MCRD Parris Island

We make Marines by recruiting quality young men and women and transforming them through the foundations of rigorous basic training, our shared legacy and a commitment to our core values preparing them to win our nation’s battles in service to the country.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island also serves a dual role as the headquarters for the Eastern Recruiting Region.

Access to the Depot is structured on Thursdays and Fridays of graduation weeks in order to accommodate the large number of visitors. Follow the directions of Provost Marshal Office (PMO) at the entrance gate in order to assure the most expeditious access to the base. Also, be advised that the PMO rigorously enforces traffic regulations aboard the Depot, please adhere to speed limits and make complete stops at marked intersections.

Beaufort is susceptible to high tides, flooding, and hurricanes, although, they seldom cause severe damage. It is wise to have renter's insurance if renting off-base or living in government housing. A list of insurance companies offering renters insurance is available at the Military Housing Office.

Cost of community housing (off-base housing) is relatively high in the Beaufort area. This is particularly true for Junior enlisted families requiring two or more bedrooms, who face greater out-of-pocket expense. Beaufort is located in close proximity to valuable resort property, and plays host to three military facilities located in a sparsely populated, rural setting.

It is important to hand carry your medical/dental records, copy of official orders, school records (for you and your children), personnel file (SRB), training records, birth certificates, Social Security cards, pink slips/titles for vehicles, resumes, insurance papers, passports, warranties, road hazard insurance papers, and prescriptions.

Information regarding pets:

• Rentals which allow pets are limited.
• Many area hotels do not allow pets, including the Inns of the Corps
• Some hotels charge extra for pets.
• Kennels for boarding are expensive and there are no boarding facilities on base.
• Contact the Parris Island Veterinary Clinic at 843-228-3317 or DSN 312-335-3317 for any questions or information regarding your pet.

South Carolina law requires you to turn on your car headlights whenever there is any restriction to visibility while driving. This includes rain, fog, smoke, as well as at dawn and dusk.

Defense Service Network Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. For additional information, please contact the telephone office at 843-228-2816 or DSN 312-335-2816.