Parris Island Drill Instructors — Embroidered Patch
The Makers of Marines
The Drill Instructor is the most feared, respected, and essential figure in the Marine Corps. At Parris Island, DIs transform undisciplined civilians into Marines through sheer force of will, professional expertise, and relentless dedication to the highest standards. This patch represents the Marines who wear the campaign cover.
Marine Corps Drill Instructors at MCRD Parris Island are hand-selected from the finest NCOs and Staff NCOs in the Corps. Graduates of the demanding Drill Instructor School at Parris Island, these Marines spend every waking hour training, mentoring, and forging recruits into Marines. The iconic campaign cover, or "Smokey Bear hat," is recognized worldwide as the symbol of the Marine Drill Instructor.
Perfect For:
All Marine Corps Drill Instructors past and present, Parris Island DI School graduates, recruit training veterans, and Marine Corps leadership heritage collectors.
Drill Instructors — The Backbone of the Corps.