12th Marine Corps District

Securing the Future of the Marine Corps and Changing Lives!

"The Recruiting Station Commanders of "Force 12" run the beach trails of Torrey Pines, California, as part of the District Commander's Operations & Training Symposium held 13 Feb 2019."

U.S. Marine Corps Major Adam Taylor, commanding officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Orange County, inspects cadets from the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps during the Area 11 Field Meet Championship at Santa Ana High School, Santa Ana, Calif., Feb. 2, 2019. Units from across southern California participated in multiple events and were judged on military bearing, knowledge and precision during team events. This is one of the many ways local recruiting commands support their communities and help develop America's youth.

Fresno State University Wrestling Head Coach Troy Steiner (left) and Stanford University Wrestling Head Coach Jason Borrelli (right) exchange challenge coins at the beginning of the Battle on the Midway aboard the USS Midway, San Diego, Calif., Nov. 20, 2018. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Christian Cachola)

Staff Sgt. Jennie Castillo stands out side of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration after being awarded the County of Los Angeles Commendation in CA, Oct. 16, 2018. Castillo was awarded the County of Los Angeles Commendation by the Board of Supervisors for applying first aid to a high school student, saving his life.

Staff Sgt. Jennie Castillo poses for a photo with members of the Board of Supervisors from the County of Los Angeles and members of the Los Angeles Police Department at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, CA, Oct. 16, 2018. Castillo is a native of Santa Ana, CA. Castillo was awarded the County of Los Angeles Commendation by the Board of Supervisors for applying first aid to a high school student, saving his life.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Terry M. Johnson, center, Commanding Officer, 12th Marine Corps District, tosses the coin during the San Diego State University vs. Arizona State University college football game at San Diego County Credit Union Stadium, San Diego, Sept. 15, 2018. Marines were recognized throughout the duration of the game for their patriotic service.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Mattxyrill Vidal, Administration Clerk, 12th Marine Corps District, waves at the audience during the San Diego State University vs. Arizona State University college football game at San Diego County Credit Union Stadium, San Diego, Sept. 15, 2018. Marines were recognized throughout the duration of the game for their patriotic service.

FORCE 12 Commanders seize the summit of Mt. Woodson during a recent Professional Military Education (PME) event in Poway, Calif., July 27, 2018.

Maj. Jonathan Frerichs relinquishes command of Recruiting Station San Francisco to Maj. Clinton Hall, during a change of command ceremony, June 18, 2018. Hall served as operations officer for 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment prior to assuming command of RS San Francisco. (U.S. Marine Corps imagery by Sgt. Nichole Stoehrer/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Brooks W. Boehlert (right) relinquishes command of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Portland to Maj. Mark M. Goebel during a change of command ceremony aboard Fort Vancouver, Wa., June 15, 2018. The change of command ceremony represents the changing of authority between outgoing Maj. Boehlert and the incoming Maj. Goebel. (U.S. Marine Corps imagery by Sgt. Travis Gershaneck/Released)

Sgt. Raymund Bunker, U.S. Marines All-Marine Wrestling Team, demonstrates different techniques during an after school workout at the Los Alamitos High School with students from the surrounding area of Los Alamitos, Ca. May 15, 2018. The All-Marine Wrestling team held demonstrations and technique clinics in the southern California area to exhibit the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage and Commitment to young students and aspiring wrestlers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Taylor Schrick)

The U.S. Marines All-Marine Wrestling Team, demonstrates different techniques to students during a lunch-time demonstration at the Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Ca. May 16, 2018. The All-Marine Wrestling team held demonstrations and technique clinics in the southern California area to exhibit the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage and Commitment to young students and aspiring wrestlers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Taylor Schrick)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jason Enriquez, center, with Company E, 2d Recruit Training Battalion (2D RTBN), Recruit Training Regiment (RTR), poses for a photo with his recruiter Staff Sgt. Elias Guzman, Recruiting Sub-Station Fairfield, Recruiting Station San Francisco, CA, 12th Marine Corps District, and his senior drill instructor Sgt. Cameron M. Ditch, with Company E, 2D RTBN, RTR, after a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., May. 11, 2018. Enriquez received the Chesty Puller award and was named company honor graduate from Company E, 2D RTBN. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexander L. Gist)

Oregon Navy and Marine Corps enlistees stand in formation before their Oath of Enlistment aboard the future USS Portland (LPD 27) in Portland, Oregon, April 19, 2018. Portland is the U.S. Navy’s 11th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship. It is the third ship to bear the name USS Portland; however, it is the first ship to be named solely for Oregon’s largest city. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steven Tran)

Maj. Brooks W. Boehlert addresses guests before Oregon Navy and Marine Corps enlistees recite the Oath of Enlistment aboard the future USS Portland (LPD 27) in Portland, Oregon, April 19, 2018. Portland is the U.S. Navy’s 11th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship. It is the third ship to bear the name USS Portland; however, it is the first ship to be named solely for Oregon’s largest city. Boehlert, from Siletz, Oregon, is the commanding officer of Recruiting Station Portland, Oregon. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steven Tran)

Marines with the 12th Marine Corps District supported the Women in Aviation International Symposium in Reno, Nev., March 22 – 24, 2018, by educating the public on air capabilities and opportunities within the Marine Corps. The event brought together aviators from around the world and celebrated the 100th anniversary of women serving in the Marine Corps. (Courtesy photo by Capt. Maureen Krebs.)

Marines with the 12th Marine Corps District supported the Women in Aviation International Symposium in Reno, Nev., March 22 – 24, 2018, by educating the public on air capabilities and opportunities within the Marine Corps. The event brought together aviators from around the world and celebrated the 100th anniversary of women serving in the Marine Corps. (Courtesy photo by Capt. Maureen Krebs.)

Female poolees of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Orange County maneuver through the Leadership Reaction Course during an annual function at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Mar. 10, 2018. This function brought together young women from across southern California to experience aspects of recruit training in order to provide insight and understanding as to what they'll endure at the depot for 13 weeks. Roughly nine percent of women serve in the United States Marine Corps, the smallest percentage of females in any branch of service. This makes it very important to bring these young women together and learn about specific aspects of life as a Marine, such as hair, hygiene, physical fitness and culture.

Maj. Adam Taylor, commanding officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Orange County, and Sgt. Maj. Jason Politte, the station sergeant major, lead their female poolees to Edison Range during an annual function at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Mar. 10, 2018. This function brought together young women from across southern California to experience aspects of recruit training in order to provide insight and understanding as to what they'll endure at the depot for 13 weeks. Roughly nine percent of women serve in the United States Marine Corps, the smallest percentage of females in any branch of service. This makes it very important to bring these young women together and learn about specific aspects of life as a Marine, such as hair, hygiene, physical fitness and culture.

Maj. Brooks Boehlert, Commanding Officer, Recruiting Station Portland, presents two students with NROTC scholarship checks at the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Musher’s Banquet in Anchorage, Alaska. The Marine Corps partnered with the Iditarod for the first time, this year, to build a long-lasting connection and to demonstrate shared values such as honor, courage and commitment. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Capt. Maureen Krebs/Released)

Master Gunnery Sgt. Luis M. Aguilar, renders a salute during the National Anthem at his retirement ceremony aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Feb. 23, 2018. The retirement ceremony was held to honor Aguilar for his 28 years of honorable and faithful service to the United States Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Taylor Schrick)

The 12th Marine Corps District conducted District Spouse Orientation Course 1-18 (DSOC) aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, Calif., Feb. 15, 2018. The DSOC provides Marines and their spouses a broad spectrum of tools to help them transition into the Marine Corps' recruiting field. The spouses came from across the district to build connections and network with fellow spouses. (U.S. Marine Corps Imagery by Cpl. Jesus McCloud)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Terry M. Johnson, Commanding Officer, 12th Marine Corps District, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, presents Ms. Gloria Pettis with a Commendation for Meritorious Civilian Service Medal for her 36 years of faithful and dedicated federal service, Dec. 21, 2017. Ms. Pettis served as the Financial Management Analyst for the 12th Marine Corps District for almost 25 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tyler L. Archambeault, right, with Company F, 2d Recruit Training Battalion (2D RTBN), Recruit Training Regiment (RTR), poses for a photo with his senior drill instructor Staff Sgt Ryan. S. Jackson with Company F, 2D RTBN, RTR, after a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Dec. 15, 2017. Archambeault received the Chesty Puller award and was named company honor graduate from Company F, 2D RTBN. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexander L. Gist)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William M. Jurney, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, presents Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Umana, Assistant for Officer Procurement Operations Chief, 12th Marine Corps District, with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during the Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s Annual National Officer Selection Officers training seminar aboard MCRD San Diego, Calif., Dec. 12, 2017. The OSOs were recognized for superior achievement in locating, contracting and shipping qualified officer candidates throughout Fiscal Year 2017.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Jessica Shearer, Communication Officer, 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, interviews students at the National Society of Black Engineers Symposium in Garden Grove, Calif., November 18, 2017. During the symposium Marines interact with collegiate-level students from across the country whom have shown outstanding qualities in education and leadership. By investing in a diverse and representative officer corps, it will help generate and sustain a future force that has the cultural expertise, language skills, and a variety of philosophies needed to meet the operational requirements of the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud/Released)

12th Marine Corps District's senior leadership hosted members of the Australian Army Recruiting Headquarters at a question and answer session about the Marine Corps' recruiting procedures aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif, Nov. 7, 2017. 12th MCD shares with our counterparts how to “locate, close-with and contract, enlist, access, and ship the highest quality of men and women our country has to offer.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud)

GySgt. Jason Knuckles, Small Ensemble Leader, Parris Island Marine Band, performs a solo during a concert with the Marine Corps Jazz Orchestra at University of Redlands, Oct 13, 2017. The orchestra features top Marine musicians from throughout the Corps. They tour annually to share their music, culture, and patriotism with public audiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Taylor Morton/Released)

Sgt. Michael Borowski, a muscian with Marine Band San Digeo, performs along side the Marine Corps Jazz Orchestra at a concert at California Baptist University, Oct 13, 2017. The orchestra features top Marine musicians from throughout the Corps. They tour annually to share their music, culture, and patriotism with public audiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Taylor Morton/Released)

Staff Sgt. Alfredo Torres, an infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, places a ka-bar and rifle, in honor of the fallen Marines from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, during the opening ceremony of the Honor Bowl Championship Game at Cathedral Catholic High School, San Diego, Sept. 2, 2017. The Honor Bowl is an elite football tournament which highlights some of the most talented high school teams across the country, and honors service members both killed and wounded in action. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Taylor Morton/Released)

U.S. Marines with Recruiting Station San Diego, Color Guard present the colors during the opening ceremony of the Honor Bowl Championship Game at Cathedral Catholic High School, San Diego, Sept. 2, 2017. The Honor Bowl is an elite football tournament which highlights some of the most talented high school teams across the country, and honors service members both killed and wounded in action. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Taylor Morton/Released)

From left to right, Marine Corps Sgt. Herbert Cosio, Sgt. Austin Elder, Sgt. Michael Thomas and Sgt. Martin Minner retire the colors during a Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints pre-season game at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, Calif., Aug. 20, 2017. Marines of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Orange County presented a Color Guard for their local football team to support the players and more importantly the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada)

U.S. Marines of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Orange County present the colors during the National Anthem presentation at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, Calif., Aug. 20, 2017. The Color Guard supported the Los Angeles Chargers vs. the New Orleans Saints pre-season game to show support for their local football team and more importantly the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada)

Force 12 Commanders seize the summit of Mt Woodson (a.k.a. Potato Chip Rock), during recent PT/PME event at District HQ, July 26, 2017.

Marine Corps Sgt. Kelvin Gonzalez calls out Vitali Andreev's time during a combat fitness test at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 13, 2017. Andreev is a teacher for Rosary Academy in Fullerton, Calif., and attended this year's Educators Workshop to get a once in a lifetime, candid look into the U.S. Marine Corps. This all-expense paid workshop immerses teachers, coaches, counselors, principals and band directors into the unknowns of the organization so they may broaden their perspective and pass their experience and knowledge onto their students.

Future Marines from Recruiting Station San Diego take the oath of enlistment and receive NROTC scholarship checks at a pre-game ceremony hosted at Petco Park, San Diego, June 11, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Taylor Morton/Released)

RS Portland's Commanding Officer and Sergeant Major, Maj. Brooks Boehlert and Sgt. Maj. Mark Wright, lead the motivational run at the RS Portland Annual Pool Function. Poolees within RS Portland gathered at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon, for an annual 3-day field meet. Poolees were given an opportunity to experience aspects of recruit training to include an introduction to drill instructors and physical training. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Taylor Morton/Released)

Drill Instructor Sgt. Kelvin Gonzalez, Support Battalion, MCRD San Diego, encourages a Poolee at the RS Portland Annual Pool Function. Poolees within RS Portland gathered at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon, for an annual 3-day field meet. Poolees were given an opportunity to experience aspects of recruit training to include an introduction to drill instructors and physical training. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Taylor Morton/Released)

The U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard of Recruiting Station Orange County presents colors during the Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner in Garden Grove, Calif., April 26, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada)

Officer Candidates of Recruiting Station Orange County, Recruiting Station Los Angeles, Recruiting Station San Diego and Recruiting Station Riverside, maneuver through the leadership reaction course during the Officer Candidate School preparation weekend at Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 22, 2017. In order to prepare applicants for the rigors of OCS, this weekend-long training evolution assists in conditioning and familiarization with the types of endeavors candidates will face at the school.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada)

A student from Olympian High School, Chula Vista, California, executes as many pull-ups as he can to earn prizes from the pull-up challenge during the anti-bullying ASA tour, April 4, 2017. Marine Corps Recruiters from San Diego, ASA Entertainment staff and professional BMX riders traveled to multiple schools, April 3-7, 2017, to spread anti-bullying awareness and teach students how to prevent and react to different types of bullying. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. William Hester/ Released)

Marine Corps Recruiters of Substation Lakewood present colors during a varsity baseball game at St. John Bosco High School, Bellflower, Calif., March 14, 2017.

Staff Sgt. Michael Murray, SNCOIC of Recruiting Sub-Station Gresham, talks with poolees before they began their walk up Angel's Rest Hiking Trail, Portland, March 18, 2017. The poolees climbed 1,450 feet in elevation to the peak of the trail as a way to prepare for the physical demands of Marine Corps Recruit Training. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Taylor Morton/Released)

Recruiting Sub-Station Gresham, stands at the peak of Angel's Rest Hiking Trail, Portland, March 18, 2017.The poolees trekked the 1,450 feet to the peak of the trail as a way to prepare for the physical demands of Marine Corps Recruit Training. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Taylor Morton/Released)

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Demarius Jackson, band director, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, performs a solo during a concert with the Marine Corps Jazz Orchestra at California State University Sacramento, March 10, 2017. The orchestra features top Marine musicians from throughout the Corps. They tour annually to share their music, culture, and patriotism with public audiences. This year’s concert was their first performance in Sacramento. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Harrer)

Musicians with the Marine Corps Jazz Orchestra perform at the Orange County School of the Arts Concert Hall, Mar. 1, 2017. This is the first of many upcoming performances throughout California that showcase the United States Marine Corps’ gratitude and appreciation for the American people through the power of music, and highlights the talents of Marine musicians in a way that inspires others to join their ranks. Formed in 2008, the Marine Corps Jazz Orchestra has included members from the world-renowned “The Commandants Own” U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, as well as the 10 elite U.S. Marine Corps Field Bands.

Drill Instructors command a future Marine to respond to an order during a female future Marine function for Recruiting Station Los Angeles at Sherman Oaks Recreation Park, Dec. 10, 2016. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Marines and their families from Recruiting Station Los Angeles gather for a photo with firefighters during Recruiting Station Los Angeles’ Christmas party at the Los Angeles Fire Department Station 88 in Sherman Oaks, Calif., Dec. 3, 2016. Marines and their families gathered, sporting their ugly sweaters and enjoying holiday festivities as a unit. (Photo by Arlene Ward/Released)

(From left to right) Gunnery Sergeant Edwin O. Salvatierra, Staff Sgt. Joshua C. Gonzalez, Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, and Sgt. David Gonzalez, pose for a photo after visiting with the Commandant in Simi Valley, Calif., Dec. 3, 2016. The commandant met with Marines from RS Los Angeles to discuss topics relating to recruiting. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Before Lance Cpl. Tristan Downing from Spokane, WA began serving as a Marine Corps cyber network operator in North Carolina, he graduated as the top Marine, aka "guide," of his platoon on MCRD San Diego. Give him one! (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelica Annastas)

Private First Class John R. Porchivina, Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stands outside his squad bay at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 25. Porchivina served as his platoon’s guide during recruit training. Following recruit training, Porchivina will report to the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Calif., to become an infantryman. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anthony Leite)

Major Jon Frerichs, Recruiting Station San Francisco Commanding Officer, gives a motivational speech to the Abraham Lincoln High School varsity football team. Frerichs spoke to the young men on the team about the importance of leadership in life. ( Courtesy Photo)

Marines from Recruiting Station Portland pose for a picture at the peak of Three Sisters, a complex of three volcanic peaks of the Cascade Volcanic Arc and the Cascade Mountain Range of Oregon. The highest peak of Three Sisters is 10,358 feet and it experiences frequent snow and occasional rainfall, with extreme temperature differences between seasons. (Photo Courtesy of the RS Portland SgtMaj Facebook Page)

"When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful. " - Eric Thomas... Congrats to PFC Frank Toscano from Corona, CA for graduating as Platoon Honorman at Marine Corps Bootcamp. Job extremely well done. (Courtesy photo)

A future Marine conducts pull-ups after Lt. Col. Misty Posey, guest speaker for the future Marine function with Recruiting Station Los Angeles, demonstrated pull-ups after teaching a class to future Marines about the importance of pull-ups, how to conduct a proper pull-up, and how to improve the performance and capabilities for pull-ups to meet Marine Corps fitness standards. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Marine Corps Recruiters from RSS Kennewick met legendary U.S Marine Corps Gen. James "Mad Dog" Mattis while participating in a Walk of Remembrance in the Tri-Cities. (Courtesy Photo)

Recruiting Station Los Angeles’ Commanding Officer Maj. Aixa R. Dones, leads future Marines on a motivational run during the quarterly future Marine function at the Sherman Oaks Park in Van Nuys, Calif., Sept. 10, 2016. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

Poolees from RSS Alaska hike Hatcher Pass, a 3,886 foot high mountain in the Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska. The poolees carried pieces of a pull-up bar to assemble it at the peak of the mountain. (Photo courtesy of Marine Corps Recruiting Alaska Facebook page)