Graduation/Family Day Guide

When booking flights for Graduation:

Try to book as close to week 8 as possible.

Just because your recruit has a graduation date, doesn’t mean that’s when he will graduate. Several things could push the date back such as illness or injury.

Book through Southwest Airlines if you’re able

Southwest allows you to change your departure/arrival date with no charge. So, if your recruit gets sick or injured, you can rebook with no consequences.

Accommodations

Billeting is available for families of new Marines only. The link is below:

http://www.mccsmcrd.com/Services/Billeting/index.html

Below is a website that allows you to locate hotels around Military Bases. Just remember, your Marine will be graduating MCRD San Diego, not Camp Pendleton.

http://military-hotels.us/california/san-diego-ca.html

Family Day/Graduation

Try to get to MCRD early. 

When you arrive you will need to go through security. The earlier you get there, the faster you will be finished. I arrived no later than 7:30.

Upon arriving at MCRD:

Exit the vehicle and leave all doors open

Leave everything in the Vehicle except your ID

From 6:00-8:00 your Marine will be practicing Graduation Drill on the Parade Deck.

On the left side there are water bottles lined up, if you’re lucky (and time it right) you will be able to catch a glimpse of your Marine early. This should happen around 8:00am

Moto Run

This will be your first chance to really see your new Marine. Make sure you stand behind or around the correct platoon numbered cones.

After The Moto Run

This is a “Family/Friends Briefing” that will instruct you on the Dos and Don’ts of your Marine

Then, they are released to you!

Below is the rough schedule for Family day and Graduation: 

Family Day Schedule

0630-0900       Breakfast Buffett at Bay View        

0930                Drill Instructor Brief  

1000                Moto Run                   

1130                Family Day Presentation

1200                Liberty Formation      

1300-1700       Base Liberty (1800 during DST)                            

Graduation Day Schedule

0630-0900       Breakfast Buffett at Bay View       

0800-0830       Colors Ceremony       

0830-945         Graduation Seating

1000-1200       Graduation Ceremony

1100-1330       Dining Room Lunch