The mission of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot is two-fold. First, it trains male recruits who have enlisted from the Eastern Recruiting Region, an area east of the Mississippi River. It also trains all female recruits from across the nation. Secondly, Parris Island is the headquarters of the Eastern Recruiting Region, which oversees the Corps' recruiting efforts at three district headquarters and 23 recruiting stations.

There are three recruiting districts east of the Mississippi. The 1st Marine Corps District is located in Garden City, N.Y., the 4th MCD is in Harrisburg, Pa., and the 6th MCD is headquartered at Parris Island.

Additionally, the Depot houses a school to train drill instructors and a Weapons and Field Training Battalion that serves not only Marines, but other services as well.

The Marine Corps Recruit Depot is located in the Southeastern corner of South Carolina's Low country within Beaufort County, 70 miles south of Charleston and 45 miles north of Savannah, Ga. Its 8,095 acres (of which 3,262 are habitable) are picturesque and sit only 20 feet above sea level.

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is home to Marine Aircraft Group 31, one of the largest F/A-18 aircraft groups, which includes approximately 4,200 Marines and Sailors working here. Its size, combined with MAG-31's reputation for tactical proficiency, has earned the Air Station the title "Fightertown."

The Air Station covers 6,900 acres within Beaufort County and controls an additional 5,200 acres at the Townsend Bombing Range in Macintosh County, Ga. This range is managed by the Georgia Air National Guard and provides Fightertown pilots the opportunity to train for air ground combat.

Naval Hospital Beaufort is located just off Ribaut Road, on the Beaufort River. It is approximately halfway between the Marine Corps Air Station and Parris Island. The Naval Hospital command consists of the Naval Base and two Branch Medical Clinics, one at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, and the other at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Located on the grounds of the Naval Hospital are 53 family housing units, two Bachelor Enlisted Quarters able to accommodate 190 residents, a Navy Exchange retail store, optical shop, vending machine courts, gas station and a mini-mart. This command also has a complete Public Works facility. Recreational facilities include: Special Services office, softball fields, swimming pool, lighted tennis and basketball courts, outdoor fitness court, fishing pier, children's playground, and a picnic area with sheltered barbecue sites.