2nd Recruit Training Battalion
2nd Recruit Training Battalion Logo
Recruit Training Regiment
Parris Island, South Carolina

01

Hotel Company Initial Drill

Recruits from Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, participate in the initial drill inspection on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island,...

02

2nd Battalion Recruits Spar

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practice body sparring aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 8,...

03

Golf Company Conducts Table 2 Course of Fire

A recruit with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conducts Table 2 course of fire while aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island,...

04

Recruits Complete Gas Chamber Training

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, complete the gas chamber at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 13,...

"Second to None"

2nd Recruit Training Battalion conducts recruit training, ensuring recruits complete required events and meet the objectives of recruit training, in order to transform recruits into basically trained Marines through a thorough indoctrination in organizational history, customs, and traditions and by imbuing them with the mental, moral and physical foundations necessary for successful service to Corps and Country.

Within 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, there are four companies: Echo, Fox, Golf and Hotel. Each company contains an average of six platoons with 60 to 80 recruits per platoon.

In August 1940, the depot initiated the battalion training system to expedite the processing of recruits. The 2nd RTBn. was commissioned Aug. 7, 1940, and became an active command on Sept. 12, 1940. When the armed forces were integrated in 1949, 2nd RTBn. was the first battalion to train black recruits. In September of that year, black recruits were integrated into regular platoons.

The 2nd RTBn. has seen some notable Marines serve in its ranks including former sergeants major of the Marine Corps. Sgt. Maj. David Sommers was a drill instructor in 2nd RTBn. from 1967 to 1969, and Sgt. Maj. Lewis G. Lee served as the battalion sergeant major from December 1985 to June 1988.

Capt Halrolina Williams

843-228-3971

halrolina.williams@usmc.mil

UNIT LEADERS

2nd Recruit Training Battalion

Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher J. Kearney currently serves as the Second Recruit Training Battalion Commander since 22 February, 2022....

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2nd Recruit Training Battalion

Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major John Allen was transferred to the Second Recruit Training Battalion to serve as the Battalion Sergeant Major....

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Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island