Marine Recruit Training Regiment

The Marine Recruit Training Regiment San Diego (MCRDSD), based at San Diego, California, is a training regiment of the United States Marine Corps. It is composed of four recruit training battalions: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th (this last based at Parris Island, South Carolina on the East Coast). Each battalion is responsible for ensuring that each company within it is following the procedures set forth by the Recruit Training Regiment.

Mission

The function of the Regiment is to train new male United States Marine Corps recruits. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions take recruits from west of the Mississippi River, but also from some areas east of the river, such as Wisconsin, Michigan, the Chicago metropolitan area and New Orleans; the 4th Battalion takes recruits from the remainder of the U.S. The Regiment provides reception, processing, and recruit training for male enlisted personnel following initial entry into the Marine Corps; and also provides training for Drill Instructors and officers entrusted with recruit training responsibilities.

History

In 1921, the MCRDSD was formally commissioned and in 1923, it became the primary recruiting center for the west coast. During World War II, the flow of recruits into the base surged, with 18,000 recruits arriving in one month. In 1948, the base was formally named Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and was home to the Recruit Training Regiment.

Training program

Recruit training includes a thirteen week process during which the recruit becomes cut off from the civilian world and must adapt to a Marine Corps lifestyle. During training, drill instructors train recruits in a wide variety of subjects including weapons training, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, personal hygiene and cleanliness, close order drill, and Marine Corps history. The training emphasizes physical fitness, and recruits must attain a minimum standard of fitness to graduate by passing a Physical Fitness Test. Recruits must also meet minimum combat-oriented swimming qualifications, qualify in rifle marksmanship with the M16A4 service rifle, and pass a 54-hour simulated combat exercise known as "The Crucible". Unlike training at Parris Island, recruits must leave the depot to conduct field training. Three weeks of the recruit’s training is spent at Edson Range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where recruits fire on the rifle range, conduct field training, and undergo the Crucible. At the conclusion, recruits return to MCRD San Diego for graduation.