Through this “Educator Workshop Program,” you will have an opportunity to get a firsthand look at how United States Marines are made. Moreover, participants get a basic understanding of the Marine Corps and are better equipped to advise their students about our career opportunities. These workshops dispel the myths about recruit training and the Marine Corps’ mission by providing you with a firsthand experience that is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The program also exposes educators to the many personal development, career, and educational opportunities available to today’s Marines. The intent of this worthwhile program is to provide you a better understanding of how we make Marines.
The four-day program begins with a welcome aboard at the Depot’s famous “Yellow Footprints” and ends with viewing a recruit graduation. Along the way, you will also see “The Crucible,” a key event in the recruit-training program for our recruits. As high-school educators, you help young people make informed choices about their future. One of the benefits of this workshop is to provide you with an experience that will allow you to more effectively assist your students in making a more informed decision about military service. You will be able to tell your students what the Marine Corps is all about; what they can expect, both in basic training and as Marines.
Q. Who is eligible to attend an Educator Workshop?
A. Those eligible to attend an Educator Workshop include:
1. High school career counselors.
2. High school academic counselors.
3. High school teachers.
4. High school principals.
5. Community college educators.
6. School board members.
7. Members of the media.
A waiver may be requested for any person who is not covered in the categories listed above. Repeat visitors and former Marines must obtain a waiver from the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command to attend.
Q. What type of clothes should I bring?
A. The Educator Workshop is a casual event. Since much of the workshop involves experiencing many of the recruit training facilities first hand, comfortable clothes and tennis shoes are recommended for the daily activities. One set of dress clothes (Example: Collared shirt and khakis, or dress) is recommended for going out to dinner at various locations in Beaufort. Be sure to bring a rain jacket in case of inclement weather. Educators are encouraged to check the weather report before departing, and pack accordingly.
Q. How do I get my tickets?
A. A Marine Corps representative will transport you to the airport where the group will be issued tickets.
Q. What will I need to have money for?
A. All meals, lodging and transportation are provided by the Marine Corps. We will also visit the Base Exchange during the visit, where you may wish to buy mementos of your experience. Exchange purchases are limited to Marine Corps related memorabilia and personal items only.
Q. Where will we be staying?
A. Lodging is provided by the Holiday Inn Suites in Beaufort, S.C. The rooms include a refrigerator and microwave oven. A buffet breakfast will be served each morning before departing to Parris Island. The individual, not the Marine Corps, will pay any incidental room charges and phone bills accrued during the Educator Workshop.
Q. Where will we be eating?
A. During the day, Educators will eat lunch at various locations on base. At night, Educators will be driven to a restaurant in the local Beaufort area. Each restaurant provides a wide selection of meals and a casual social atmosphere.
Q. What if I have questions during the workshop?
A. Marines will accompany you during the workshop; they are a great source of information concerning the various events, which you will see. Educators are highly encouraged to ask questions during the workshop. We are here to provide you with as much information about recruit training as possible.
Q. Will there be a gym to workout while on the workshop?
A. The hotel has a small workout facility and outdoor pool on location.
Q. What if I have special medical needs?
A. Anyone who has a special medical concern needs to notify his or her Marine Corps Recruiter before attending the workshop. These concerns will be addressed accordingly.
Q. Can I take pictures on the workshop?
A. Yes, we encourage you to take as many photos as you would like to remember your experience aboard Parris Island.
What makes the Marine Corps stand so far above the rest?
The answer is simple: Training
Our recruit training program is the longest offered by the armed forces -- 12 weeks for all recruits -- and it is generally recognized as the most intense.
The difference begins with the type of people the Marines are looking for: young people who care about developing mental discipline and physical endurance; those who want to gain maturity and self-confidence.
The mission of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, S.C., remains the same today as it was in its beginning: transforming young Americans into U.S. Marines.
In early April 1917, there were only 835 men in training. With the outbreak of World War I, enlistment peaked at 13,286. For a short time at the beginning of the war, recruits were trained at Philadelphia and Norfolk, while the two regular recruit depots, Parris Island and Mare Island, Calif. were being enlarged.
Back then, Parris Island trained 46,202 of the 58,103 wartime recruits. Currently, Parris Island graduates about 20,000 Marines annually, which allows our active duty force to be able to meet today’s global challenges. Although a bit more polished and modern, Parris Island remains the place, “Where the difference begins.”
More importantly, you will be able to get “up close and personal” with some of the hallmarks of Parris Island—the Drill Instructors. You will witness the physical demands of the many types of obstacle courses, the many hours of classroom instruction, and the discipline of close order drill, all geared to equally challenge our recruits to strive toward excellence and earn the title: Marine. The very mystique of Parris Island develops a spirit that overcomes any thoughts of “impossibility,” and showcases the attributes of commitment and teamwork.
The experiences and training Marines receive in “boot camp” is what keeps them focused on their mission and also allows them to excel in college with confidence and determination. Marine Corps training makes the difference.
For more information on MCRD Parris Island, visit their website.