gkkworks, Utility Metering System MCRD Reviews

One cliche I heard when I first set foot in the yellow footprints was that you never forget the names of your DI s. I m my case, that is true. Taylor, Forby, Stillwagon & Bunch. I was a fish out of water at first since I had just graduated from college. Prior to my delayed boot camp graduation ( I had an extended hospital stay with scarlet fever), I managed to see that Staff Sgt Taylor assessed me as defiant & a sick bay commando.
Fortunately, I overcame that description fighting back to graduate to a productive career. All thanks to the tough love lessons learned at the Depot. Semper Fi !!!!!

THE FATHER bless all Marines. JESUS is Semper Fidelis.
Platoon 2052

Excellent weather if you can get past the noisy jets taking off every 5 minutes. Good workout facilities, but the restrooms get packed easily.

1986 was a long time ago, but once was definitely enough.

The museum is is pretty cool, and seeing the new recruits is cool. Be prepared to walk a lot!

Three month all-inclusive vacation. Staff could be a little more friendly. Felt rushed while dining. Beds were pretty comfortable, was woken up in the middle of the night every few days. Skip the sand-pit, too many bugs. Great walking paths with good views. Free barber on site, cut was way too close and fast, did not tip. Pool was cold, life guards seemed attentive but not helpful. Advertising was accurate, no rose garden. Last week was the crucible excursion. 54+ hours duration. Plenty of activities to keep busy, night life was the same. Snacks were provided. Hospitable greetings on the last day, checkout was fast.

Oo'rah devil Dogs. Best Branch to have ever served in!

Very clean rooms, open environment, best nature walks on the planet, the staff tend to be so friendly that some people mistake their friendliness with neglecting personal space!

Best personal fitness trainers in the country, who give the best advice for staying healthy, and advocate tolerance towards other people though indiscriminate application of Knife Hands.

Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Medical and dental are covered should you need it, and the shooting range is 100% free! Would not get this offer anywhere else!

Was a fantastic paid vacation, 10/10, would do again.

I just watched their military police leave base property to harass and attempt to intimidate citizens out in the public filming whatever the eye can see.
He also stepped it up a notch by telling them they could not film "from there". So he either knew they were within their rights and desired to deny them of that or he was oblivious. Either way it's NEVER a good idea to leave the base to contact civilians that are just standing in the wide open area, in broad daylight.

Going to see my son become a marine, very proud mom!

Watching Nick Graduated from M.C.R.D. San Diego (Camp Pendleton). What an amazing, spectacular display of the Nations most Elite Fighting force.

Close to the airport with tons of exercise options. Workers are well trained and very attentive with outstanding attention to detail. Beds are a bit stiff and the main food hall can get busy and noisy. Everyone is always in a hurry. Totally dry: no beer or booze. Bathrooms are too small and cramped; showers are cold. Arrived a slouching Johnny-on-the-block...departed a Mass of Muscle and Confidence.

Is really great place were they give you confidence and change the way you are into a new person not just physical but mental

The recruits are incredible; I enjoy bringing mass to the Lutherans once a month.

Clean rooms, new sheets once a week, and best of all great employees and service. They are really enthusiastic and full of energy.

Went here for a bit of R & R after a stressful 13 years of school. Great place to go if you are down for fun filled activities on a daily basis, whether rain or shine. You are guaranteed 3 square meals a day except for the 2nd to last week. Not only that but a roof over your head and free laundry services. I was injured during my stay so I had to extend my relaxation by an additional 6 weeks, but was afforded comfortable amenities to ensure I healed properly. Highly recommending everyone should visit this club for a stay. Down side: a huge sausage fest.

My experiences there are indelibly marked on my mind and soul.

Hard Charging Devil Dogs Earning their right to be called a Marine ! Ooh Rah! Semper Fi!

Boot camp was more fun than active duty was. It was awesome. Oorah!

attended from Feb.-April 1979 Looking back had a pretty good time. hardest part was the P.T. best part was at Camp Pendleton.

I was a recruit here in 2013. The good, the bad, the ugly. . . Overall, this base is the most beautiful military installation I have ever seen. Nice to be an out-of-towner here, but you certainly don't want to be a recruit lol!

Some places may offer discount vacations, others might even offer a free vacation, but to my knowledge this is the only place that will actually pay you to take a 3 month vacation free of charge. Once there, you'll receive a number of other free amenities including free meals, free water (although it's kind of yellow), free haircuts (although they seem rushed and way too close), 1-3 free phone calls and free personal trainers. But wait, there's more. While vacationing at "The Depot" you'll get free lessons in marching, shooting, martial arts and pugil sticks.

The amenities are rather sparse, but it's all part of the experience. While the mattresses are thin and the pillows are barely there, I never had an issue going to sleep in under 5 minutes. They have community showers and insist you use them each day, although sometimes only one shower head is allowed to be used. The restrooms were always spotless, even if they were missing the doors. Still, I found it quite nice some days to use the facilities while having a quaint conversation with one of my new found friends.

I would however avoid the sand pit, or that rather small piece of linoleum known as the quarter deck (which was odd because I never found any quarters there, even with my face pressed against it.) The personal trainers can be a bit up tight, but their routines are often filled with some of the best comedic material I've ever heard, although, I will warn you they're not very good at taking a compliment. Every time I laughed at one of their jokes, it was not received well, although I did usually win a trip to the pit, but it wasn't my cup of tea, although you may like it.

One negative is that there are zero women here. In fact, you most likely will not see a single woman until the end of your 13 week stay. Which I think accounts for some of my fellow travelers marrying very large women after leaving.

Finally, at the end of all, they give you a huge sendoff, beginning with each of you--who are still there--receiving a small token of achievement known as an "EGA". My ceremony was attended by a movie star, R. Lee Ermey, and was a spectacular moment, even if there seemed to have been some onion ninjas who seem to have ambushed a good number of my new friends. Then on the last day, they have a whole parade in your honor and invite your family, many of whom no longer recognize their sons.

While I had mixed emotions about my trip when I left there in 1998, I cannot recommend it highly enough today.

Spent 13 weeks here in 2000. At that time, accommodations where very cramped, staff would give wake up calls an hour earlier than requested, no laundry service, I had to wash my clothes by hand, but they did supply soap and scrub brushes. Physical training center is huge and is open 24 hours a day. Beware of the managers easily recognized by the olive drab smokey bear and lage gold belt buckles, they were all very short tempered and seemed to not care how comfortable I was, however, did look out for my health checking that I was ok at least once every week we had health and wellness inspections. Transportation by bus readily available every 13th week but only seem to go to other Marine Corps locations.

I was here for Graduation and Family Day. This was a wonderful event and occasion. The weather was gorgeous and the base is awesome. Everything is here. My brother is a Marine!! Semper Fi!

A bunch of repressed memories. No but seriously, this is the cradle of the Corps.

Took my wife for our wedding anniversary. Staff seemed a bit rushed, but very hospitable. Bland food and small bed but we made some friends.

My step-son was there for his basic training. He had a medical issue and we were allowed to visit him.
The base was emasculate and the marines presented themselves with the greatest respect.

University of Speach, Music and Culture, class of 68-69.

Great place to see. Make sure to wear sunscreen! Family Day and the Graduation Ceremony were awesome!

A truly exquisite luxury resort. You get your health in top shape for free, and you get personal trainers that are extremely motivational! Free housing and you are also fed three meals a day! A true paradise.

Shittiest vacation ever didn't even get to go to the beach.

yI will never forget my time at MCRD . it was there that I learned motivation, real values, and how to be a man. I walked in as a young teen, and left a Marine! Albert Folk Platoon 1030 Ecko company.

Stayed here for 13 weeks in 1993. The staff is very knowledgeable and very helpful, although at times somewhat impatient. Overall excellent 5 Star accommodations and food. Book your own 3 month stay, you wont be disappointed!

Most of my memories of Marine Corps active duty were created here and will remain here. God Bless the Corps and my son whom is enduring his own memory making as I type this today. Oohrah and Semper Fidelis!!!

Entered back in '69 and the weather was cold. Had never been away from home but got happy when they issued me that M-14 rifle. COD was a bear but when I got to Edson range I was happy to shoot it. Rifle and pistol (.45) expert for 15 years. OORAH

Born in 1960 and reborn 28 July 1977. My 2nd birth was much more memorable and I love the family I was born to. All those siblings and encouragement. Food was e?Clement (and plenty) double rations as I was 116 lbs. Upon arrival. Checked out of the hotel California at 148 and tough as a pine knot. The beach was beautiful but prohibited beachwear. The parks were fantastic but very hilly and we carried our own picnic basket that was worn on our backs. Tour guides wore nice hats and the attire was very much like the surroundings. Checked out 3 months later and received a passport that has no expiration. The name on it is "MARINE". Highly recommend if your liking to change Everything about you.

Best near the beach resort I went to even if the staff with funny hats were a bit rude. The food was of high quality and the activities were full of variety. I got to enjoy rappelling down a tower with rope. The best part? They offer free haircuts and did I mention free food? Housing is free and they even PAY for you to be there. The little souvenir shop was a little disappointing but that's no penalty for a free resort stay in Sunny San Diego. They also have a nice pool.

I never been there, looking for a job as civilian, please show your job openning for partime start, thank you

Wonderful resort near the beach...free food, free clothing, free healthcare and haircuts. Exceptional, highly motivated staff will engage you in any number of activities, keeping your interest levels up, while you get a little sweaty. Opportunities abound for sailings, flying, motor sports and upland game hunting. Plus a chance to chill with a few BUDs while learning how to surf.

Variety of haircuts and outfits are a bit slim, but overall great paid vacation.

I stepped on these pair of yellow footprints here back in 1997...
I was met by a really excited, well dressed man who said his name was sir. I think that might have been his last name and his first name might have been Isaac or something because we all said I- Sir any time we spoke to him.

I stayed here for about 13 weeks, the mail service is spectacular but theres no wifi which I was disappointed. My room was very clean, i mean VERY clean but I had to share it with about 65 other males.

The wake up service was prompt and very loud, but very efficient.

We were assigned a guide who took us to various parts of the property. They have strict standards so when our original was not up to parr, he was quickly replaced.

This was an all inclusive property so we enjoyed three very nice meals a day but I guess I didnt get the all inclusive drink package because there was no soda and no alcoholic beverages all though I had all the water I could drink and it came in a cool green canteen. I guess they are very water conscious and didnt want to waste any because at the end of the night we had to drink our entire canteen and then hold it out above our heads.

The gym here is FANTASIC, great athletic director. They have a very elaborate adult jungle gym. For more of a botique style environment they have a small area that is part exercise facility, part exfoliation called the Sand Pit. I spent many many hours here, again with several of my very enthusiastic nicely dressed hosts.

They also have a great offsite shooting range.

If you are staying here for a while I highly recommend the hiking trail called The Grim Reaper, lovely views and a very memorable experience.

For anyone still reading this review I highly recommend coming here and trying it out for yourself. It is sure to be a very memorable experience. You will probably, like me, spend the rest of your life reminiscing about your stay here.

Plt 1065 1997

A place to make memories & build character. I will forever remember the games we played, the challenges we overcame. The knowledge & legacy bestowed upon a young Marine. The tortures nights on firewatch seeing planes come & go or imagining the distant skyscrapers crawling with people. The change is hard, but its forever. Semper Fidelis. Bravo co.1063, 2005. U.S.M.C = u suckers missed Christmas

Everything is Free! Staff is kind of hateful, but you will grow to love them.

It's very crowded if you choose to visit during the summer, so plan accordingly. They like to say it all expenses paid but when read over the fine print you find out you paid extra for that package. The food is pretty good during your stay but you quickly realize that the decent variety of food was average at best after you leave. The lines at the restaurants and barbershops are extremely long but they go quicker than expected. Haircut options are very limited but you can upgrade your package with more options at no extra cost the longer you stay. A positive is the bedrooms are massive but the negative is you'll have to share with quite a few roommates. By far the best thing here is the fitness program. The staff are very motivated to constantly keep improving your physical fitness levels. They won't let you give up, they'll even provide extra individual workouts for you if you desire. The staff were a little to motivated for me. For some reason they felt like they had to yell all the time and they expect you to do the same, so that was kinda annoying. Overall my stay was more enjoyable than average. I originally gave a 3 rating but while writing I realized it my stay was quite a bit better than my current stay, in Oceanside.

I graduated from the Depot decades ago. Then to Pendleton and Okinawa. I have good memories of boot camp. Becoming a Marine was one of the best choices I made in my lifetime. Semper Fi !!

One of the best, worst, most challenging, and most life changing times of my life. Invited for a short stay in February 1971. Platoon 3020. Thanks to the Marine Corp, I am a better person than I might have been. Semper Fi. Oohrah!

I needed to get my military ID renewed. From the directions I received on the phone, to the very courteous young woman who ushered me right in, to her supervisor who helped the process these fine people could not have been more helpful or professional. I went on a Thursday, late morning.

Molding young boys into young men, and doing a da** good job of it!

I was stationed @ MCRD as a Corpsman in the early 90's. It was amazing to see the recruits enter as teenagers and leave as Marines! Oorah!!!

I have many memories of MCRD but what stood out the most...I would request the graduating Marines to sing the Marine Corp hymn... Wow, always gave me goosebumps!

Inserted December 19, 1997. ISIS hunter from training day #1!!! GOOD NIGHT CHESTY WHEREVER YOU ARE! SEMPER FI LEATHERNECKS GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US.

My son johnny sarkissian is at the camp and I am very proud of him to want to become a united states marine god bless and protect all the young men

Great time away from the parents and from the state. Fun vacation for 3 months, food is sub par if you have time to enjoy it. The staff have anger and voice problems but you follow what they say or it can turn into a horrible time. This establishment will cloth, bath, feed, give you a slimming down workout, and give a place to sleep. The intern pay is low but over time will get better afterwards. As the staff say, the quickest way to leave this place is to graduate. Dont try and run, it will be a bad time! :) Rah

Put my feet on the yellow foot prints in 91 and became apart of the best military in the world. Loved every minute of it and wish I could do it again. SEMPER FI , DEVIL DOGS AND KEEP RATTLING THAT CHAIN

how can someone gain access to base for family day & graudation day other than vehicle ? Can someone just walk up to the gate or need to physcialy be in a vehicle? Need transportation advice.

The sleeping accommodations are Spartan, at best. Food service is slow and requires standing in line every day. The fitness center is FAR from modern. Too close to the airport, very intrusive.

Marc Norman platoon #1080 1988

recruit MARTINEZ is in bootcamp right know which is me

Super nice staff, Very helpful. Amazing 13 week vacay!! the food was great, everyone was so nice.
Plt 2147

great location for biz travel - really close to the airport. i have to say though, first off, the receptionist was a bit gruff and bordering on rude when we arrived...

after what seemed like 'days' of checking in we eventually got situated in our room. i'll give it high marks for being very clean, but it smelled like duraglit and shoe polish...not sure what that was about.

the beds were small and saggy and the sheets and blanket were really 'scratchy'...but i was able to sleep really well.

the wake up calls were always prompt.

the food was nothing to write home about and the meals all seemed a bit rushed.

i agree with what some other posters said, the soundproofing was absolutely horrible

I booked a three month stay in January of 1996. Staff was slightly rude at times and demanding. I was surprised that I was responsible for making my own bed and cleaning up after myself. Great variety in outdoor activities. Food wasn t all that bad either.

Great place to spend three months back in 1970.. Good food, nice accommodations, and kind staff.

Very clean. Staff was extremely...uh...um...attentive. Great workout accommodations. The parades were a nice touch. Beautiful weather, but the sand gets into everything!! Semper Fi

When i first arrived with my tour group we were greeted by our host who was a rather gruff individual. He seemed nice enough at first but lost his head rather quickly when one of my fellows asked a question i guess was out of hand. Anyway, we got off the bus and got situated into our rooms, unfortunately the travel packaged didn't mention lack of private space available or that the showers were open showers, but hey, you get what you pay for i suppose. Though i have to admit, this looks nothing like the pictures...i wonder if i got on the wrong bus...

This place sucked. Instead of a cheeseburger with fries, I got a four year contract. Japan's nice though, so I'll give them three stars.

I had a great time here. It s almost like summer camp, you ll leave here feeling fresh and renewed.

Have not went yet looking forward to it was a lot about it

This place was surprisingly small compared to Paris Island. Never know why west coast guys thing MCRD San Diego is so much better. Smelled bad too.

Great staff, a variety of healthy options to choose from at the cafeteria, and it's on the beach. I promise that you'll feel like a new person when you leave. 3255/L

Oddly, haven't been back since graduating in early '85. Was even stationed at 29 stumps for awhile. Finished enlistment overseas. Memories are a mix of emotions spanning the extremes but wouldn't change them for all the sand in the world.

Turning America's youth into the country's greatest warriors. MCRD is steeped in history and tradition, make sure to visit the Command museum with great exhibits of Marines throughout history which is open to the public M-F.