Graduation

Q: What is the schedule for Family Day and Graduation?
A: The Family Day/Emblem ceremony begins at 1 p.m. on Thursday and lasts approximately 20 minutes. Graduation begins at 9 a.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Both ceremonies are held at the Peatross Parade Deck.

Q: Is there a dress code for recruit graduation and family day?
A: No, although conservative attire is recommended. The uniform of the day on Parris Island is Service Alphas and military guests are asked to either wear their service equivalent or dress uniform.

Q: Who can attend recruit graduation and family day and is there a limit to the number of people who can attend?
A: Anyone, not just the immediate family of a recruit, can attend recruit graduation and family day. There is also no limit to the number of people who can attend either.

Q: Who do I call to get a video/DVD of the recruit graduation ceremony, or if I have not yet received my graduation video/DVD?
A: Please contact Marine Corps Community Services-South Carolina (MCCS-SC) at 800-889-6734. This is the main point of contact for all questions regarding recruit training/graduation videos.

Q: Once the recruit graduation ceremony is over, can the new Marines leave Parris Island?
A: Immediately following the conclusion of the Graduation Ceremony, new Marines are free to leave Parris Island and begin their 10 days of leave. After that 10 days, Marines report to Camp Lejeune, N.C. for follow-on training. Marines who enlisted into the Infantry will attend the School of Infantry East. All other Marines will attend Marine Combat Training. Upon completion of Marine Combat Training, Marines will proceed onto their occupational school.

Q: How do new Marines get home on leave and back to follow-on training?
A: During Recruit Training, time is set aside for recruits to make travel plans home and back to training. If you wish to drive your Marine home, or make sure he or she is on the same flight, please coordinate this via postal correspondence.

Visiting Parris Island

Q: Do visitors need a pass or letter to get on base?
A: Parris Island is open to the public daily. Individuals operating Vehicles aboard the Depot must possess a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of automobile insurance.

Q: What are the nearest major airports to Parris Island?
A: The nearest major airport to Parris Island is the Savannah International Airport. The next closest airport is the Charleston International Airport. Transportation from these airports is not provided; both airports have rental car agencies.

Q: Can I take photos and / or video while I'm visiting Parris Island?
A: Yes, photos and video can be taken on Parris Island, except at Leatherneck Square - the site of close combat training and the Confidence Course, Page Field - the site of Basic Warrior Training and The Crucible, the rifle range, and inside the recruit training barracks.

Q: Where can civilian visitors shop on Parris Island?
A: There are several places on Parris Island to purchase souvenirs and other Marine Corps memorabilia. The Marine Corps Exchange (department store) has a large selection of items for civilians to shop in. Without a Department of Defense ID card, however, civilians are limited to that section. The Exchange is located across the street from the Visitors Center.
The 7-Day Store is a gas station and convenience store. There civilians can shop but cannot purchase tobacco products or alcoholic beverages.
The Commissary (grocery store) is open to anyone, but only Department of Defense ID card holders will be allowed to purchase items.
The Museum Gift Shop is located inside the Museum.