2nd Recruit Training Battalion (United States)

2nd Recruit Training Battalion
2nd BN insignia
Active	1921-present
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Role	Recruit Training
Part of	Recruit Training 2nd Recruit Training Battalion
Garrison/HQ	Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
Nickname(s)	Second to None

The Second Recruit Training Battalion is part of the Marine Recruit Training Regiment. It is composed of Four Training Companies: Echo, Fox, Golf, and Hotel. The recruit training battalion is responsible ensuring that each company is following the procedures set forth by the Recruit Training Regiment.

Mission

Provide Reception, processing, and recruit training for male enlisted personnel following initial entry into the Marine Corps. Provide training for Drill Instructors and officers entrusted with recruit training responsibilities.

History

2nd Recruit Training

In 1921, the MCRDSD was formally commissioned and in 1923, it became the primary recruiting center for the west coast. During World War II, the flow of recruits into the base surged, with 18,000 recruits arriving in one month. In 1948, the base was formally named Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and was home to the Recruit Training Regiment. 2d Recruit training Battalion is one of the three Battalions under the Regiment, whose main mission is to train new United States Marine Corps recruits, specifically males recruited from west of the Mississippi River, but also from some areas east of the river, such as Wisconsin, Michigan, the Chicago metropolitan area and New Orleans. Recruit training includes a thirteen-week process during which the recruit becomes cut off from the civilian world and must adapt to a Marine Corps lifestyle. During training, drill instructors train recruits in a wide variety of subjects including weapons training, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, personal hygiene and cleanliness, close order drill, and Marine Corps history. The training emphasizes physical fitness, and recruits must attain a minimum standard of fitness to graduate by passing a Physical Fitness Test. Recruits must also meet minimum combat-oriented swimming qualifications, qualify in rifle marksmanship with the M16A4 service rifle, and pass a 54-hour simulated combat exercise known as "The Crucible". Unlike training at Parris Island, recruits must leave the depot to conduct field training. Three weeks of the recruit’s training is spent at Edson Range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where recruits fire on the rifle range, conduct field training, and undergo the Crucible. At the conclusion, recruits return to MCRD San Diego for graduation. The 2nd Recruit Training Battalion has had some notable Marines serve in its ranks including Sergeant Major David Sommers who was a drill instructor in the battalion from 1967 - 1969 as well as Sergeant Major Lewis G. Lee who was the battalion sergeant major from 1985 - 1988.

References

National Archives Catalog. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6665774

Marines: The official website of the United States Marine Corps. 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. https://www.mcrdpi.marines.mil/Units/Recruit-Training-Regiment/2nd-Recruit-Training-Battalion/