1st Recruit Training Battalion (United States)

The 1st Recruit Training Battalion is a unit within the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), typically located at Parris Island, South Carolina. Its primary mission is to transform civilian volunteers into basically trained United States Marines through a demanding 13-week program of instruction.

The battalion is composed of several companies, each led by drill instructors responsible for the physical, mental, and moral development of recruits. Recruits undergo rigorous training in areas such as close-order drill, marksmanship, physical fitness, Marine Corps history and values, and basic combat skills.

The 1st Recruit Training Battalion plays a crucial role in the initial entry training pipeline for Marine Corps recruits, and successful completion of training within the battalion is a prerequisite for assignment to follow-on training and duty within the Marine Corps. The battalion's organizational structure typically includes a headquarters element, rifle companies, and support personnel necessary to sustain the training effort. The specific number of companies and their designation may vary depending on the needs of the Marine Corps.