
The military leave is slightly different from other military branches, which sometimes do not allow enough time to return home between boot camp graduation and the next phase of training.
After spending ten days on leave, recruits must attend the School of Infantry (SOI) where training continues.
The School of Infantry (SOI) is divided into two different schools:
- Infantry Training Battalion (ITB)
- Marine Combat Training (MCT)
Marines that have a MOS related to infantry or weapons system attend the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) school.
Meanwhile, other types of Marine MOS receive their training at the Marine Combat Training (MCT) school.
Related Article: How To Join The US Marine Corps
Where are nearby hotels to stay when attending a Marine Corps boot camp graduation?
When the base opens to the public its good to know the accommodations within the area. San Diego offers a broad range of national chain hotels, including Best Western, LaQuinta, Ramada, and Hilton.
The closest hotels near Parris Island are found in Port Royal or Beaufort and include Day’s Inn, Best Western, and Comfort Suites.
Do I have to attend every event at a Marine Corps boot camp graduation?
A Marine Corps graduation may be too exhausting for very old or young family members, which makes the virtual events a great alternative.
Related Article – Hollywood Marines: San Diego Vs. Parris Island Marines
Conclusion
Marine Corps boot camp graduation can be an exciting time for recruits and their families. It’s a time to be proud of the recruit’s accomplishment.
New recruits in the Marine Corps experience arguably the most demanding boot camp of any military branch.
Ceremonies for boot camp graduates in the Marine Corps takes place over two days – Family Day and Graduation Day.
Celebrating a recruit’s graduation from boot camp is a tremendous achievement and therefore worthwhile to offer congratulations.
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My grandson is scheduled to graduate on july 17th. will there be a public graduation?
Hi Cindy,
Likely not, but they will definitely inform you a few weeks before graduation what the situation is.
Cindy,
I’m not sure about SD, but Parris Island is open to the public again! I flew into South Carolina today, anxiously waiting my little brothers graduation this weekend!
The dates for San Diego echo company graduation for September 3rd do not match with the dates on their website/Facebook page which states August 27th. How do we know which date is accurate?
Yes, you are correct. The graduation date for Echo company in San Diego is indeed August 27th, 2021. When we originally posted this, the dates were a bit different due to COVID-19 restrictions. I have just gone through all of the dates twice and fixed the above schedule, it is 100% accurate.
Sorry about the confusion!
Rob V.
Founder / Owner
OperationMilitaryKids.org