MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Construction of two new “H-style” barracks, a recruit rehabilitation facility, several independent restrooms and upgrades to numerous depot facilities began full swing early this summer and are slated for completion within the next 18 months.
“It’s (the depot) a very old facility, constructed in the early 1920s, it’s aged and in definite need of a face lift,” said Paul Gerencser, assistant chief of staff, logistics, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and Western Recruiting Region. “Headquarters (Marine Corps) realized we needed to upgrade once the commandant’s Grow-the-Force initiative began, but there were many other reasons behind our current projects.”
These projects are part of a budget of $175 million awarded to the depot in support of the GTF initiative, which brought our forces to 202,000 active duty Marines, economic stimulus projects and Department of Defense contingencies, said Gerencser.
Once the upgrades are complete, the depot will have several new capabilities and uses in the case of national emergencies.
These uses include the DoD using the depot as a mobilization site for other military branches in case of a large war or a local disaster, said Gerencser.
“With extra facilities and the ability to convert several existing facilities, like the arcade into additional troop berthing, the depot’s grounds and facilities could provide a staging area for a lot of troops and gear prior to deployment to sea or a disaster area,” he said.
Once complete, the upgrades will allow the Corps to continue accomplishing its recruit training mission in the event of a debilitating disaster at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.
“The hurricane study we did in 2002 and (Hurricane) Katrina helped put the projects into motion,” Gerencser said. “The depot had to be able to house and train most of the recruits from Parris Island for an extended period of time if a hurricane rendered it unsuitable for training. This meant our antiquated facilities would need improvements soon.
Gerencser said the upgrades will enable the depot and Corps to produce quality fighting men and women for years after they are completed.
“It’s been identified by the DoD as an efficient and vital national asset, but soon, the depot will be placed on the map as a pristine, state-of-the-art facility,” said Gerencser. “The country will have a tremendous place to send young men to become Marines and protect the country for years and years to come.”