Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation Guide & Schedule For 2026

The Marine Corps boot camp graduation ceremony marks the triumphant end of 13 weeks of intense recruit training where civilians become United States Marines.

Graduations are held at two Recruit Training Depots: MCRD Parris Island South Carolina for recruits east of the Mississippi River and MCRD San Diego California for those west.

Ceremonies typically occur on Fridays with Family Day the day before featuring events like motivational runs briefings and limited liberty time for recruits to spend with loved ones.

The graduation itself is a formal event on the parade deck including company marches reviewing officer remarks flag ceremonies and official transition to Marine status.

Attendance requires advance planning valid photo ID REAL ID compliance for base access and adherence to guest guidelines; no strict numerical limits but arrive early for security and seating.

Family Day often includes optional breakfasts meet-and-greets and educational sessions while graduation day features morning colors and the main ceremony starting around 9:00-10:00 AM local time depending on depot.

Both depots offer livestreams on official Facebook pages for remote viewing with high-quality coverage.

Schedules publish on mcrdpi.marines.mil and mcrdsd.marines.mil updated in real time for companies and battalions; always verify with your recruit or official site as dates can shift for holidays or needs.

Related Article – Marine Corps Boot Camp Schedule

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 2026?

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 

What People Get Wrong About Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation

Many believe graduations are on weekends only overlooking that they are typically Fridays with Family Day on Thursday though some adjust for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas to Wednesday.

In reality schedules are company-specific tied to 13-week training cycles with dates posted progressively on official depot sites rather than fixed monthly blocks.

People often assume unlimited guests and open access not realizing base entry requires REAL ID or passport for those 18+ valid photo ID security screenings and potential waits at gates.

Another misconception is that Family Day allows full off-base or overnight liberty when it usually provides restricted on-base time after events like motivational runs and briefs before recruits return to barracks.

Families sometimes expect a multi-day extravaganza not understanding the standard format: Family Day educational activities and limited liberty followed by a one-to-two-hour graduation ceremony focused on marching and recognition.

Others think livestreams are unavailable or low-priority when both depots stream reliably on official Facebook pages often with high-definition video and no fees.

Some rely on third-party sites or old info for dates overlooking official mcrdpi.marines.mil and mcrdsd.marines.mil for accurate real-time company battalion and event details.

People frequently believe new Marines stay longer at the depot post-graduation when most receive 10 days of leave immediately then proceed to School of Infantry or other training.

Another common error is assuming policies are identical across depots or unchanged from past years not accounting for REAL ID requirements seasonal variations depot-specific events and updates like ASL requests or meet-and-greet dinners.

Clearing these points helps families coordinate plans arrive prepared attend in person or via livestream and celebrate their new Marine’s achievement properly in 2026.

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.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted. Learn more.