What is a Marine's purpose?

[wrbones]

This is for the DEPers and Poolees and wannabes. Those who are serious about an enlistment in the Marine Corps.

What is a Marine's purpose in life?

Killing people. Plain and simple. The purpose of any Armed service throughout the ages has been to win battles. Winning battles requires several things in life. One is the willingness to kill your opponent by whatever means neccesary. This means you must be better trained, better motivated and know the cause for which you fight, is at heart, just and true. At it's basis, in any field of battle, it is the willingness to kill...or be killed.

Many Marines have spent years learning all that they can in order to become better at what they do than anyone else on the planet. Some of the greatest warriors and Generals in history have been United States Marines. They learned hand to hand combat, squad and small unit tactics. They learned logistics and planning, they learned to handle regiment and division size forces. They learned how to handle any piece of equipment that they or their enemies had in their arsenal. They learned seamanship. They learned geography. They learned defensive manuevers. They learned guerilla warfare. They learn to care deeply for their men. They learn the history of any potential foe, years before any conflict arises between them. They learn politics. They keep up on current events. They learn history and the history of warfare. They spend their entire lives dedicated to one thing. Learning how to defeat their enemies.

The best known Marine who ever did this was a man called Lewis B. Puller. LtGeneral, USMC.

[Barndog]

Marines have another purpose, once having served.
That purpose is to bond with other former Marines - so that keeping the tradition alive and thriving, will become the same second nature as it did when we wore the uniform together.
I also think, it is our purpose, that when we are out in public -that if we encounter an active duty Marine in uniform, out of line in public: it is our duty and responsibility to professionally correct him or her. I don't know about you guys, but this has happened to me a few times. And I will not let my uniform be disgraced.

MY $1.258

Semper Fidelis

Barndog

[firstsgtmike]

Damnit Bones,

I AM a Marine. If my purpose in life was to kill people, today I would start with YOU!

The purpose of an armed service is first and foremost to preserve the peace and protect the homeland.

I have NO PROBLEMS with anything in your post following the words "Winning battles". I agree with all of it.

I do NOT agree that a Marines purpose in life is to kill people. Therefore, if I must defend my position against someone who disagrees with me, I will defend it against YOU, on behalf of the the active duty Marines, DEPers, poolees, and wannabees.

Fortunately, for both of us, you are there, and I am here. Otherwise, a Marine's word is the promise of a Marine.


Semper Fi

[USMC0311]

I always thought our purpose is to HUMP..on or off duty :yes:

grunts brain on Liberty
http://www.usmc0311.com/images/bin/malebrain.gif
"get sum":yes:

[wrbones]

Winning battles without killing people. What a concept. I am not educated in all things concerning military history, but I do seem to remember a Civil War General who did just that.....Some of the most brilliant manuevering of an army in military history. However his mission was to destroy the army opposing him. He was replaced.

Some other General said that it wasn't our purpose to die for our country, but to make the other poor bastard die for his.

General "Chesty" Puller thought that in battle one of the more effective indicators of a unit's willingness to fight was it's percentage of losses, ie. on one island he bragged that losses in battle of the officers in the unit he commanded was in excess of 25%. To give Chesty credit, he was also very good at strategy and tactics. He got the job done, which is why he was often given the most difficult positions and jobs in the battles he participated in.

In war people die. On both sides of the conflict.

To prepare for war takes ongoing education, preparations of all kinds, and self education concerning all things military and all things concerning your enemy.

If you are not ready to kill people in the enemy army, they will most certainly kill you.

All other support missions in any army are to ensure that men and materials are there that other men might die.

Preserving the peace is the mission of diplomats and politicians. The use of military force is a tool of diplomacy. It is used when all other means have failed.


Our nation is a Democratic Republic. It is not a homeland. When it becomes a homeland, we have forgotten our purpose. We are no longer free men then, struggling to protect freedom, but have become the protectors of oligarchy, in which the few are protected and served by the many.

Many of the younger people who visit sites like this consider the Marine Corps and other military services to be a game that is played for their benefit. The often think that their education will end when they join a branch of the service. They often display a lack of consideration for the experiences of Marines who've been in combat where it is always kill or be killed. They have no respect for others who've sacrificed immeasureably to support those directly in the line of fire. In many battles that this nation has fought, the front lines were often buttressed with Marines who began the fight in a support mission.

Killing people on the field of battle is what armies do.


The Marine Corps has always been better at this than others.
If they are not ready to study war and the tools of war;
If they are not ready to kill people, they have no place in any branch of the armed forces.

[wrbones]

I understand that in a free and democratic society, that there are legal consequences for threatening a man's life...you might reconsider your statement was phrased. In a homeland, you may not have much to worry about, being a member of it's military establishment

[Barrio_rat]

As I see it...

Bones and firstsgtmike, ya both are right. The purpose of the USMC and US Military is to train. To be ready to go forth when the president calls upon us. The idea of the modern US Military is to keep and preserve peace through a show of force. That has often worked. But the "show of force" is no good if it's only a bluff that you cannot back up with swift and exacting measures of violence. Yes, killing, maiming, destroying and, if ya got a big enough piece of ordnance, obliterating. It does not mean that any Marine or other military service member WANTS to kill. Most assuredly they don't WANT to die. They have a job to do. If they are lucky, they will go through their time of service and never be in harms way. Yet, I'd hope, they will forever be training and ready for just such a situation. If people in the military are not prepared for the possibility of being in harms way and taking the life of another, then the purpose of the military would be self defeating. Even in the kinder/gentler transition during the mid 80's, in boot camp, we constantly were spouting off.. KILL KILL KILL... BLOOD MAKES THE GRASS GROW. We sang cadence glorifying our possible deaths and the deaths of any enemy we may encounter. This helped to create a mind set for taking a life, if the need arose. If what I'm stating here doesn't make any sense, then I'll just leave you with this.

My Rifle

by Unknown

This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.

My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must
shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me.
I will...

My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our
burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit...

My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its
weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will ever guard it
against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready. We will become part of each
other. We will...

Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country. We are
the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life.

So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but peace!

Semper Fi!

[Sparrowhawk]

A Marine's primary duty, is TO KILL!

It's what he has been trained for. To kill our enemies, not fellow Marines, firstsgtmike!

That is what all our training was for, that was our duty and what w were trained for, to kill.

Plain and simple.

"The only feeling I had in war, when I pulled the trigger on my M-60 machine gun in battle, and saw the enemy go down, was the feeling of recoil from my weapon." USMC Machine Gunner William Jett CAC unit Marine in Nam.

[USMC0311]

QUOTES:
Bones:What is a Marine's purpose in life?
Barndog:Marines have another purpose, once having served. That purpose is to bond with other former Marines - so that keeping the tradition alive and thriving,
Firstsgtmike:I AM a Marine. If my purpose in life was to kill people, today I would start with YOU!
USMC0311:I always thought our purpose is to HUMP..on or off duty
Barrio_rat:
Bones and firstsgtmike, ya both are right. The purpose of the USMC and US Military is to train. To be ready to go forth when the president calls upon us.
Sparrowhawk:A Marine's primary duty, is TO KILL!

I think Barndog, Barrio_rat and Myself came closest

the ORIGINAL Question was What is a Marine's purpose?

[wrbones]

You boys called it. I'm done with it.

[Sparrowhawk]

Closer than my monitor.

However I don’t see where anyone is glorifying killing, the killing process, only what we did at that time, and what we felt.

Marines that have killed in war, remain today some of the most protectors of life and value life more than those who have never had to fight for life.

I don't regret ever killing a gook. I remember more the number of dead Marines than the dead enemies that fell under my M-60. yes I saw them fall, saw the impact of the bullet as it struck the enemy shooting at me and at other Marines.

On May 31, 1968 there were 14 of themson-*****es in front of my melted machine gun barrel. I'll never forget that day.

They were just 30-40 feet from me, and yes I saw them go down, and saw their blasted faces, and the damage a 7.62 does.

I also remember dead Marines to my left and some dead Marines still sitting upright in the trucks where the convoy had been ambushed. I remember many wounded Marines to my right and left from Charlie 1/7 and from the truck convoy that had been ambushed, who were killed or wounded trying to get more m-60 ammo to where I was.

Both of 1/7’s Machine gunners had already been killed or wounded. I have always wanted to find out who they were. I had gotten separated from my unit that day while we responded to their call for help. And I ended up fighting alongside some very brave Marines that day.



PHOTOS ARE FROM MY FILE

from Operation Foster



http://cookbarela.bizland.com/deadgook1.jpg

http://cookbarela.bizland.com/deadgook2.gif

[Sparrowhawk]

http://cookbarela.bizland.com/deadgook3.gif

http://cookbarela.bizland.com/deadgook4.gif

[Sparrowhawk]

That attacked a Vietnamese village and killed civilians on November 8, 1967.

This was the reason why we launched Operation Foster.

Moments after this picture was taken one of our tanks, rolled over the bodies, twisted and turned on top of them until they were no longer distinguishable as human being, then the tank rolled out into the rice paddies to get the body parts off of its tracks.

That’s what war is like. Now what did the gooks do to Marines they killed in war. I won't post here.

I have never regretted having killed any of them.


http://cookbarela.bizland.com/villagenov8.jpg

[firstsgtmike]

To Bones;

Please accept my apology. It is humble and sincere. My only defense is that I forgot that bantor that is acceptable between friends sharing a beer has a different impact when it is in print.

Face to face, I enjoy debating ideas and philosophies. Sometimes, when friends are saying "Yes", I'll say "No" just to get a discussion going and the beer flowing.

In this case, my printed remark appeared to be a threat. For that, I apologize. I apologize to you and to all who read it. I have asked Shaffer to delete it. I hope he does.

The point I was lamely trying to make was that YES, we must be ready, willing, and able to do whatever it takes, but we should not consider it a wasted day if at the end of the day there is no blood on our knife.

A mortician would disagree with me on that. But a doctor wouldn't.

Again, I apologize for the tenor of my remarks to you. I should have been the one to delete it BEFORE I sent it.

Semper Fi

[wrbones]

No problem Marine. Yer buying! LOL.

I've often had my words misinterpreted in these forums as well.
as well.

I do understand.

[Sparrowhawk]

NO ONe Misinterprets what you say Bones.


We just dont understand what you say! LMAo

[wrbones]

The only other option you have is to believe me when I say that my thinkin' is so far above the norm as to be absolutely amazing in yer eyes! LMAOROTF

[Seeley]

I tried explaining to my mother that that's what Marines do and that's what I want to do. She doesn't understand it though. She says that I should just get a regular job :thumbdown . I want a job that stands for something and does more than pay me in money. I want a job that I can be proud of and a job that will change who I am forever. I want to be a Marine plain and simple.

During Rifle Team this morning, Major talked to me for an hour straight on how I was smart enough to get an ROTC scholarship at a local university (University of Washington) and that I could get a full-ride one too. (The man's like a second grandfather to me.) It sounded great and all, but I really don't know. I have a fear of being stuck behind a desk or thinking I know it all when I'm 24 or 25. I don't want to be the jerk that bosses around guys twice his own age and treats them like crap. I want to experience enlisted life first to relate to any man that I may be leading to his death. I know that if I were to follow someone to my death, they better have gone through the same stuff and had the same feelings as me back in the day. I want to be able to lead, yes, no question about it. But I don’t want to lead from a distance. I would rather lead in the field.

Any suggestions? I'm currently a junior in high school and looking at all of my options. I'll be sure to talk to the Major and Gunny as well.

Thanks guys,
C/SSgt Seeley

[Barrio_rat]

First off, in regards to your mother, you may want to explain how the Marine Corps will help mold you as a human, not train you to be a killer. Day in and day out, Marines train. When they put that...

[gemntx]

Excellant advice, Rat. Listen to him, he has spoken some sage words of advice. Remember one thing, the Marine Corps is the only service where all of its' members earn the title. None of the other services can claim this. You will not find an officer of the Army, Air Force or Navy being called a soldier, airman or sailor. They did not earn those titles. I will guarantee you that every Marine Officer earned the title of Marine. I went to school on a ROTC scholarship. It is competitive and you will be tested. However, once you succeed not only will you have a commission, but you will have a degree that can serve you well after life in the Corps. Like Rat said, you will have to decide. The challenges are different, but still fulfilling. Don't worry about being behind a desk. If you have a combart arms or combat support MOS you will spend alot time in the FMF. Explore the opportunities, only you can decide what to do. As for you mother, don't worry with time she will understand. When I told my mother that I was going to be a Marine, she cried. Her only consolation was when she said, "At least they have the best looking uniforms." She will find a reason to support you.

Glenn

[Seeley]

Thank you both for helping me toward my decision. I do want to lead Marines. I want to be the best that I can be which is always a growing goal. I passed up my chance on the PSAT's which was probably a stupid idea, but I'm sure that I will do fine on the SAT's. I will try to do the "Running Start" program where I can attend certain college classes during high school for both high school and college credits at the same time. I almost passed it last year (aced the English portion) but did horribly in math (it was Algebra III/IV and I was in Geometry).

I will be sure to talk to my Major and Gunny about it as well as my recruiters who seemed interested in giving me a scholarship. Who knows, maybe in a few years I'll be able to call myself a leader of Marines :).

[22DevilPup87]

I'd like to thank everyone that posted in this thread for doing so. It gave me, a civilian with a drive to earn the title, a look at the reality of the Corps and all armed forces. It's a reality that the books and websites don't tell you much about.

Jess

[firstsgtmike]

I think the last post adds a reason for we Marines being here.

Bump!

[Seeley]

Time to bump it again firstsgtmike.

[reddog4950]

I feel now a days schooling is first and upmost. I joined the Corps at 17 in 1968. my mos was 0311 and I had Westpac orders after P.I. so I tried for Recon and made Battlion Recon with 1st recon company A 0321. Now after many years I felt I should of went to college first. I have no regets , but felt I could of offered the Corps and myself more had I gone to collage first. This is my personal opinion.
Reddog4950:marine:

[YankeeDoodleAsh]

Many of the younger people who visit sites like this consider the Marine Corps and other military services to be a game that is played for their benefit. The often think that their education will end when they join a branch of the service. They often display a lack of consideration for the experiences of Marines who've been in combat where it is always kill or be killed. They have no respect for others who've sacrificed immeasureably to support those directly in the line of fire.
Speak for yourself.

[CorruptedSoldie]

From my point of view, not having experience in the marine corp. life, is that the purpose of the marines is to protect your country within all power that you may have. Your fighting to protect another person's life and your willing to die to save theirs. Your willing to put your own life at risk to save another. No matter the credit or so, your just fighting to defend your country from any harm or danger. Your standing up for what you believe in and giving it your all. In all mind, i have no right to say anything but voice my opinion. and you'll be surprised about this because in any case i am only 16. yet i have more acknowledgment then most of you do. no offense. because my dream is to be in the marines and it's my civics rights duty to defend what i believe in.

[Isrowei]

Hrm, a 5 year necro? From a original post 7 years ago?

If you want to discuss something similar, make a new thread. These are words well gone by and there's no reason to debate what the OP thoughts and intents were now... 7 years later.

Mods, Lock please?