Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island ~ We Make Marines

Visitor's - Frequently Asked Questions

Every effort has been made to answer the questions asked most often by the family members of recruits. Please carefully read each answer.

The Graduation Packet & Vehicle Pass
Q:	When will I receive the graduation packet/vehicle pass for graduation?
A:	All recruits are issued a graduation packet with a vehicle pass week nine of their 12-week training. It is the recruits themselves who decide who will receive their packets. The staff of the MCRD Parris Island does not mail vehicle passes.

Q:	We have not received a graudation packet with a vehicle pass for the family day/graduation ceremony. Can we still get a vehicle pass?
A:	Yes. If you are a family member of a graduating recruit, you can receive a vehicle pass at the front gate. Also, your vehicles are subject to inspection.

Q:	Can we get a vehicle pass at the gate?
A:	Yes. Vehicle passes to the Visitor's Center are issued at the gate. However, you must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance documentation. Also, vehicles are subject to inspection.

Q:	Can we receive a vehicle pass prior to arrival?
A:	Vehicle passes are mailed to immediate family members attending recruit graduation by the recruits only. The staff of the MCRD Parris Island does not mail vehicle passes.
	Please Remember! All recruits are issued a graduation packet with a vehicle pass week nine of their 12-week training. But, it is the recruits themselves who decide who will receive their packets. The offices of the MCRD Parris Island do not mail vehicle passes.

Q:	Who is eligible for a vehicle pass?
A:	A visitor’s pass may be issued to visitors attending any special event to which the public is invited. This pass will be valid from the place of entry to the location of the special event and the return trip.

Q:	We have multiple family members coming to graduation, but we received only one pass from our recruit. Can we obtail more passes?
A:	Yes. Friends and family members may be admitted. Each vehicle operator can enter the base after presenting a driver's license, car registration, and proof of insurance. Also, your vehicles are subject to inspection.

Q:	We have lost our vehicle pass. Can we get another?
A:	Yes. You may enter the base after presenting your driver's license, car registration, and proof of insurance. Also, your vehicles are subject to inspection

Vehicle Policy & Regulations

Q:	What is the policy regarding rental vehicles?
A:	Upon entry you must present a valid operator’s license, valid proof of liability insurance and a copy of the rental agreement.

Q:	We are just visiting the area. Can we take tour of the base?
A:	Yes. Vehicle passes to the Visitor's Center are issued at the gate. However, you must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance documentation. Also, your vehicles are subject to inspection.

Q:	Is visitor parking available?
A:	On and off street parking spaces will be used on a first come, first served basis. The parking lot adjacent to Peatross Parade Deck is the main visitor parking area.
	No person shall stop, stand, or park a motor vehicle, except when necessary to avoid interference with other traffic, in compliance with law or the direction of a military policeman or traffic control device or when otherwise authorized, in any of the following places:
	No person shall park a vehicle or permit it to stand, attended or unattended, upon a roadway in front of a private driveway or within 15 feet in either direction of a fire hydrant or the entrance to a fire station, nor within 25 feet from the intersection of curb lines or if none, within 25 feet of the intersection of property lines at an intersection of highways. At any curb which is painted yellow. On the hard surface of any paved road or area except where marked parking lanes or parking signs indicate that parking is permitted. The driver shall not drive to the left side of the roadway and park unless the road is designated for one-way traffic. Within an intersection or on a crosswalk. On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge of the curb of a road. Within fire lanes. Upon a landing field or site except on official business. Within 50 feet of the rear loading ramp of any dining facility. Upon any bridge or in any moving lane of traffic. Except for emergency stops, parking is prohibited on either side of the causeway from the main gate to Depot Maintenance, building 450. Parking on the grass or seeded area is prohibited and no person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle, whether attended or unattended, except when directed by military police.

Q:	Is handicap parking available?
A:	Yes. Parking designated for vehicles bearing handicap decals, plates, or placards is available.

Q:	What is the policy for recreational vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles?
A:	The Peatross Parade Deck parking lot does have parking designated for recreational vehicles; however, there are no hook ups or accommodations available for designated over night parking on the Depot.
	Motorcycles
	No person shall operate a motorcycle upon any road on the Depot not equipped to meet the mechanical and safety requirements of the state of South Carolina. Motorcycle operators and passengers will wear the following personal protective equipment and clothing: Snell Institute (SNELL) approved motorcycle helmet is required to be properly worn for all motorcycle operators and passengers on the Depot, and all military personnel off the Depot. Eye Protection. Eye protection will consist of goggles or a face shield attached to the helmet. Footwear. Boots or shoes are required and should be constructed of leather or other sturdy material with non-skid soles. Athletic, recreational, sandals, and open-toe shoes are not considered adequate footwear. Clothing. Clothing must cover the upper torso and legs and conform with Depot clothing regulations. High visibility vests (international orange; reflective silver; bright green or yellow) that cover the upper torso shall be worn by all motorcycle operators and passengers on the Depot, and all military personnel off the Depot while in uniform. When civilian attire is worn, and approved, high visibility jacket or other approved upper torso garment may be worn in lieu of the vest.

Q:	What is the policy for dogs?
A:	Pets will not be permitted to run free. When not penned, pets will be leashed or under the positive control of their owner or a responsible representative of the owner. Positive control means that the pet must be under the immediate physical control or voice command of its owner or the owner’s representative and that the owner or their representative is in the vicinity of the animal.
	Except for guide dogs or other handicapped assistance animals, pets are not permitted at any military ceremony, in the medical or dental clinic, barracks, BOQ, temporary lodging facility, officer’s guest house, club facilities, exchange activities, other public facilities or any place where food is sold, stored, prepared or served.

Q:	Are the traffic laws on the base different from the S.C. state laws?
A:	Not substantially. However, vehicle drivers aboard the Depot must observe posted speed limits and parking restrictions. The use of a cell phone while driving is strictly prohibited. Also, all vehicles aboard the Depot are subject to search.

Q:	My vehicle already has a military installation decal. Do I still need a vehicle pass?
A:	All motor vehicles bearing a valid DOD decal with an installation tab from other military posts or stations shall be granted access without restriction.

Q:	What is the vehicle pass policy for retired or former Marines and other service members?
A:	Active duty military personnel, depot civilian employees, retired and former military personnel, survivors of deceased active duty and retired military members, and bona fide dependents whose military sponsors are assigned elsewhere may be issued a temporary pass valid for up to 30 days.

Hand Gun Policy
Q:	What is the policy on privately-owned weapons/guns aboard the Depot?
A:	For military and civilians alike, the only times privately-owned weapons can be transported in a privately-owned vehicle are; when the owner is going to/coming from a range on base or, when the owner is directly going to/coming from a residence on base. In any other instance, the owner is subject to prosecution. As Parris Island is a Government installation, no state's concealed weapons permits are recognized on base. In addition, Parris Island does not provide a place to temporarily hold privately-owned weapons for Depot visitors.

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 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.

Travel
Q:	What are the nearest major airports to Parris Island?
A:	The nearest major airports to Parris Island are the Savannah International Airport (SAV) and the Hilton Head Airport (HHH). The next closest airport is the Charleston International Airport (CHS). Transportation from these airports is not provided; both airports have rental car agencies.

Q:	Is there Bus Line available?
A:	Yes, bus service is available to the Greater Beaufort area. Inquiries for scheduled service may be directed to: Greyhound Bus Lines (843) 524-4646.

Q:	Is there Railway service available?
A:	Yes, the local Amtrack Station (YEM) address is 9 Main Street, Yemassee, SC 29945. The Amtrak Station is approximately 30 minutes from Parris Island. For schedule information, call 1-800-USA-RAIL

Q:	Is there taxi/limo service?
A:	Yes. Taxi services are available. Click here for listing.
	<< Driving Directions >>

Lodging
Q:	Where can I find a listing of hotels and motels?
A:	The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce 800-638-3525 provides an extensive list of local and national chain accomodations.

Q:	Can I stay on the base?
A:	Yes, Osprey Inn is located onboard Parris Island. The Osprey Inn provides temporary housing primarily for military personnel on Temporary Additional Duty (TAD). Non-military personnel visiting Recruits may stay as guests at the Osprey Inn on space-available basis. Reservations can be made fifteen days prior to the graduation date starting at 8:00 a.m. For reservations, please call (843) 228-3962.

Q:	Are there other military bases in the area in which I can stay?
A:	Yes, The DeTreville House is a temporary lodging facility onboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS). MCAS is located approximately 15 minutes from Parris Island. All rooms are equipped with private bath, A/C unit, TV/VCR/HBO, microwave, refrigerator, coffeepot, iron and ironing board, alarm clock, hairdryer, data ports, smoke detector, wireless internet service and full housekeeping service. Rollaway beds available at front desk for $5 per night and cribs at no charge. Handicap accessible rooms are available. Non-military personnel visiting Recruits may stay as guests on space-available basis. For reservations, please call (843) 522-1663.

Ceremonies
Q:	What is the schedule for Family Day and Graduation?
A:	The Family Day begins with the motivational run on Thursday at 7:00 a.m . The Liberty Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m with a informational speech by the Battalion Commander lasting approximately 20 minutes followed by a 10 minute ceremony. Recruits will have on-base liberty from 10:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. Graduation begins on Friday at 9 a.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Q:	Is there a dress code for recruit graduation and family day?
A:	No, although conservative attire is recommended. The uniform is seasonal service uniform 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.

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 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 School of Infantry East aboard Camp Lejeune NC. Infantry contract Marines will attend Infantry Training Battalion. 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.

Depot Ammenities
Q:	Where can civilian visitors eat on Parris Island?
A:	There are a wide variety of eataries, aboard the depot as well as Parris Island's very own Four Winds Waterfront Restaurant & Bar.

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 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.

Visitor and Graduation Information
	The ceremony

	Graduation Dates

	About Parris Island

	Visitor Information

	Directions

	How to get a vehicle pass

	Group Visits

	Online Visit Request Form (pdf)

	FAQ