The purpose of this guide is simple: to assist sellers of Marine Recruit Books identify Marine Corps Recruit books. By properly identifying them, sellers have an opportunity to provide information that will almost always be asked by buyers.

The very first thing needed is the full title: Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego or Parris Island. Next, the Battalion # (1, 2, 3 or in rare occasions 4, 5 or 6), Platoon Number and graduation date. If the information is not on the front cover, open the book to the first page of the black and white section towards the back. On the page showing Drill Instructors and Series Commanders, the dates of training, Platoon, Company and Battalion will be shown. This covers most if not all graduation books printed since the 1960’s. (example below)

For Women Marine Recruit books or books published before the 1960’s, the seller may have to search through the book for the necessary information.