"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.