MCRD Parris Island Graduation Dates 2021

Before you know it your loved one will be a United States Marine and begin …

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Maj. Gen. Niel E. Nelson, left, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa commander, salutes during the pass in review of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, March 31, 2017, on Parris Island, S.C. Nelson was the parade reviewing official of the graduation ceremony for Mike and November Companies. (Photo by Cpl. Vanessa Austin)

Before you know it your loved one will be a United States Marine and begin their journey in the world’s greatest Marine Corps. Preparing for Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation at MCRD Parris Island can be very exciting. To help you prepare the best trip, here is all the information you need about Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation and the Parris Island graduation dates for 2020.

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Parris Island Graduation Dates 2021

*Parris Island graduation dates are subject to change based on the needs of the Command. You should check with your recruit before booking. We don’t accept any responsibility for these dates changing.

CompanyGraduation Date
B7/2/2021
F7/9/2021
K7/30/2021
C8/6/2021
G8/13/2021
L8/20/2021
M9/10/2021
A9/17/2021
E9/24/2021
I10/1/2021
B10/8/2021
F10/22/21
K10/29/21
P11/5/21
C11/12/21
G11/19/21
L11/24/21
D12/3/21
H12/10/21
M12/17/21

Parris Island Graduation Events

Family Day Schedule of Events

Family Day EventTime
Motivational Run7:00 AM
Marine Corps 1018:00 – 9:00 AM
Battalion Commander’s Brief9:30 – 10:00 AM
Liberty10:00 AM
Family Day Buffet10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Liberty Ends3:00 PM
Meet and Greet with the Depot Command4:00 PM
Command Welcome Remarks4:30 PM
Family Night Dinner with Depot Command4:45 PM

Graduation Day Schedule of Events

Graduation Day EventTime
Morning Colors Flag Raising Ceremony7:45 AM
Marine Boot Camp Graduation9:00 – 10:00 AM
Lunch Buffet11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Download the full MCRD Parris Island Family Day Schedule.
View the full  MCRD Parris Island Graduation Schedule.

What is Marine Family Day

During Family Day, you will get the opportunity to learn more about what your Marine went through during boot camp, hear from the battalion commander, and have your Marine escort you around base showing you where they trained.

Sandboxx Tip: To avoid accidental knife-handing by your Marine, stay on their left side so they are free to salute with their right hand when passing higher-ranking Marines on base.

What to Wear to a Marine Graduation

Clothing can be casual for each day, but we recommend having a sweater or jacket for outside in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. Many families will wear custom t-shirts on graduation day that display their Marine’s name and platoon number. Although a momentous one, the occasion does not require formal wear, you’ll want to ensure that you put your best foot forward.

See your complete packing list for Marine Graduation.

Getting on base at MCRD Parris Island

Most families will reserve a rental car for the occasion and can drive effortlessly on to the base. Each passenger over the age of 18 will be required to show a government-issued ID. The rental agreement will serve as your insurance, so don’t worry about bringing your personal insurance, but make sure you have this on hand if you’re driving your personal vehicle. Additionally, don’t purchase the additional insurance coverage from the rental agency, as your personal auto insurance will cover your rental


The feeling you get when you see your new Marine for the first time will be more than you could ever imagine. It is truly a special day and time to enjoy and celebrate with your Marine and family. There are many other questions you probably have, so please reach out to our Sandboxx Travel Team and ask away.

Ready to book your travel to Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation? View our page on planning your trip to Parris Island for Graduation.

Happy travels, and congratulations to you and your soon-to-be new Marine!

Sandboxx
The editorial team at Sandboxx.