MCRD San Diego
MCRD San Diego PCS Guide
Military Base History
U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion march in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, May 2, 2025. This ceremony marked the end of a 13-week transformation that included training in drill, marksmanship, basic combat...
Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego trains new Marines for service on the West Coast. Its mission has always focused on transforming civilians into Marines, a tradition maintained since its founding.
The base’s location near downtown San Diego offers easy access to transportation and resources. This strategic position has made it an ideal site for recruit training operations.
Construction of the depot began in the early 20th century, with the first recruits arriving in 1923. The base expanded rapidly during World War II to meet the surge in demand for Marines.
New barracks, training facilities, and support buildings were added to accommodate the influx of recruits. During this period, MCRD San Diego became a central hub for Marine training on the West Coast.
Throughout its history, MCRD San Diego has hosted key training units such as the Recruit Training Regiment and Drill Instructor School. The base played a vital role during major conflicts by preparing thousands of Marines for combat.
Its mission remained consistent through the Cold War and into the 21st century, supporting Marine readiness during times of peace and conflict.
Today, MCRD San Diego continues to serve as a premier training facility for enlisted Marines west of the Mississippi River. The depot also houses the Western Recruiting Region headquarters.
The installation supports community outreach in San Diego and has retained its original name since establishment, with no significant official name changes recorded.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion march in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, May 2, 2025. This ceremony marked the end of a 13-week transformation that included training in drill, marksmanship, basic combat...
Major Units
Recruit Training Regiment, MCRD San Diego
Responsible for transforming civilian recruits into basically trained Marines through a rigorous 13-week boot camp. Oversees all recruit training activities and ensures the development of discipline, physical fitness, and core Marine Corps values.
Support Battalion, MCRD San Diego
Provides essential support services including administrative, logistical, and medical support to facilitate recruit training and daily base operations.
Training Schools
Marine Corps Recruit Training (Boot Camp)
Overview
A comprehensive entry-level program designed to instill Marine Corps values, physical fitness, basic combat skills, and military discipline in new recruits. Training covers drill, marksmanship, field skills, and core Marine knowledge.
Course Length
13 weeks
Who Attends
New Marine Corps recruits (primarily from west of the Mississippi River)
Arrival & In-Processing
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Sarah Grawcock, a combat photographer and mascot handler with Headquarters and Service Battalion, and Lance Cpl. Bruno, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and Western Recruiting Region mascot, visit Cloud Gate, Chicago, Illinois, Aug. 10, 2024. Bruno attended the...
Welcome to MCRD San Diego! Arriving at a new duty station is a major step, and being prepared will ensure your check-in goes smoothly. Review the following guidance to make your arrival and in-processing as efficient as possible. For more details, visit the official MCRD San Diego website.
The primary entrance to MCRD San Diego is the Main Gate, located off Pacific Highway. The Main Gate operates 24/7 for authorized personnel and vehicles. All adults must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or other approved government-issued identification. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act standards. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections at all times. Security is a top priority, so follow all posted instructions and remain alert. Visitors and family members without DoD credentials must obtain a pass at the Visitor Control Center before entering the installation. Sponsors should coordinate in advance to streamline access for guests.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if applicable)
MCRD San Diego offers a robust sponsor program for incoming personnel and families. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit's administrative office as soon as you receive your orders. Your sponsor will provide personalized guidance, answer questions, and assist with your transition before and after arrival.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, located in Building 625 near the Main Gate. The Welcome Center operates Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1630. Key steps include check-in with Personnel Administration, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days, depending on your individual requirements and arrival time.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate, adjacent to the base entrance. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 0600 to 1800, and Saturdays from 0800 to 1200. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorships. All visitors must be vetted and accompanied by a DoD sponsor when entering the installation.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Professional movers unloading empty moving boxes out of their truck to start moving more Soldiers out of the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks, Sept. 14, 2022 at Smoke Bomb Hill, Fort Bragg, N.C. Soldiers were given the option to move their own things by a dity move or having movers pack their things up and move it for them.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book base or local lodging early—San Diego fills up fast.
- Keep original orders, IDs, and important documents with you.
- Label every box clearly with your name and contact info.
- Take photos or videos of your belongings before pack-out.
- Plan pet transportation and lodging well in advance.
- Check local traffic and gate hours for MCRD San Diego before arrival.
Important Forms & Links
Schedule, manage, and track your PCS move.
Check current TLE, DLA, and per diem rates.
Comprehensive PCS guides and checklists.
Base-specific info, contacts, and newcomer guides.