My son is currently in the process of completing Marine boot camp at Parris Island. He began the Crucible on Thursday morning and if all goes well with the next 24 hours will graduate next week on the 20th. We want to get him something for graduation that is meaningful, yet useful. An initial thought was a watch, however, I've come to understand that that new Marines typically buy themselves a watch on base on liberty Sunday. Anybody thats been there and done this type thing have any suggestions on what might fit the bill for this type gift?

Congrats to your son and your family!

Both of our sons graduated from Parris Island and I can tell you from first hand experience that you might want to hold off and see what he might want after graduation. The watch is a good idea but he might have a particular watch in mind at this point or wait and see where he will be stationed first. I can't remember what we got them as gifts but I do remember telling myself we should have waited a little while after graduation. I will ask my sons what they would have liked and get back to you.

Congrats to you for raising a Marine and please thank him for his service.

I would also wait, see what his MOS will be, and wait for him to finish said training/schooling for it. Then you will have a better understanding of what would be useful for him.

MY older son suggested a custom engraved K bar but NOT with his rank on it

You can't go wrong with a quality multi-tool (gerber or leatherman). Junior enlisted Soldiers are expected to have one with them and they certainly come in handy. I can't imagine it being too different for a Marine.

It's okay to wait. We got ours a gift a little later.

A good knife. Maybe not a crazy expensive good knife, but a good solid knife.

A good knife isn't wrong.

I built an AR for my son.

He's returning from deployment soon, and I ordered a Beretta from PSA...should pick it up today.

Unfortunately on both counts, he's at Pendleton, and between draconian California firearms laws and the requirement to turn in firearms on base, he can't do much with either one except when at home.

I'm all for waiting if you like, but it's hard to see how anyone can beat a good knife.

quote:

Originally posted by PossibleZombie:
You can't go wrong with a quality multi-tool (gerber or leatherman). Junior enlisted Soldiers are expected to have one with them and they certainly come in handy. I can't imagine it being too different for a Marine.

This. We all bought one. I still have mine I got at the exchange at Pendleton.

Also give him our gratitude for his service.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
A good knife. Maybe not a crazy expensive good knife, but a good solid knife.

A Bark River Bravo 1 would make a great gift for a Marine.

K-Bar or Dress Blues, I think I did the Blues. He may chime in and correct the ole man if I'm wrong. Chris

quote:

Originally posted by PossibleZombie:
You can't go wrong with a quality multi-tool (gerber or leatherman). Junior enlisted Soldiers are expected to have one with them and they certainly come in handy. I can't imagine it being too different for a Marine.

They are? When did that become a thing?

If we had anything not authorized on us as the uniform of the day when I was in the Army, we were told to take it off.

I've given many KA-Bars to Marines. They are beasts and can take a beating. I love mine as well.

Congratulations proud dad!!! I would wait and maybe even ask him what he would like to have as his graduation gift. Then, if possible, have it personalized with his Initials, or name and his graduation date. Congratulations to both dad and son. Please tell him we thank him for his sevice.

Congrats!

Emerson Commander knife will serve him very well and also gain (positive) notice with his comrades.

I vote for a Busse or Winkler combat knife, those are bad-ass.

I’ve considered the same question, my son (junior in HS) is in the MJROTC and is planning on enlisting.

quote:

Originally posted by ChuckFinley:
Congrats!

Emerson Commander knife will serve him very well and also gain (positive) notice with his comrades.

Yeah. Mine gained enough notice in Mosul that it was stolen.

I would get him a quality (14K)dress ring with the corp emblem. Something he will keep for a lifetime.