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Marine Corps, MCRD Graduation Family Day

November 13, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Parent's Survival Guide to Marine Corps Boot CampThe Parent’s Survival Guide to Marine Corps Boot Camp

After thirteen weeks of intensive boot camp training, Marine recruits see their families for the first time the day before graduation at MCRD Graduation Family Day.

Plan to arrive on Wednesday afternoon or evening for a San Diego USMC Graduation because you will not want to miss anything!

I have THREE Marines and a USMC graduation in San Diego is NOT to be missed. 

With each of my Marines, each San Diego Marine graduation in San Diego has been different. 

Family Day during a Marine Graduation is held on Thursday, the day before the actual graduation at both MCRD San Diego or MCRD Paris Island.

The first time you actually see (or touch) your new Marine is during the Moto run in the Thursday morning. There is nothing like the excitement when they first run past.

You will cry, you will shake with excitement. Promise.

MCRD Graduation Family Day Moto Run will inspire and impress you when you attend your first USMC boot camp graduation.Up until Family Day, there are no phone calls (maybe one for travel plans), no emails, no Facebook, nothing. They are totally immersed in concentrated training and focused on the task.

In this day of instant communication, it is definitely a culture shock not only for the recruits but families who are used to being in touch with their kids at all times.

What Happens at a Marine Family Day?

You get to hug your Marine recruit for the first time. Mom’s cry at the site of their son transformed so much in 13 weeks. Dads beam with pride as their child stands straighter and prouder than he has ever seen in the past. Brothers and sisters will stand in awe of their sibling who looks like the same person but is changed.

CafePress - Proud Marine Mom - Pullover Hoodie, Classic & Comfortable Hooded SweatshirtCafePress – Proud Marine Mom – Pullover Hoodie, Classic & Comfortable Hooded SweatshirtCafePress - MARINES Eagle Globe Anchor - Proud DAD Dark T-Shir - 100% Cotton T-Shirt, Crew Neck, Soft and Comfortable Classic Tee with Unique DesignCafePress – MARINES Eagle Globe Anchor – Proud DAD Dark T-Shir – 100% Cotton T-Shirt, Crew Neck, Soft and Comfortable Classic Tee with Unique Design

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What to expect at an MCRD Graduation Family Day?

Ears Open, Eyeballs Click

Marine Corps parents end the journey of USMC Boot camp with graduation starts with parents learning the meaning of Ears Open, Eyeballs Click

Family Day at the Marine graduation in San Diego starts with the Drill Instructor introduction.

It’s an interactive introduction to what your Marine recruits learned and how they had to respond. The ears open and eyeballs click command is to listen and eyes on me, with a response of YES SIR, at the top of your voice.

You will get to practice this many times.

After the MotoRun your new Marines return to their barracks to shower and change into their Charlie uniforms for on-base Liberty.

Marine Corps 101

Parents and family have about 2 hours before the Liberty review begins. There is normally several presentations by the MCRD Commander with an introduction of all the drill instructors. It is here you will learn more about the next phase of your Marines training and success.
CafePress - Marine Mom Red Friday T-Shirt - Womens Cotton T-Shirt, Crew Neck, Comfortable & Soft Classic TeeCafePress – Marine Mom Red Friday T-Shirt – Womens Cotton T-Shirt, Crew Neck, Comfortable & Soft Classic Tee

You can also shop at the MCRD Base Exchange for USMC Graduation Shirts and other Marine USMC merchandise if you didn’t buy them ahead of time. You really want to wear a Marine Mom Shirt and bring home several.

Each USMC Graduation Battalion has their own colors.

  • 1st Recruit Training Battalion = Red
  • 2nd Recruit Training Battalion = Gold (Yellow)
  • 3rd Recruit Training Battalion = Navy Blue
  • 4th Recruit Training Battalion = Maroon

Considering the Marine Corps graduations occur on Friday it’s only fitting to some Marine Mom T-shirts in Red RED so you can wear red on Fridays and support our troops.

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MCRD Graduation Family DayFamily Day Graduation Liberty

Finally, the time arrives when the new Marine Corps families and friends can hug their Marine. They will march and assemble by platoon and officially get dismissed.

Your new Marine will have four to five hours, on base, to enjoy with his family and friends. They are not free to do anything they want. They still have to be alert to salute and greet officers as they pass. My favorite part of the USMC Family Day is being escorted by my new Marine.

Seriously, they are taught to bend their left arm and escort females on base. There is a hierarchy. Grandma first, then Mom, then the girlfriend. So Marine Moms, you rank over girlfriends.

The pride you feel as a new Marine Mom is overwhelming and one you will never forget.

San Diego Marine Graduation tips and what to expectBring Food to Family Day

It’s not that the Marines don’t feed your son or daughter. BUT, Marine recruits don’t have time to enjoy food, nor enjoy their favorite food. Starting at the third phase of training letters from boot camp will start sounding like a menu as Marine recruits start imagining home and their favorite foods. Ask what foods they want you to bring.

You may be surprised what food your Marine recruit is craving. My new Marine asked for food of all types and during his five-hour liberty on Thursday and he ate continuously.

All we could do was watch in amazement as two bags of homemade treats, beef jerky, oreo balls, “Memaws “(bran) muffins, Swedish fish, Pringles, cheeseburger, ice cream disappeared AFTER a full buffet lunch.

Marine Corps Traditions

Marines cannot eat and walk in uniform at the same time.MCRD graduation Family Day at San Diego USMC Graduation

Nope, won’t happen, so expect a lot of stopping to snack. We stopped to eat beef jerky, we stopped for cookies, we stopped for drinks. It was a constant “Hold on, do you have any more ______”

You will also notice other Marine Corps traditions which may be new to you.

  • Marines cannot walk in uniform and talk on their cell phone at the same time
  • Marines cannot put their wallets in their pockets of their dress uniforms
  • Billfolds are kept in their sock (yes you heard me right)
  • They must keep their right hand free to salute.
  • They will greet EVERY Marine officer or Drill Instructor with the proper greeting “Good Afternoon Staff Sergent” even when walking and talking with you, expect to get interrupted as you walk and talk.

During MCRD Graduation family day you can do several things.

  • Pick up Marines Official Dress Blues photos (the Marine Corps boot camp videos will come via USPS mail a few months later)
  • Eat lunch at the Bay View Restaurant on Base (here you can take a photo of your Marine with his drill instructor)
  • Visit the USMC Museum San Diego right on base and listen to your son describe what boot camp was all about.
  • Kick back and relax in the courtyard area outside the MCRD Base Exchange area
  • Go shopping with your Marine at the Base Exchange. He will want civilian clothes.

There will be plenty of food and gift vendors in the courtyard area and instead of walking all over the base and being exhausted you can actually relax.

Gift Ideas for Marine Graduates

Many parents like to give a gift at graduation to remember this significant day. Below are the best graduation gifts for Marines based on not only the recommendations of my Marines but countless other Marine Moms and parents.

They don’t like MOTO military gifts though and don’t WON’T wear a huge emblazoned Marine Corps logo.

So save your official USMC clothing for yourself.

Gift Ideas for Marines

Core Values - U.S. Marines Challenge CoinCore Values – U.S. Marines Challenge CoinKA-BAR Knife Desk Display Stand (USMC Emblem)KA-BAR Knife Desk Display Stand (USMC Emblem)Wrist Armor Men's 37100002 C20 Analog Display Quartz Watch with Black Silicone StrapWrist Armor Men’s 37100002 C20 Analog Display Quartz Watch with Black Silicone StrapHCSB Marine's BibleHCSB Marine’s BibleSterling Silver United States Marine Corps Medal with Christ Cross Back, 3/4 InchSterling Silver United States Marine Corps Medal with Christ Cross Back, 3/4 InchAllied Frame United States Marine Corps Certificate of Achievement FrameAllied Frame United States Marine Corps Certificate of Achievement Frame

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Have you been to a MCRD Graduation Family Day?

What has been your experience at your Marines Family Day? What did you do differently and what would you recommend?

 

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride, Project 365, Travel Adventures Tagged With: 365project, boot camp, California, Food, graduation, marine boot camp, Marine Corps, marines, mcrd graduation family day, military, oorah, project365, San Diego, semper fi, snacks, travel, US Marines, USMC, Vacation

Day 165/365: Marine Teaches Recruit to Square Uniform

May 19, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Didn’t know it would be the United States Marine Corp that would teach my sons to iron, but a squared away uniform is a sense of pride in the Corps. My oldest son gave his recruit brother a lesson and tips  on ironing his uniform and squaring his cover during his latest leave. (home for his brothers high school graduation)

Marine recruit Squaring Uniform
Marine Teaching Recruit to Square Uniform

It’s the attention to detail Marine recruits are taught during boot camp at MCRD San Diego or Paris Island. How to properly shine your shoes, iron your uniform, pin your ribbons exactly 1/8″ of an inch from the top of the pocket, and how to clean a toilet and sink to pass inspection.

United States Marine Corps (USMC) And Navy Uniform RegulationsU.S. Marine Corps Uniform Guide (Look Sharp!)

Why do these mundane tasks matter? I believe they are used to teach discipline and patience, to learn how to pay attention to detail in everything a Marine does, regardless of the task.

Marine Cover
Unsquared Marine Cover

As a birthday/graduation present received a wore out set of his Marpat desert cammies to wear at the big airsoft game, Oklahoma Invasion 6, coming up Memorial Day weekend. Out of the sea bag the cover looked a bit crumbled. There was no way a Marine would be caught with a cover like this. Before it could be worn it needed squaring away, Marine style. No starch, but water, paper towels, steam, high heat, and cardboard stays would have to do for now.

Recruit squaring a cover
Marine Recruit Squaring a Cove

Never thought I’d ever see this,  a photo opportunity if I ever saw one. The process took an hour, with lessons given on tips and tricks of a great squared away Marine uniform. I overhead Army uniforms are “garbage” and how to properly wear your cover. “It’s not a hat, don’t pull it down on your head, you’ll look like a tool”

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (Images of America)Live At McRd San Diego [Explicit]

Squared Away US Marine Corps Cover
Squared Away US Marine Corps Cover

Looks better doesn’t it? Sleeve rolling was next, but I left the boys to bond and discuss uniform care. It’s a big part of boot camp, the beginning of teaching attention to detail and discipline. If they pay this much attention to just their uniforms imagine what is required in the other aspects of mission training. No wonder the United States Marine Corps is the best fighting force in the world.

ULTIMATE MARINE RECRUIT TRAINING GUIDEBOOK: A Drill Instructor’s Strategies and TacticsMaggot the Accounts of a Journey through Paris Island

Information About Marine Corps Uniforms

CO: Soldiers Will Wear Marine Corps Uniforms To Improve …

David Hodne has ordered his soldiers to eschew wearing traditional Army uniforms laden with combat patches, jump wings, and other insignia. They will instead spend their time wearing Marine Corps uniforms. “It’s a culture …

Marine Corps Uniforms Index: By Chapter | Blood Stripes

Sebastian served in the Marine Corps infantry on active duty and in the reserves from 2004 to 2013. Sebastian has always been driven to mentor the marines in his charge, and continuously strives to better himself as both a …

Uniforms; Uniform Regulations, MCO P1020.32G W CH 1-5 …

MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL, OR TO MARINE CORPS UNIFORMS, ARE CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER. 2. NO ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO EXCERPT OR INTERPRET THE LAWS OF ANY STATE. COMMANDERS …

Where Can You Buy Marine Corps Uniforms | Internet …

The United States Marine Corps (USMC), popularly known as Marine Corps has always been the most valued branch of United States Armed Forces. While the bravery.

Appropriate times to wear uniforms? – Leatherneck.com

I was wondering when the appropriate times/occasions/places/etc you are allowed or most common to wear certain uniforms upon graduation from Recruit Training. I believe these are all the Marine Corps uniforms, but I may …

United States Marine Corps Uniforms, Insignia and Personal …

Harlan Glenns “United States Marine Corps Uniforms, Insignia and Personal Items of World War II” is a reference book which every WW2 USMC collector should own. It is a massive 272 page hardcover book featuring …

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, boot camp, brothers, devil dog, Lance Corporal, marine, Marine Corps, marine corps uniforms, Marine recruit, military, oorah, postaday, project365, recruit, semper fi, tradition, uniform, us marine, USMC

Day 106/365: First Encounter With a Marine Drill Instructor

March 22, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

USMC Recruit Family Night

In just a little under four months I will have two sons in the United States Marines. My youngest, a high school senior, is in the delayed entry program and got a little taste of Marine boot camp during last week during Family night for the Lincoln Nebraska recruiting station. A visiting drill instructor from San Diego put them through their paces and had them sounding off like grunts in no time.

My youngest son  leaves for boot camp in July. He’s the one on the far right with red tape on his arm (gave blood at school earlier in the day, his 7th pint) For a better understanding of what they went through in ten minutes here is a short video below, might want to turn your volume down for this.

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, boot camp, drill instructor, Lincoln, Marine Corps, military, Nebraska, oorah, poolie, postaday, semper fi, USMC, video, YouTube

Day 50/365: Airport Adventure, With My Marine

January 22, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Can you find my Marine son in this picture? It’s as if he’s playing hide and seek. Now I can see why US Marines do not wear their cammies, ACU’s, or uniforms in public. They would stand out, and the purpose of camouflage is to hide and fit in with your environment.  The official regulations  on wearing uniforms at certain times is very strict in the Marine Corps and much too long to describe here. Since Nathan is strongly apposed to wearing it, I’m sure there are good reasons.

Day 50: Find the Marine

There is quite a bit of uniform envy around, if you can call it that, on both sides of the fence, with some very heated opinions on the pro and con. If you’re interested you can read more on the Terminal Lance forum. Terminal Lance also has a pretty funny Marine comic site that both my sons love to read.

Day 50: My son the Marine

We had quite the day, arrived at the Omaha Epply Airport early at 8:00 am just to find out we were six hours too early. So I got some extra quality one-on-one time with my son that we didn’t get during his leave.

The only thing I regretted was not being able to sleep late and wash my hair in the shower this morning.   To make it up he paid for my breakfast, blueberry pancakes, went shopping, and ran some errands  in Omaha. Lunch at Arby’s, again his treat.

Yup, I had a good day.

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, family, Marine Corps, Military uniform, national security, Nebraska, Omaha, oorah, project365, security, semper fi, travel, traveling, USMC

Day 28/365: Marine Corps Ornament

December 31, 2010 by info@3QuartersToday.com

This Christmas ornament is one of the newest on the tree. It is in honor of my oldest son who became a Marine this year. Next year I will have another commemorative ornament as my youngest son completes basic training at MCRD in San Diego.

Day 28: US MArine Corp Ornament

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, christmas, Holidays, Marine Corps, marines, military, oorah, ornament, semper fi, snacks, tradition, United States Marines, USMC, xmas

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