About this Unit
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD San Diego) was established in 1921 as a key training facility for the United States Marine Corps on the West Coast. Originally serving as a base for Marine activities during World War I, it became the primary location for recruit training west of the Mississippi River. Throughout World War II, MCRD San Diego processed and trained tens of thousands of new Marines, playing a crucial role in building the Corps’ wartime strength. Today, it continues its legacy as one of only two Marine Corps recruit depots, responsible for transforming thousands of young men into Marines each year.
Historical Facts
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Historic Beginnings: Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD San Diego) was commissioned in 1921. It has been the primary site for training Marines west of the Mississippi River ever since.
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Architectural Significance: The base features beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, much of it designed by Bertram Goodhue, who also designed the Panama–California Exposition buildings in Balboa Park.
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World War II Boom: During World War II, the depot’s population ballooned to over 200,000 recruits annually, making it one of the busiest military training facilities in the United States.
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Hollywood Connections: MCRD San Diego has been featured in several movies and documentaries, most notably the 1987 film "Full Metal Jacket," which, though shot elsewhere, depicted Marine boot camp life.
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Only Male Training Site (Until 2021): For nearly a century, only male recruits trained at MCRD San Diego. In early 2021, the first integrated company with female recruits graduated, making history.
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Home of the Drill Instructor School: The depot is renowned for its Drill Instructor School, which trains Marines to become the iconic "DIs" who lead recruit training.
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Command Museum: The MCRD Command Museum houses thousands of artifacts, weapons, uniforms, and vehicles—making it one of the most comprehensive Marine Corps museums in the country.
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Famed Yellow Footprints: Every Marine recruit arriving at the depot steps onto the legendary “yellow footprints,” a rite of passage symbolizing the start of their transformation into a Marine.
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West Coast Legacy: Approximately 60% of all male United States Marines have completed their recruit training at MCRD San Diego.
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Strategic Location: The depot is adjacent to San Diego International Airport, making it one of the most accessible recruit depots in the country and giving new arrivals a dramatic introduction to Marine Corps life.
