Once your son or daughter has a ship date, everything starts to feel real. The weeks before Marine Corps boot camp can bring a mix of pride, excitement, and nerves for the whole family. Knowing what happens during those final days, from the last pool function to the trip through MEPS and the first phone call from the depot, can make the goodbye a little easier. This guide explains the process in plain terms so you know what to expect and how you can help.
Quick Facts
- Before shipping, most future Marines spend time in the Delayed Entry Program, where they are called “poolees.”
- Poolees must pass the Initial Strength Test before they can ship to recruit training.
- MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station. It is where applicants are screened and where they process out on ship day.
- Many recruits stay overnight at a contracted hotel near MEPS the night before they ship.
- Recruits take the oath of enlistment when they first enlist and again on ship day.
- Whether family can watch the ship-day oath depends on the individual MEPS.
- Shortly after arriving at the depot, recruits make a brief, scripted phone call home to say they arrived safely.
The Delayed Entry Program and Life as a Poolee
Most young people do not leave for boot camp the day they sign up. Instead, they enter the Delayed Entry Program, often called DEP, which lets them set a ship date up to a year away. This gives them time to finish high school, wrap up personal responsibilities, and get in shape. During this period, Marines-to-be are known as poolees.
Poolees meet regularly with their recruiter and other poolees for physical training, team-building events, and lessons that prepare them for recruit training. These gatherings are called pool functions. They are a great way for your recruit to build fitness, learn basic Marine Corps knowledge, and meet others who are heading down the same path.
Before shipping, every poolee must pass the Initial Strength Test. This test confirms they are physically ready to start training. If your recruit is still working toward the standard, the time in the pool is the best opportunity to close the gap, and your encouragement at home can make a real difference.
The Final Pool Function
As ship day gets close, the recruiter will make sure your recruit is ready. This can include a final strength test, a review of paperwork, and a last check of what to expect at MEPS and the depot. Some recruiting stations hold a final pool function or send-off for poolees who are about to ship. The details vary from station to station, so ask the recruiter what your recruit’s last few weeks will look like.
What Is MEPS?
MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station. These stations are run by the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command and serve every branch of the military. There are dozens of them across the country, and your recruit will process through the one assigned to their area.
Your recruit has likely been to MEPS once already. That first visit is where applicants take aptitude testing, complete a medical exam, and go through background screening before signing their contract. The second visit happens on ship day, when they return to complete final processing before leaving for boot camp.
The Ship-Day Process
Every MEPS runs on its own schedule, but ship day usually follows the same general pattern. Here is what most recruits can expect.
The Night Before: The MEPS Hotel
Many recruits travel to a hotel near MEPS the afternoon before they ship. The military contracts with these hotels so recruits can be close by for an early start. Recruits typically receive a briefing on the next day’s schedule. Expect a set lights-out time and strict rules about staying at the hotel and avoiding alcohol. Breaking those rules can cause serious problems, so remind your recruit to take them seriously. Whether a hotel stay is needed depends on how far your family lives from MEPS.
Final Checks and Paperwork
Ship day at MEPS starts early. Recruits go through final medical and administrative checks to confirm nothing has changed since they enlisted. Paperwork is reviewed, questions are answered, and orders are prepared. This is a good reason for your recruit to be completely honest about any new injuries, medications, or legal issues before ship day. Surprises at MEPS can delay or stop shipping.
The Oath of Enlistment
Many families are surprised to learn their recruit takes the oath twice. The first oath happens when they enlist and enter the Delayed Entry Program. The second happens on ship day, after final processing, and marks the start of their active duty service.
Can you be there? It depends. Some MEPS locations welcome a limited number of guests to watch the swearing-in and take photos, while others have tighter rules. Ask the recruiter well in advance, ideally at least a week before ship day, whether guests are allowed and how to arrange it.
Travel to the Depot
After the oath, recruits travel to their assigned recruit depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, or San Diego, California. Depending on where they live, this may involve a flight followed by a bus ride. Recruits often arrive at the depot in the evening or late at night, when they step onto the famous yellow footprints and begin receiving, the first phase of recruit training.
What to Bring on Ship Day
The most important rule is simple: follow your recruiter’s list. Recruiters give each poolee specific guidance on what to bring, and that list reflects current requirements. Bringing extra items only creates more to carry and more to keep track of.
A few things are helpful for families to understand ahead of time:
- Recruits will not use civilian clothing, cell phones, or most personal items during training. These belongings are stored at the depot until training ends.
- Expensive electronics and valuables are best left at home.
- Items considered contraband, including illegal drugs and prescription medication without a valid prescription, are not allowed.
- Comfortable, simple clothing makes the travel day easier.
What Parents Can Do in the Final Week
The last week before shipping can feel like a whirlwind. Here are some practical ways to help.
- Help your recruit get organized. Make sure important documents the recruiter has asked for are ready.
- Take care of loose ends at home, such as phone plans, car insurance, subscriptions, and bills your recruit may be responsible for.
- Talk about mail. Letters will be the main way you stay in touch during boot camp, so plan to start writing as soon as you have the mailing address.
- Keep the schedule calm. A big farewell meal is wonderful, but rest matters too.
- Encourage healthy habits, including sleep, hydration, and continued light exercise without risking injury.
- Write down your own questions for the recruiter so you are not guessing in the last few days.
Saying Goodbye
There is no perfect way to say goodbye. Some families say farewell at home, some at the recruiting station, and some at the MEPS hotel or the oath ceremony if guests are allowed. Wherever it happens, keep it warm and simple. Your recruit is likely feeling a lot, even if they do not show it.
Let them know you are proud of them and that you will be writing. Many parents slip a short note into their recruit’s hands or tell them one thing to remember when training gets tough. A few calm, confident words from home can go a long way in the weeks ahead.
The Arrival Call
After recruits arrive at the depot and go through the first steps of receiving, they are given a chance to call home. This call is very short and follows a script. Your recruit will let you know they arrived safely and that you can expect a letter with their mailing address. There is usually no time for a real conversation, and they may not be able to answer questions.
Because the call may come late at night, keep your phone close and the ringer on during the window when your recruit is expected to arrive. If you miss it, try not to worry. Your recruit is safe, and their first letter will be on its way. Aside from mail, this call is often the last contact you will have until graduation week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can parents attend the oath of enlistment at MEPS?
It depends on the MEPS. Some locations allow a limited number of guests to watch and take photos, while others have stricter policies. Ask the recruiter at least a week ahead of time so there is time to make arrangements if guests are permitted.
Why does my recruit take the oath twice?
The first oath is taken when your recruit enlists and enters the Delayed Entry Program. The second oath is taken on ship day after final processing. That second oath marks the start of active duty service and the trip to boot camp.
What happens to my recruit’s phone and clothes at boot camp?
Recruits do not use civilian clothing or cell phones during training. Personal belongings are checked during receiving and stored at the depot for the length of training. To keep things simple, follow the recruiter’s packing list and leave valuables at home.
When will I hear from my recruit after they ship?
Most families receive a short, scripted call soon after their recruit arrives at the depot, often late at night. After that, letters become the main form of contact. Your recruit’s first letter will include their mailing address so you can write back.
Can a recruit be delayed on ship day?
Yes, it can happen. Final medical and administrative checks at MEPS are meant to confirm your recruit is still qualified. New injuries, medications, or other changes can delay shipping. Being honest with the recruiter early gives everyone the best chance to sort out any issues before ship day.