RULES AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
⚠️ Watch for Scam Pages & Groups
- Our official page has a verified blue checkmark, and our group has thousands of members.
- If a page or group has low follower or member counts, it is a scam.
- We will never ask for personal information or credit card numbers in a post or comment.
📌 Page Rules & Expectations
- Strict Negativity Policy: Negative, rude, or insulting comments will result in an immediate block. We did this for another base in the past, and literally one parent caused so much drama on Facebook that base officials made us stop posting. This page is a privilege, not a right—please help us keep comments positive so it stays available for everyone.
- No Direct Messages for Schedules/Requests: Please do not send messages asking when a specific company will be posted or requesting photos of individual recruits. Answering dozens of identical messages takes time away from editing and uploading photos! Leave post suggestions in the comments instead.
- Photo Sharing: You are welcome to share our photos to your personal Facebook or Instagram pages, but please do not modify the images or remove our watermark/logo. Do not share our photos outside of Facebook or Instagram.
- Algorithm Tip: Liking and commenting on our posts and individual photos helps ensure our updates show up in your news feed.
- Follow Us:
- Instagram: @recruittrainingphotography
- YouTube: @CorporalStock
📷 How Posting Works
- Equal Coverage: We track posting strictly and post the exact same number of photos for every single company.
- Main Page Frequency: Expect 1 free post per company once per phase (15 photos per post).
- Customer Group Perks: Pre-ordering the USB/Download grants access to our private customer group, where we post 20 photos per week plus a large 200-photo album posted one week before graduation.
- Search by Hashtags: Posts are tagged by graduation date and company using the format #MonDDYYYY(Company) (e.g., #Oct182024Echo). You can also search #RecruitTrainingPhotography or visit: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/(yourhashtag).
📦 Orders & Photo Products
- No Duplicate Orders: Recruits cannot order the 5,000+ photo USB/Download or the specific products sold online. Recruits can only order a small print package or a ~500-photo video slideshow covering early training.
- Do Not Tell Recruits "We Bought Everything": Recruits place orders early. Telling them not to order causes products we already paid to produce to go to waste, and causes them to miss out on yearbooks, custom items, and surprise gifts for family.
- Where to Order: MCRD Photography Training Photos
- Customer Service: (951) 240-5538 (Mon–Thu 9 AM–4 PM, Fri 9 AM–12 PM PT).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between ordering the USB vs. ordering the digital download?
A: The photos are the same (5,000+ images). The USB is physically shipped to you, while the download is emailed to you as a download link. You can download the files, put them on your own drive, and save on shipping costs.
Q: When will I get my photo USB/Download?
A: The photo USB ships in time for you to receive it while your Marine is home on leave. The download arrives via email around that same time.
Q: Why haven’t I seen any photos of my recruit yet? They arrived 2 weeks ago!
A: Every schedule is different, but it typically takes 2–3 weeks from arrival before the first training photos are taken. We do not photograph receiving. The day we take the first training photos, we will post them right away!
Q: My recruit is in Echo Company. Can you please look for them and post a photo for me?
A: We CANNOT hunt down individual recruits. If we spent our time searching for specific recruits among thousands of matching uniforms and haircuts, we wouldn't have time to post any photos at all!
Q: I know you said you can’t find specific recruits, but I REALLY miss him, his last name is Smith, he is in 1st Platoon, and it’s his dog’s birthday. His dog really wants to see a photo of him. Can you check?
A: Same answer—we still can’t hunt down individual recruits (even for the dog!). 😉
Q: I know you said no, but I have a very special situation. My son’s favorite clown fish died, and his girlfriend (the clown fish’s girlfriend) is very sad because she lost her mate. She told me that today. Do you have any idea how long it took me to learn to speak clown fish? It took years of hard studying and I’m glad I did because she said she doesn’t think she can continue living if you don’t post photos of my recruit right away. His name is Joe Smith and he’s definitely the most handsome recruit on base so you should be able to find him easily.
A: Same answer, we can’t hunt down individual recruits for you. 😉
Q: You posted this photo the other day (customer attaches photo)—can you tell me if this is my recruit?
A: If you cannot identify your own recruit in a photo, how could we? We've never met your recruit! (Yes, this happens often)
Q: Why do you post more photos of other companies than mine? I'm going to call the Senator and Attorney General!
A: LITERALLY every single company thinks we post more of every other company. We track our uploads meticulously and post the exact same amount for every single company (1 post per phase on the main page). Please do not threaten staff or stir drama—one parent making threats on Facebook got our photography program shut down at another base, ruining it for everyone.
Q: Why are you always posting the same recruits over and over again?
A: We don't intentionally favor anyone. Recruits in uniform and buzz cuts look remarkably alike. We once had two different moms get into a massive argument in the comments, each 100% positive a specific photo was her son. It turned out to be a completely different recruit unrelated to either of them. You might think you are seeing the same recruits over and over and it’s extremely likely they are different recruits.
Q: You are discriminating against my son because he’s not attractive! You only post photos of good looking recruits!
(Yes, this was an actual word-for-word message we received).
A: We do not evaluate recruits' looks, race, or appearance when selecting photos. Imagine how much extra work that would take—not to mention it's completely crazy!
Q: Why do we have to pay for photos instead of getting them for free from the military?
A: We are an independent, Service-Disabled USMC Veteran-Owned Small Business employing veterans and military spouses. Product sales are what fund our operations and allow us to provide free social media coverage.
Q: My recruit was injured and dropped to another company. Can you split my USB order between both groups?
A: We cannot split a single USB/Download between two different graduation cycles. However, we are happy to transfer your order to their new graduation company at any time prior to graduation.
Q: Does the yearbook contain ALL photos of my recruit’s company?
A: All military recruit yearbooks (dating back to my dad's in 1962 and mine in 1993) feature two sections: a static overview section depicting recruit training milestones, and a company-specific section. This structure allows us to deliver high-quality, permanent keepsakes at an affordable price.
Q: How can I order a yearbook?
A: Recruits can order yearbooks directly during training, so we suggest waiting to see what they ordered. If you want an extra keepsake copy for the family, you can order over the phone up to 2 weeks after graduation by calling (951) 240-5538.
