Everything Parents Need to Know About Marine Corps Recruit Training
Congratulations! You're on a new journey to becoming a Marine Parent. The pride is indescribable, but you may feel you are in a different world with a whirlwind of emotions and never-ending questions. RecruitParents.com is here for you!
Our roadmap to help you get through recruit training (Bootcamp) includes information found no where else. It encompasses the training schedules of both MCRD in Parris Island, SC and San Diego, CA; terminology you will come to know; expectations; and perhaps most importantly, venues to connect and share with other parents. There are novices just like you, as well as 'expert' parents who have been down this road before and experienced the same uncertainties and emotions. Join us as we support and encourage you through the next 13 weeks and beyond.
Our roadmap to help you get through recruit training (Bootcamp) includes information found no where else. It encompasses the training schedules of both MCRD in Parris Island, SC and San Diego, CA; terminology you will come to know; expectations; and perhaps most importantly, venues to connect and share with other parents. There are novices just like you, as well as 'expert' parents who have been down this road before and experienced the same uncertainties and emotions. Join us as we support and encourage you through the next 13 weeks and beyond.
Becoming a Marine Parent
Helicopter Parenting
As parents we always strive to do what's best for our children. They have been under our care for the past 17+ years and letting go can be difficult.
We want to make their transition to U.S. Marine as painless and comfortable as possible, but we must remind ourselves that becoming a Marine is neither painless, nor comfortable and it's not supposed to be.
Furthermore, hovering as a parent will not alter the fact that bootcamp is challenging and the intensity is necessary.
Marine training is an intense thirteen-week experience. It's assuring to know that, if your Marine is in a combat situation sometime during the next four years, your child and the buddies to his left and right have been trained by the best to BE the best.
Continue reading . . .
We want to make their transition to U.S. Marine as painless and comfortable as possible, but we must remind ourselves that becoming a Marine is neither painless, nor comfortable and it's not supposed to be.
Furthermore, hovering as a parent will not alter the fact that bootcamp is challenging and the intensity is necessary.
Marine training is an intense thirteen-week experience. It's assuring to know that, if your Marine is in a combat situation sometime during the next four years, your child and the buddies to his left and right have been trained by the best to BE the best.
Continue reading . . .
Survival Tips
Information for Recruit Parents
When your son or daughter leaves for Marine Corps recruit training, Parents begin an indescribable journey. Here are five very important survival tips for Recruit Parents:
Write letters--LOTS of letters.
Your Recruit is homesick. Very, very homesick. Write lots of letters and then write some more. Keep them upbeat. Send a small photo or two. DO NOT decorate the outside of the envelope with drawings, stickers, or write any text other than the address and your return address (and no spritz of perfume either). This will cause unnecessary attention from the DI and your Recruit does not want to draw the attention of the DI during mail call.
DO NOT refer to your Recruit as a "Marine".
Your Recruit is not a Marine until he/she receives his/her USMC pin and graduates from MCRD. My son tells a story of a Recruit in bootcamp that had a USMC tattoo on his arm. This is where we learned that a Recruit is NOT a Marine.
DO NOT send care packages to your Recruit at MCRD.
Please, resist sending anything but letters. I know, it's a mom's nature, but your Recruit will thank you for NOT sending anything. Unless you are specifically asked to send something to your Recruit, don't do it.
DO NOT miss Graduation.
Take lots of film, cameras, including a video camera, be prepared to walk a lot, and wear comfortable shoes and clothes. If you have to miss graduation, your recruit will be given an opportunity to purchase a video (VHS or DVD) of the events. Let your recruit know that you would like him/her to purchase the video.
DO NOT walk across the parade deck at Graduation.
It's respect. It doesn't matter if you're late and you're tired of walking and your 4 year old is screaming, DO NOT walk across the parade deck. Give yourself plenty of time to get from one location to another.
Your Recruit is in GREAT Hands!
United States Marine Corps Drill Instructor Creed
"These recruits are entrusted to my care. I will train them to the best of my ability. I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained marines, thoroughly indoctrinated in love of the Corps and country. I will demand of them and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality and professional skill."
Ways We Can Help You
Visit Our Website
You will find information about the following topics at RecruitParents.com:
Bootcamp Information Center
Twice Monthly Newsletter
Facts about the US Marine Corps
Official US Marine Corps web sites
Recruit Parents Message Boards for San Diego and Parris Island
Recruit Parents Chat Room
Graduation Gifts & T Shirts
Marine Parents.com
Graduation Preparation for Parents
It's Almost Over and It's Just Beginning
Because we have spent years compiling all the information Recruit Parents would ever need regarding Graduation, you'll want to visit our
Preparing for Graduation site.
Great Stuff on CafePress for Graduation Day!
Visit our store for the full line of recruit parents merchandise for Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego and Parris Island.
http://www.cafepress.com/recruitparents
http://www.cafepress.com/recruitparents
Recruit Parent SD Black T-Shirt
Price: 21.99 
PI-P-D3 Women's Light T-Shirt
Price: 18.69
Graduation Announcements Greeting Card
Price: 3.09
SD-F-D2 White T-Shirt
Price: 18.69
Your Journey Has Just Begun . . .
And Marine Parents Will Support You Throughout Your Journey
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MarineParents.com ~ We Love Our Marines!
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This lens was created to raise awareness about, and highlight, the Volunteer organization that offers "A Place to Connect & Share" for Marine Corps Families & Supporters. It all started when one woman was searching for information about what was goi...
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Devil Dog Chow™ Cookbook
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Devil Dog ChowTM is an amazing collection of recipes and inspiration from families and friends throughout the United States. We have contributed the favorite recipes of our Marines and recruits, honoring them in our own small way. Our love for our Ma...
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- hlkljgk hlkljgk Nov 9, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
- helpful guide - thanks for getting it our there.
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- ossagent ossagent Jul 17, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
- Ohh somebody did a really nice job
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- Good2GoMom Good2GoMom Jul 17, 2009 @ 9:45 am
- Hey - great lens here! It almost makes me want to be a recruit parent again!
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