Old Marine Corps VS New Marine Corps

[hrscowboy]

Ok my old salty brothers lets tell these FNGs what the Old corps was really like compaired to there New Marine Corps.. Sound off you old salty dogs...

[RLeon]

ooh, ooh. I'll start..the Ol' Corps love sporting Jiffy Pop covers :evilgrin:

[Old Marine]

In what I consider the old Corps,they did not pass out stripes in the chow line. I was a three stripe Buck Sgt/E-5 Sgt for 10 years. If I hadn't voluntered for D.I. School and became a D.I. I would have more than likely retired as an E-5.

[drillinstructor]

the olsd Corps? Anyone born in 1775?

[hrscowboy]

Well hell what about these new guys not having to spit shine a shoe or boot anymore or shine brass or gettin there arse kicked when they arrived at the yellow foot prints. Or better yet The drill instructor kickin your ass up between your shoulders cause you messed up. What about crawling in the mud at ITR under live ammo being shot over your head and the old heavy pineapple grenades we had to throw 50 yards. and if you even looked wrong at a corporal your ass was grass.. Rank wasnt given out like it is today if you made Corporal in 4 years you was doing something. Now it seems in the New Corps when you graduate your promoted to PFC automatic.

[cajunguy]

Hey wait, hrscowboy. It gets better.

I personally know of one young man who made L/Cpl (E-3) straight out of MCRD. Seem to remember it took me almost three years to make E-3. http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/dontknow.gif (Of course I was one of the platoon s**t birds when I went through.)

Only ones who got PFC (E-2) out of boot back in 1961 were the squad leaders and Platoon Honorman, who also got a full set of "Blues".

It definitely ain't the same Corps I was born into.

But that being said, the "youngsters" coming out these days are definitely making us "Old Farts" proud. Keep the traditions going Jarheads.

Semper Fi. Get some.

[MillRatUSMC]

Old breed? New breed? There's not a damn bit of difference so long as it's the Marine breed.
General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC
All of us have some sea stories to tell, one I remember, about the first day at Recieving Barracks, we were taken to the Mess Hall and we were greeted by "You'll be sorry!" by other recruits.
Some just a week ahead of us.
To them we were the "new breed" and they were the "old breed".
Horror stories, we have those to tell. of how boot camp was way back than.
Having seen boot camp training in 2000, I found it a bit harder.
Some older Marines of our group said "geesh! I don't think that I could have done that!"
Yet they were "Old Corps" and they were viewing the "New Corps"
Rank was harder to make way back than, it got got a bit faster in Vietnam.
Many are holding to the standard that was past to them from Marines of our distant past.
We can't or we must never under-estimate what these Marines of today can accomplish.
My fellow Marine and friend Sgt. Ben is back CONUS dued to being wounded in Fallajah, Iraq.
He a outstanding example of the Non-Commission Officers of today Marine Corps
Doing away with spit-polish boots could not have come at a better time...all that sand would ruin all those boots.
I'm not sure about polishing the brass buckle, when you worried about staying alive, polishing your brass is way down on your piorities as it should be.
IMHO

Semper Fidelis/Semper Fi
Ricardo

[snipowsky]

Oh boy! Don't even get me started on this BS subject!

Chesty Puller said it best...

Old breed? New breed? There's not a damn bit of difference so long as it's the Marine breed.

http://69.20.65.168/images/smilechainsaw.gif Quit beating a dead dog! http://69.20.65.168/images/smilehammer.gif Ya hear me? http://69.20.65.168/images/smileafro.gif

P.S. And cajunguy WTF is wrong with Marine Corps s**tbirds? Nothing I say! I have a Marine Corps s**tbird tatted on my shoulder! I'm proud to be a Marine Corps s**tbird. Couldn't tell I was a s**tbird by my pro and con scores! But I was one at heart! lol Marine Corps s**tbirds are the best killers in the Corps! Didn't you know that? Known many s**tbirds who were rifle experts? I bet they all are or were at one time in their tour! I was a 2nd award expert!

[cajunguy]

Hey Snip.

Tain't a dang thing wrong with being a s**tbird. I was just admitting that I was (and according to my better half), still am.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/cajunguy/teehee.gif

And there were roughly 50 or so other s**tbirds in my "boot" platoon. That's why only five guys made E-2 leaving MCRD. Hell if the rest of had been as squared away as those guys, we would ALL have left with a stripe.

Besides - like you said - if a guy has to be a s**tbird, what better kind than a MARINE s**tbird, dontcha think? http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/cajunguy/YouDaMan.gif

[Ed Palmer]

Ok if you Ladies are through let me tell my side I left Diego a slick sleeve in 4-56 went to ITR at Pendleton made PFC in 7-56 went to 1st CSG which later became 1st FSR in 58 where I made the real rank of Corporal and I stayed there untill late 60 then I made Cpl all over again.
And I stayed in that Shxt bird rank untill 65 but only until I reuped for 6
and they gave me E5. hee from what I see now if you get a good conduct medal it come with a new rank or is that a sharpshotter medal
Anyway you used to have a 3.5 or better to even be considerd for promotion . I saw a gunny the other day without a hash mark how do they do that.. Anyway I stayed a Corporal for over 7 years.
the good thing about it was I was senior to everybody else in that rank
It was a great life and Damn I still miss it . Say did any of you guy get ihe inverted rough leather boots and boondockers at first issue and had three days to have them smooth and spit shined ?

[hrscowboy]

first of all gentlemen this thread was not to degrade our newer brothers this thread was and is about the changes that the new corps has compared to the old corps. these men and women are my brothers and sisters forever so i dont want anyone thinking that i am degrading Them because there New Corps. I would allow any of you to back my six in a heartbeat and you can bet i would come running to yours if need be.

[wsimkins]

I guess I am one of the "New Breed" since I went through PI in 1982. Although we did have to break down the leather and have them spit shined and keep them that way. We never got struck by the DI's, but I had never heard such language and the kept us scared s**tless all the time. We still did ICT as part of boot camp. Being "New Breed" I still think we did a heck of a job in Beruit, Grenada, Monrovia Liberia and the Pursian Gulf. I survived, have the National Defense and 3 awards Armed Forces Expeditionary, not to mention Combat Action and and a few others. Now I look at our young men & women in Iraq and Afganistan and this, "New Breed" Marine, is very proud of my fellow "New Breed" Marines. Our modern Marines are doing one H*ll of a job over there! I am just as proud of the Old Corps Marines for passing their knowledge and experience to us so we could pass that on to the newbies. They may not get their A**es stomped in boot camp and they may not spit shine their brass, but they are kicking some A** in the war on terror.

Last Saturday I attended a memorial service for the first local man killed in Iraq. He wasn't a Marine, but an Army Dog. He gave his life for his country and that's all that matters. I am proud of ALL our troops for their sacrifice and hard work.

Bottom line, a Marine is a Marine, is a Marine, is a Marine! It doesn't mean a d**ned thing what era you come from, your heart is still in the same place.

[yellowwing]

All Marines were celebrities back in the 80's. President Reagan had restored our National Dignity, and all Americans were Gung Ho. His strength and leadership held everyone together and Patriotism reigned free.

The old woodland camouflage utilities looked like Crayola compared to the new digitized field uniforms.

The M16-A2 was just starting to reach the Fleet and Rear Echelons.

Our boots were still constantly spit shined, but anodized brass was the norm.

Senior SNCOs still had informal school circles on the Soviet threat and their strategies and tactics.

We served with Gunnery Sergeants and LtCol's that wore Vietnam ribbons and awards.

The US Dollar was worth 200 Japanese Yen. Marines rotating back from Iwakuni and Okinawa brought back huge quantities of the latest electronic entertainment.

18 year old Marines could still buy a beer at the E-Club. And the local girls couldn't wait to come out and flirt with us!

It was sweet! :marine:

[A. Schwartz]

In my time in the Corps I've seen many changes in equipment and weapons but one thing remained constant - The Marine -As an old Colonel once told me, "the old Corps was yesterday and today is half gone".

[tommydawg]

A Marine is a Marine! Old Corps, or New Corps. When I see that young Marine in uniform all I see is Pride and Tradition. He wears the Globe and Anchor just the same as you and me! He is doing the same job you and me were trained to do, defend our Country and our Corps. Marine Corps is forever!

[LivinSoFree]

Yellowwing, you almost make it sound like... FUN!

[hrscowboy]

I used to love watching the weekend warriors get there ass kicked in and told by the di all your trying to do is ruin my marine corps.. talk about funny them poor drill instructors had no idea that one day it would mostly be reservists joining the Corps and women and men coming in the Corps for 6 year hitches... I could remember gysgt alley screaming at the reservists My Marine Corps dont just fight on Weekends so your all gonna die while your here.

[Old Marine]

Ed Palmer:

I was issued the old rough boots and the short boondockers. Didn't have to shine the boondockers and used a coke bottle on the rough boots to smooth them before polishing. The boondockers were the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. We worn them in the shower and went out for drill with them wet to break them in. We had the small grinder by the airport fence and very seldom saw the large grinder.

[Namvet67]

hrscowboy...looks like this thread has hit a few nerves. Almost everday in boot camp was like a day in hell. I was in the best shape of my life when I got to boot camp. I maxed out all the PT tests and made it through in the least amount of time. Yep..we got hit..we got cussed at..we got abused..we had to push it to failure most of the time..I've seen recruits injured and sent to sick bay only to recover and be picked up by another platoon. I've seen recruits go to motivation and corrective custody. I had a couple in my platoon that had been in camp for over 9 months. Maybe it was different then...they were just looking for bodies to send to Vietnam. Maybe the Drill Instructors of today have to deal with some things that ours did not. Some of the comments from the new Marines about how bootcamp was not that tuff may be due the fact that they are still in the Corps and don't want to step on any toes. New Corps..Old Corps..The making of a Marine may be different today..maybe not..maybe its all relative. I respect all Marines..new and old..how ever they got that title..they are still part of my family. My hat is off to the Drill Instructors of yesterday and today. Semper Fi

[hrscowboy]

Thats why i said earlier in one of my comments this thread was not and is not to be decrading to any Marines we all made the grade no matter if it was the Old corps ways or the New Corps ways. There is not a Marine around that i wont cover his six if he needs it. I was hoping to hear what changes have been made from Bootcamp that we had gbudd to what I call the New Marine corps bootcamp... I guess what i need to do is take a trip back to MCRD and see it for myself..

[Sgt Morales, AM]

Even though I have only been in the Corps for 5 years, I have seen many changes. "My old Corps" had the woodland cami's with beige web belts with the brass buckle. Now, we have these crazy digital things that don't require an iron. I loved to iron my cami's, especially ironing in that crease on the pant leg. It looked sharp! We have also developed martial art training (tae kwon do). We have different degrees and different color belts.

Regardless of what is happening, has happened, or will happen...I am proud of my service!

[femalemarine_89]

Well I have to say that no matter what ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE. I have seen some good Marines these days and I have seen some "****birds" as well. I have to say that I do hate the digital cammies though. I still have all my uniforms hanging in the spare room closet all iby color.. My husband thinks I am crazy to pack that stuff away.. I told him he can pack it away when I am dead and gone.. and I get a (sigh) in return..

[cajunguy]

hrscowboy wrote: "I guess what i need to do is take a trip back to MCRD and see it for myself...



hrscowboy, if you've never taken that trip back, you owe it to yourself to do it.

Twenty (?) years after I stood on the grinder for my graduation, I was honored AND privileged to return to see my son graduate.

It is an experience unlike any other. (There my eyes go sweatin' again, just thinking about it.)

Even if it isn't for one of your kid's graduation, you (and every other Marine) owes it to him/her self to go back at least once in their lifetime to see it from a different perspective. I can guarantee you'll leave standing a few inches taller than when you got there.

Semper Fi.

[femalemarine_89]

That actually sounds like a neat idea. I have thrown it around for awhile to go to PI.. I have a friend that was a DI down there and never made it there as we are all the way out in washington state. But I will have to go to PI and check it out after all these years and see how it has changed or if it has changed..

[Walter]

I have always wondered if the old corps was when we had Service numbers instead of Social Security numbers. We had trouble in our Platoon 285, 2nd Bat, 1965, from a couple of a**wipes that had 3 of our DI's relieved of duty because of mal treatment. They had faked being fags and decided to have their parents contact outside powers- to- be, to get an investigation done to have our Senior and 2 Jr. DI's relieved. The entire platoon was ****ed at these a**holes because they could not hack it and opted to Pu**y out. It still makes me angry thinking about it!
I do have to admit that bootcamp then was a hell of a lot more down and to the point than what I've heard of recently from New Marines. I was fortunate enough to make PFC out of boot camp as a squad leader. It took patience, hard work and the ability to take direct orders without questions. I took a few blows at times because I did not do a column half right properly, being a fourth squad leader.

Once a Marine, Alway A Marine....

God Bless All Marines, both new and old!

Semper Fi......

[hrscowboy]

yep i can remember those service no. hell i never forgot mine and still use it alot on pass codes and sorts... yeah those was the good ole days..

[Osotogary]

Cajunguy,
As I parent I would love to experience Parris Island with my Marine son if he ever decides to visit. I would like to meet his Drill Instructors. I even have visions of me walking through the Crucible Coarse (you notice I said walking). I'd even try to take the "O" Course....as long as I wasn't timed. LOL
Heck, I was my oldest sons' Uki (the judoka being thrown) during his Black Belt test at the age of fifty-two, I might as well try not to embarras myself going through the Parris Island Coarse.
A dream perhaps? Yep, but it might be doable.
Who knows...stranger things have happened.

[hrscowboy]

Theres an idea wonder how we could all go through that crucible course as ostogary said walk thru it wonder if they new all of are marines they would let us do that....

[hrscowboy]

lets get sparrowhawk workin on this for us..

[braeden]

hard to say....my old man spent 30 years in.....he's serious Old Corps, he got out I got in.....from what I have heard from him, the Old Corps rawks! The Boot Camp stories alone would scare the ****e outta you.......and somehow they always start out....."so me and my buddies were drinking right..."

LOLOLOLOL....my old man rawks.

[braeden]

Originally posted by Walter
I have always wondered if the old corps was when we had Service numbers instead of Social Security numbers. We had trouble in our Platoon 285, 2nd Bat, 1965, from a couple of a**wipes that had 3 of our DI's relieved of duty because of mal treatment. They had faked being fags and decided to have their parents contact outside powers- to- be, to get an investigation done to have our Senior and 2 Jr. DI's relieved. The entire platoon was ****ed at these a**holes because they could not hack it and opted to Pu**y out. It still makes me angry thinking about it!
I do have to admit that bootcamp then was a hell of a lot more down and to the point than what I've heard of recently from New Marines. I was fortunate enough to make PFC out of boot camp as a squad leader. It took patience, hard work and the ability to take direct orders without questions. I took a few blows at times because I did not do a column half right properly, being a fourth squad leader.

Once a Marine, Alway A Marine....

God Bless All Marines, both new and old!

Semper Fi......


LOL.....We had a couple of navy guys pull that while we were on float.....the Captain locked them in the grunt berthing. no feces. needless to say, they stayed on pump.

[LivinSoFree]

I'll tell ya, I loved seeing all the "red hats" as the DIs called them while I was still on the island as a recruit. Esp. at Leatherneck Square... I'd catch a snippet of conversation that had a faint tone of respect and admiration in it... motivated me, that's for sure.

Unfortunately though, the Crucible Ops area is closed to visitors during family day and grad day, and I suspect most other times... though I bet with a little pull it'd be possible to get a "special" tour... I'd actually be very interested to walk the Crucible with some of you older Marines and get some thoughts on the Island as a whole... hey... how about a Reunion in Beaufort?

[Toby M]

breaden...that's pretty cool of you to say that about your father. I bet he would be proud as heck to read this! Sounds like a chip off the old block!!!

[albert torcini]

I WAS IN PLT 261 1964 AT PI. MY SERIAL # WAS 2096936. WHAT DOES THIS MAKE ME OLD CORPS OR NEW CORPS.BY THE WAY I SPOKE TO MY OLD DRILL INSTRUCTOR TODAY,HE RETIRED A MAJ GENERAL.HIS NAME IS WAYNE ROLLINGS.I TOLD HIM I REMEMBERED HIM WHEN HE WAS AN E-4. HE NOW LIVES IN TEXAS AND HIS SON IS A CAPT. WITH FORCE RECON STATIONED IN IRAQ.(ON HIS 2ND TOUR).JUST THOUGHT I'D PASS IT ON.

SEMPER FI TO BOTH OLD AND NEW

[hrscowboy]

braeden you need to get dad in here with all of us...

[femalemarine_89]

My dad was in the Corps way back when. I remember sitting around listening to him tell his stories and man to this day he can still tell them about way back then. He also has a friend that is out of the Corps but always goes by the name of Gunny. So when I first met him a few years ago I remember sitting in the livingroom of my dads house and listening to him tell his old war stories and everything else and to tell the truth that went on for a good 6 hrs.. I finally fell asleep on the couch listening to his stories.. Gunny always says that the reason he told me the stories was so that I could understand the difference in when he was in the Corps and when I was in the Corps.

[hrscowboy]

yep you should have learned something like men rule and women drool...

[femalemarine_89]

Naw that isnt even close hrscowboy.. I tend to remember that when a hot chick walks past you guys that you are the ones that are drooling soo bad that you need a baby bib.. LOL

[Toby M]

She got you on that one Hrs...

[hrscowboy]

No as a matter of fact i am married to a lady that is 28 years younger..

[femalemarine_89]

LOL.. you know im just picking on ya hrscowboy.. you know you have to sling it right back when its slung at you so that is what im doing :D.. no harm done ;)

[Namvet67]

Walter..you made a good point....When did the old Corps end and the new Corps begin. I had a service number issued to me as well (1967)...when did they start using social security numbers? I know a lot of recruits who paid the price because they could not remember their service number. I guess thats not a problem now because everyone knows their own social security number.

[hrscowboy]

gbudd they issued me a serial no in march of 69 and when i went to danang june of 69 they changed it to a social security no. man that was confusing for a while some office pougee would ask for your serial no and you would say which one...

[hrscowboy]

albert if you was issued a serial no and not your social security no when you enlisted your old corp my friend...

[Namvet67]

I bet that was hrscowboy...I kept my service number until I was discharged in 1972. I was in and around Danang from 1967 to 1970...no contact with me about the change.

[jinelson]

I also was issued a service number in Nov 67 and was one thet paid dearly for getting it confused with my rifle number so I eventually got it tatooed on my arm. I think they switched to social security numbers in 70 but I was told to use my service no. until I was honorably dicharged. My discharge has both numbers seperated by a slash after my name and rank. But I never really considered myself old Corps as I have too many memories of the old salts calling me a boot.

[Namvet67]

Well I guess the Marines had a lot going on in those days. My number was issued in either Oct 1966 or Feb 1967. I went on the 120 day delay program. I have no mention of a social security number on my discharge document. jjnelson...I think we are old salts now but I sure don't feel like one.

[jinelson]

Yeah me niether I may not be able to do as well in the PFT but I can still ding with my weapon. Old or New Corps I am one proud Marine.

[Toby M]

I went in in May of 67 and was issued a service number (222...) and when I got out in May of 71, I still had my service number. No mention was ever made of a change and I quite honetly, never even knew they had changed over. To this day, I have no trouble remembering it...Those of us Viet Nam era guys/gals were issued a 7 series number. Anybody know when they went over six number series? Early sixties or Korea?

[Namvet67]

Toby...you came in after me and my service number starts with 223 and you are right...it's hard to forget that number. The numbers were probably issued by the state you were from..rather than the date of enlistment.

[hrscowboy]

my service no. started with 253 and it was a total of 7 numbers..

[cajunguy]

I got mine (182****) in 1961. Damn, guess that classifies me as "Old Corps" by all you "youngins".

And yes, I do remember the whole number. (My M1 Garand serial number has eluded me though. Waaaaay too many years ago.)

[Sgted]

I was issued a 2111*** (7 numbers) in 1965.
I always wondered where the guy with the next number was from.
If these service #'s were issued by States (I doubt it) then the guy has to be from NJ.
I think the numbers issued had nothing to do with states. Anyone know the straight scoop ?.
From 65 thru late 71 I never had my social security number associated with any orders, etc.
My rifle number ?. I've totally forgotten.

[greybeard]

Old Corps-New Breed. Interesting subject that has probably been discussed since the 2nd recruit walked out of Tun Tavern. Depends I guess what you're comparing it with.
Fallujah vs Guadacanal?
Grenada vs Chosin?
Kuwait vs Khe Sahn?
Hue vs Belleau Wood?

No comparison. Each was it's own set of circumstance. But the world has changed, not so much The Corps. The world learned a hard lesson-actually, the world was taught a valuable lesson. Don't even ATTEMPT to take on the US Marines in a head on fight. Today's Corps has to fight under an extremely difficult set of guidelines and rules of engagement that would make older generations just shake their heads in disbelief. In that aspect, today's Marines actually may have it tougher.

MCRD still does what it's supposed to do. Turn the recruit into a Marine-period. They still teach 'Once a Marine-Always a Marine'. Every Marine a Rifleman'. The basics.

Becoming that finely honed lean green killing machine comes later. Passed down by those who came before-veterans of combat. As the Korean vets taught my generation of Marines, so the Vietnam Marines teach those of today. A never ending-never forgotten cycle. They teach tactics, secrets for survival, all sorts of things. The most important thing the older Marines pass on is a sense of awe for what they accomplished. My generation looks back on Chosin and thinks- "I can't even imagine how they survived, much less fought their way out." Tomorrows Marine will look back on Fallujah and think "How did they do it?" One thing's for certain tho.

Eventually, the world will have a 'hard set'- a reboot of sorts. A power somewhere, someday, somehow, is going to circumvent modern technology. Perhaps nuclear in nature. The aftermath is going to require a 'in the mud and blood' fighting force. Maybe not in my lifetime-maybe not in my grandchildren's lifetime, but it's going to happen. And when it does, that generation of Marines is going to step up without hesitation and do what Marines have always done. They are gonna kick ass on a global scale. I don't neccessarily mean on a worldwide scale, but on a scale so intense the world is going to look and say once again-"Leave those mean green sob's alone!!"
That's my take on this subject.

[Namvet67]

Hey greybeard...best post on this thread. It sounds like you really put some thought into it. Nothing more to add to that. O U T S T A N D I N G MARINE.

[Abe's]

Here I was about ready to regale you all with my crusty sea stories, perhaps not as crusty as you old timers. But I do not want to bore anybody; however, it dawned on me how I would rather say this.

There is no such thing, nor do I believe in; Ol' Corps/New Corps. Rather, I think of it as "Their Corps". Each and everyone of you who have served are a part of the building blocks of the foundation of today's Marines, good or bad, rain or shine. They are taking your Ol' experiences and making their own experiences and improving on them. It is what makes our Corps great. We are a living, breathing, organism that keeps evolving, so much so, that in the mid-90's the Asst. Sec. of the Army, Sarah Lister described the Marines as being "extremist" to an audience. Naturally, with much public outcry she gave her resignation to Clinton.

I watched my eldest son graduate from MCRD in San Diego two years ago this month, tears are welling as I type this now, from both pride and fear. He is now serving in Iraq with two of his close friends, both of which we also know well. And when I watched the graduation of those young Marines, I knew the Corps was O.K. And they would do us proud. And so when my Marine Son writes to his mom, he always ask, "How's Crusty" and my chest swells with pride that comes with a knowing smile.

In closing, if you have not done so already, may I suggest a book titled; Making the Corps, by Thomas E. Ricks.

Heres one of my favorite lines, "They are more open than the Army tends to be; the average Marine lance corporal speaks with more self-confidence to a reporter than does the average Army captain."

[hrscowboy]

hell yes sgt maj you have my vote any day.. and tell your son our prayers are with him and we back him 110 % semper Fi

[Namvet67]

Outstanding post...sgt maj. Semper Fi to you and your son.

[JIM PATTEN]

Just read all of your posts and only Old Marine, has been in the Corp before I was. D*mn, I am older then I thought I was. My serial no. is 1519--4 Sir !

What was the Corp like in 1955 !!!
15 week boot camp ( guess we were a little slow on the uptake)
M-1 rifle's-- (straight shooters)
Never saw a set of camouflage utilities, ours were green until we washed or soaked in salt water until they were darn near white.
If you were aboard ship you could sometimes run a rope thru the leg or sleeve and toss overboard for a while. I was on 13 different ships.
Ate "C" rations packed in 1942 (3 hamburgers or sausage patties packed in lard) + little can of jellly mixed in, was a delight.
Cigarettes packed in "C" rats were Chesterfield and Old Gold . they had been in there so long that the tobacco fell out when you took them from the package. No filters on cigarettes then. A lot of you have never seen Chesterfields or Old Golds have you ?
Spit shined boots and shoes. Shoes with double soles
Shined brass belt buckle - shined brass on leather rifle sling - shined brass on duty belt- we even shined the brass ties on our lace up boots. Hell we just plain GLOWED. The bad guys couldn't get a fix on us due to the glare.
When we thought of the OLD CORP, then, they were the Marines that wore the leather "SAM BROWNIE" belt with their winter greens.
The older Marines, I served with wore WW II and Korea ribbons. Korea had just ended.
Shirt sleeves were Never-Never worn rolled up.
No crossed rifles on insignia.
No Lance/CPL rank.
Our packs were much smaller then today.
My God, you young guys always look like the hunchback of N. Dame with all of the gear that you have to lug with you.
You have my Admiration !!!
Isn't it odd the things you remember. That was 50 years ago. I am 67 now. I was 10 days out of high school when I arrived at boot camp.
Hell of a shock--I want to tell you.
Man, I had never been anywhere or seen anything in my life, beyond the turnip patch.
Remembering the OLD CORP today, I think of my oldest son's father-in law. Ronald Johnson, member of "H" CO. 3RD BATT. 5TH MARINE REGIMENT. Ron and his platoon went up a hill in Korea, to hold the hill against the Chinese, one night When the fight was over Ron and 5 others left the hill, that they had held until relieved. They were all that was left of the platoon. RON JOHNSON--OLD CORP--ALL MARINE. Ron passed away a couple of years ago, due to cancer, but I am glad to introduce him to all of you today, as we look back on what was, when.
I am so DAMN PROUD to be associated with all of you MARINES young or old.

Semper Fi

[Ed Palmer]

Well I dont consider myself an old salt but my service number was
158---2 , hell right now I am just getting old I think

[hrscowboy]

yep ssgt your old you just dont want to admit it hahahahaha..

[danjate]

there sure is a lot of things i don't agree w/ in the now modern Corps. i really do not agree w/ the disession to take away the pride of looking so sharp in your cammies, i know that i'm probaby one of the newest "new Corps" ones on this thread, but i'll tell you that i would have given anything to be born a few decades earlier to see what it was like. proud now and would have been proud then.

on another note the crucible wasn't bad, but **** we didn't have to go thru Viet Nam like you old farts, but Nam was the crucible 1000 times worse, and for that i always give respect to any Marine that has combat under his crusty old or striaght out of the box belt

[hrscowboy]

danjate what do you mean the decison to take away the pride of looking so sharp in your cammies??? Does the corp not require you to have starched utilites anymore?? damn did they do away with that too..

[danjate]

they sure did no more creases, i think it looks like the navy in there utilities all nasty, you should never take away how good a Marine looks, thats one thing that makes them stand out from the rest

[hrscowboy]

damn i didnt know that my brother thats a mind blower of course everything i hear about the corps anymore blows me away...

[danjate]

granted i've only been out for a couple of years but from the years that i was in and now out, to much has changed.

one thing i heard of was recriuts have what they call a stress card to throw in the DI face to say thats enough, don't know if thats true or not, maybe its another branch?

[hrscowboy]

stress card ?? omg

[danjate]

i'm not sure about that one will have to ask one of the "newer Marines"

[LivinSoFree]

No... no stress cards here Cpl. Boot ain't changed THAT much. And to be honest, while I can understand the resistance to the new cammies, I personally like them. They still look good, and a nice tight-@$$ sleeve roll still will make you look sharp in warmer climates. Additionally, they're functional. You don't want to starch or whatnot your cammies because if you're out there, and someone's got NVGs, you glow like a neon sign because of the optical brighteners and UV reactive materials (same reason you don't use off the shelf detergent to wash them). Cammies are supposed to be a utility uniform, and in that respect, the new ones far surpass the old cammies.

[danjate]

yeah i catch your drift on the new cammies, i'm not sure you wore the old cammies they looked sharp all crisp and clean, they gave that distinct Marine look to them that no one else had

[cajunguy]

Darn, didn't have cammies when I was in. It was sateen green utilities for us. Oops, there I go, telling my age again.

Think I still have a couple of sets in my seabag somewhere. (Can't believe I still have that thing. Got out in '68.) Maybe my wife is right about me being a pack rat.

Just hard to let go of some things.

[danjate]

no i think every Marine still one or all of his/hers uniforms
just don't want to let go

[hrscowboy]

i still have my green utilites and my cameo from nam hell i thought they where still using them until the other day i saw this new ones on a marine. digital i think they called them

[yellowwing]

Sateens! Yeah, that's definately Old Corps! Our Corps! Hard Corps, United States Marine Corps!

In 83-89 our utilities had the new coating supposedly design to cut down on UV/IR signatures. And starch was supposed to kill that material effectivness.

I don't know what our first shooter Brothers in Force Recon et. al. did, (maybe they purchased extra sets), but we still starched the hell out of our utilities.

Except for one sh*t bird. He had a perfect uniform like the rest of us, but he refused to iron and starch the left pocket with the Eagle Globe and Anchor.

He couldn't even keep his hair cut properly. That is until an NJP took away half his pay for two months. Then he was properly motivated to spend $20 a month on regulation haircuts.

[Art Petersn]

1567697
JIM PATTEN you went in just a head of me. Oct 30, 1955.

Like Ed, I think I'm getting older but at this age you can't be sure

[Abe's]

Originally posted by LivinSoFree
No... no stress cards here Cpl. Boot ain't changed THAT much. And to be honest, while I can understand the resistance to the new cammies, I personally like them. They still look good, and a nice tight-@$$ sleeve roll still will make you look sharp in warmer climates. Additionally, they're functional. You don't want to starch or whatnot your cammies because if you're out there, and someone's got NVGs, you glow like a neon sign because of the optical brighteners and UV reactive materials (same reason you don't use off the shelf detergent to wash them). Cammies are supposed to be a utility uniform, and in that respect, the new ones far surpass the old cammies.

Good job PFC, I'm impressed. And to add to that and if my memory serves me right; our beloved Corps stepped out on its own to aquire cammi's which would clearly blend in with its surrounding. Although, the poplins and woodlands served its purpose, I think the digi's are by far surperior.

[Timber]

Danjate, if you were wearing those "rip-stop" camies you had no choice but to starch them, otherwise they looked like s***. I just had them clean and hung 'em up for inspection. Wore the heavier woodland material, pressed them once and the creases stayed.

Would like to get ahold of a set of digitals though. And yes I still have all my uniforms too.

[Toby M]

I still say that nothing says "sharp" like a Marine in starched utilites, squared away cover over a "high and tight" and spit shined boots...

[yellowwing]

I still say that nothing says "sharp" like a Marine in starched utilites, squared away cover over a "high and tight" and spit shined boots...
Ain't 'dat 'da truth! In MCLB Albany we had to go to Fort Benning for our annual rifle quals. Of course they gave us the sh*ttiest barracks, because they knew we'd leave them cleaner than we found them.

That was always the first order of our business. Squaring away our quarters. We were lucky to have running water.

Anyways, we were outside the chow hall one late afternoon. Across the compound comes 3 Recon Marines. A little LT and two GIANTS right behind him, with their scuba pins and gold jump wings gleaming in the south Georgia sunshine!

Just their bearing and command presence made us all snap to attention and render a sharp hand salute!

[naclyknine]

The Corps ain't what it used to be, and it never was.

Got that from a SgtMaj.

I was active duty 'bout 30 years ago now...but to many of my older brother Marines, I'm a snot nosed boot. The new kids may have a few "luxuries" we didn't, but I reckon a Lance Corporal carrying a piece in Fallugia right now would feel pretty equal to his brothers that visted Huay City. I reckon the boys in WWII that landed on those Pacific Islands during the Island hoping campaign might have historical bragging rights for who had it worse...But Valor under fire is Valor baby. My cover's off to the young ones that carry our legacy. My cover's off to the "old Corps" too. Whomever they may be.

Semper Fi

[mrbsox]

Originally posted by Toby M
I still say that nothing says "sharp" like a Marine in starched utilites, squared away cover over a "high and tight" and spit shined boots...

Wonder what 'mama-san' and 'honcho' are doing for money now that starch and polish are gone ??

[kentmitchell]

One of my JUNIOR DI's, Marlin Hill, was a buck sgt. (e-4) with three hashmarks. He looked like he was about 50, had WWII and Korean War ribbons.
Hill used to make us pray for war every night so he could "go win a Congressional and get free beer at the slope shute every night."
Among other things, he taught us about carrying a rolled up Newsweek or Time magazine on liberty. And showed us how to use it as a weapon.
Great Marine. This was in '56. To me, I'm still a boot because Sgt. Hill was the REAL Old Corps.

[Hiram325]

IMHO, the only thing about the Corps that changes is the weapons and equipment. Marines are the same as we ever were. If Chesty Puller said that the only thing that mattered to him was that it is the Marine Breed, that's good enough for me. Semper Fi!

[woodman]

LMAO at Sgt Hill. sounds like my dad. he made PFC 3 times using that theory LOL. third generation Marine and my youngest son will make it 4 generations in July. Lost an uncle at Iwo Jima, Grandfather survived Batan death march, and my dad survived Korea so each one of us has been the new breed but were all the Marine breed like Chesty.

[kentmitchell]

BTW, I really like this new bunch. They fight real good.
What do the bad Iraqis call them? Death Angels? Angels of Death?
Doncha just love it?

[hrscowboy]

i thought it was angels of death man you gotta love em..

[OLE SARG]

My New Breed Grandson (Brandon) just found out he'll be headed to Iraq in April. He's a 3500 so I'll be worried sick about him. He's a third generation Jarhead and has wanted to be a Marine since he started walking. I'm damn proud of him but just hate to see him go into harm's way. He says he's ready to go.

I think I said that when I headed to Vietnam the first time but I was really scared s#$@less. In fact I was scared when I went back over the second time.

Well, enough of my babbling - I wish a Happy New Year to all my brothers and sisters out there - GOD BLESS

SEMPER FI
OLE SARG

[Namvet67]

Ole Sarge..Your grandson is doing what he wants to do. As a combat veteran, you know what is going through his mind. Marines are trained to go into harms way and get into the fight. He has to do this...otherwise he will always be wondering...could I really hold up and be a United States Marine under fire. I was scared the 1st,2nd and 3rd time I went into combat...but I don't have to wonder...could I make it in a real combat situation. I'll say a prayer for your grandson as well as all the young men and women out there serving our county and fighting for our flag. Semper Fi and Happy New Year to you. gbudd

[hrscowboy]

well my brothers i will be the first to say i was scared to death when i got off the freedom bird in danang in Aug 69 hadnt even been in country 30 minutes and the base got hit with rockets that was a rude awakening trying to find a damn foxhole or a bunker to get in and not knowing where they where people was running all over the place.

[jinelson]

Ole Sarg I dont think that anyone who served in the Nam wasent scared ****less twenty four seven I know I was and also like you I was on my second tour also. I am proud of your grandson and will pray for him as I do for all of our forces. Is he a driver or mechanic the trucks seem to be as popular a traget as they were in Nam. I was a 3531 myself.

[jernimvj]

Listen up Ladies!

The Marine Corps has carried out its mission since 1775. I did my time from 1969-1979, and my son is currently a Marine. When I saw him graduate from boot camp at Parris Island, I was so proud that I thought my chest would burst. Chesty said it best, "New breed, old breed, just as long as it is the Marine breed".

My son was wounded in Iraq last August in the An bar province and lost his eye sight. Let me tell you something "Devil Dogs", he like myself says that if he could do all over again he wouldn't change a thing".

Semper Fi!

[Don Faria]

When I was in there was no GeeDunk, we had the Slop Chute, no boots, we had the roughout boodockers and leggings, steel helmets with camo covers, M1 Garands, B.A.R, M2 Carbines, and of course the belt fed machine guns. We had cordovan leather belts with big brass buckles. I still would rather see a Marine in dress greens on liberty, but all I see anymore are cammies. Just my $.02 worth...

[Sgtj]

Well said jernimvj, well said. Give my thanks to your son. Its Marines like you, that make me proud to be a U.S. Marine. Semper Fidelis.

[Joseph P Carey]

When Tunn's Tavern first started the recruitment of Marines, there was one man to see the officer.

The first Marine went up to the officer, and he made his mark on the papers of enlistment, and he went outside to sit, and he waited as he was ordered to do so. After twenty minutes of sitting and waiting, a second man came out, and he sat besides the first Marine.

The second Marine looked at the first, and he said, "Looks like it will be plenty tough!"

The first Marine looked at the ground, and he than stood up in front of the second Marine, and while towering over the second, he said, "Let me tell you how it was in the Old Corps, Boot!"

It is good to know that things have not changed since 1775.

[Ed Fleming]

I went through Parris Island in 1955. I've been back to visit at least five times, but it was almost forty years before I made my first return visit and I noticed a lot of changes, right away. On one of my Command Visits, I had the pleasure of having a long talk with General Hoare and I stated to him, at that time, that I noticed the changes, but felt that they were for the better and that the Marines graduating at taht time were far better than those of my era. The required education and the physical changes are only a couple of things, but these new Marines are just far superior to my era. Look at what they are doing in the deserts and tell me that they aren't outstanding !!!

[paul g fleming]

how about 1952 -1972

[Gy7ras]

I don't know if I was in the old Corps but, my first duty station was with Charlie Company 1st Battalion 28th Marines 5th MarDiv at San Mateo, Camp Pendleton around June of 1969.

Most of us non-rates walked because we couldn't afford cars. Seems like those coming back from Nam who had saved their cash came back and bought cars, althought I think you had to be an NCO to do that. I remember a lot of Road Runners and Super Bees being the car of choice.

I remember seeing PFC's with Hash Marks that didn't have any trouble in their first enlistment! We also had liberty cards and inspections before libo.

They looked for things like shirts with collars, belts on our trousers, socks, haircuts, cleaned saved and finger nails, and of course we couldn't wear blue jeans and that was for libo.

I remember the Field Marching Pack, Marching Pack, Field Transport Pack, Transport Pack and Light Marching Pack. We still did dry net training and a lot of Amphib landings.

We'll anyway my brain housing group just locked up so I'll stop here!

Gy7ras

[hrscowboy]

Yep gunny your old corps alright no doubt about it ...

[OLE SARG]

I did my time from 1961 - 1970 with two (2) tours in Vietnam. My first duty station was 7th Engineers in 29 Stumps. My son is a Marine and did his time (7 years). I have a Grandson in Camp Lejeune getting ready to go to the big sandbox. Me, my Son and Grandson are all Hollywood Marines.

Jernimvj, I know what you mean when you say you were proud. I, too, had that feeling. Makes you proud to see a tradition carried on by your kids and grandkids.

SEMPER FI,
OLE SARG

[Gy7ras]

OLD SARG!

I know what you mean also. I didn't have any children or grandkids follow me in the corps, but three of my brothers are former jardheads (all Vietnam vets and era vets). My older brother did two tours in Nam, I only did one but it was enough. We were all Hollywood Marines too. Time sure flies when you're having fun!!

Gy7ras

[Arlene Horton]

Guess I qualify as "old Corps" since my service number was six numbers starting with 703___ and I was sworn in in July 1952. Of course, I went to Parris Island since I am female and after reading all these threads I am so very proud of all the Marines, no matter which year they served. We are all trained to be the best and this carries on throughout most of our lives. Our family had several Marines and outnumbered the soldiers who served. My brother, his first wife', my female cousin, her husband; my daughter's first husband's father; my husband and of course, me! We were mostly Korean era and my brother and his then wife served in the late 50's so I guess we were all "old Corps". We all did have six digit service numbers too. Needless to say, those of us who are still alive are all proud Marines. Semper Fi
Arlene