Announcements from After the Corps
If it's new on the After the Corps website, you'll find an announcement about it here. We bring new resources, events and information to the website frequently.
Knowledge is Power!
Learn more at Recruit Parents
7/12/2026
Everything you need to know about Marine Corps Boot Camp Recruit Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot MCRD Parris Island. Our website map breaks it down into articles for you.
Stages of Your Marine's Career
We are here for you at every stage!
7/12/2026
The mission of MarineParents.com is to provide support, information, and services to recruit and Marine family members and troops over the course of the life-cycle of your recruit or Marine's career in the Corps.
This sentiment is reflected in our Marine Corps Career icon. From the time your future Marine is a poolee, through boot camp, the school of infantry and military occupational schooling, permanent duty stations, and deployments. Then after your Marine's time in the Corps or if he or she is recovering from wounds or injuries sustained while serving, we have information for every step of the journey.
Western Inn San Diego Hotel
For Boot Camp Graduations
7/12/2026
The staff at Western Inn are here to serve you during your recruit's graduation from Marine Corps boot camp. We offer a special rate for Marine family members; please mention MarineParents.com when making your reservations. We are a 5 minute drive (1/2 mile) to MCRD and a 5 minute walk to the Old Town Trolley station.
An Act for Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps
July 11, 1798, in Marine Corps history.
7/11/2026
On July 11, 1798, second President of the United States, John Adams, approved "An Act for Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps", and it became law. The following day, President Adams appointed William Ward Burrows the Major Commandant of the new Corps. In August, Major Burrows opened his headquarters in Philadelphia, which, at the time, was still the capital of our young nation.
Structure of the Marine Corps
Learn More About the Corps in Civilian Terms
7/11/2026
The USMC is organized with two parallel chains of command, service and operational. The Service chain begins with the President, through the Secretary of Defense, and continues through the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The operational chain runs from the President, through the Secretary of Defense, directly to commanders of combatant commands for missions and forces assigned to their commands.
The Matrix and Recruit Parent Articles
The Perfect Starting Point for Parents of Poolees & Recruits
7/11/2026
Get started here preparing for your son or daughter leaving for Marine Corps Recruit Training, also known as Boot Camp at both Parris Island and San Diego.
Live Stream Videos for Graduation
Links to Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation Live Stream Videos
7/10/2026
This page includes the links to MCRD San Diego and MCRD Parris Island Marine Corps boot camp graduation videos. We provide these links to you as a courtesy to family and friends who are unable to attend graduations. The link to You Tube San Diego videos includes archive videos.
Please be aware of websites or social media links asking you to pay to view the graduation. Those are NOT official Marine Corps graduation videos. You are NOT required to pay to view the videos.
Knowledge is Power!
Learn more about what's after boot camp!
7/10/2026
Everything you need to know about what comes after Marine Corps Boot Camp Recruit Training. What's the next phase of training for your newly minted Marine? Our website map for "What's After Boot" breaks it down into articles for you.
Marine Speak
Learn some of the common words and phrases Marines use on a daily basis.
7/10/2026
The Marine Corps has a rich and proud tradition. The countless battle streamers earned by each individual unit is a testament to this fact. There are many things that the Marines do that set them apart from the other branches of service. However, the Marine Corps has always had a long-standing history with the U.S. Navy. This is to be expected, considering that the Marine Corps falls under the Department of the Navy. The United States has a military unlike any other. Specifically, we are fortunate enough to have a maritime tour de force. As such, the Marine Corps and Navy often times operate hand in hand. Consequently, one of the many things that we use in conjunction with the Navy is their terminology.
Knowledge is Power!
Learn more at Recruit Parents
7/9/2026
Everything you need to know about Marine Corps Boot Camp Recruit Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot MCRD Parris Island. Our website map breaks it down into articles for you.
Video Marine Corps
Following the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor: The Legacy
7/9/2026
The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is so much more than the Marine Corps insignia. It's a symbol of the honor, courage, and commitment of every Marine who has fought and won our Nation's battles.
10-Day Leave After Boot Camp Graduation
Learn about the 10-day leave Marines earn after completing recruit training.
7/8/2026
The next phase of training after boot camp is SOI, or School of Infantry. Your new Marine is entitled to ten days leave after recruit training. Your new Marine may report to SOI early in order to save leave if desired.
Deployment Pages on Marine Parents
About Deployment, OPSEC, Emergencies, and Support
7/8/2026
Got a deployment looming? In the middle of deployment? It happens and Marines love it, but their family members, not so much. Remember, information is power. Here's what you need to know to lessen the bumps in the road.
I had two sons and a daughter-in-law deployed at the same time: two soldiers and one Marine. This website was my go-to every single morning. It was my saving grace. I never did find an Army site like this one, but you helped me through that, as well. Thank you.—Jackie, Marine Mom in Missouri, 2006
Core Values: Honor, Courage, Commitment
It's what Marines learn from day one as a recruit.
7/7/2026
To understand how to do what is right, recruits and Marines are taught about ethics and the core values of the Marine Corps. The Corps' core values are Honor, Courage, and Commitment. These values make up the bedrock of a Marine's character. During recruit training, recruits are taught these core values and numerous others related to them, such as integrity, discipline, teamwork, duty, and "esprit de corps."
A Good Review for the Parent of a Marine
Our article written by a Marine talks about helicopter parenting
7/7/2026
This article was written by a Marine in our office probably ten years ago. This is as true today as the day it was written. It was written for parents of recruits in boot camp, but it's a good review for parents with a son or daughter in any stage of their career in the Marine Corps. Read and share!
MCRD San Diego Graduations
A Great Hotel 2 Miles from MCRD!
7/3/2026
Town and Country Resort, located in San Diego’s Mission Valley neighborhood, is just 2 miles to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and offers a comfortable and fun option for military families. Recently renovated with an authentic mid-century modern design and a friendly Southern California vibe, the resort is an ideal home base for a San Diego stay.
The resort offers a comfortable guestroom, 3 pools, a 4-story waterslide named “Twister,” 5 restaurants and bars, a penthouse fitness center with Peloton bikes, and 19 fire pits. It is pet and family-friendly with a 3-acre attached park and a host of family activities. The resort is within walking distance of Fashion Valley Mall and provides easy access to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, beaches, and area attractions.
Making Reservations
Special rates for military families are available when you book using the RESERVE link:
