Marines

[cadetat6]

Do all Marines know about Shellbacks and Pollywags or is that a old tradition ?

[Ed Palmer]

HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH CROSSING THE EQUATOR, OR THE PANAMA CANAL IF MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT BUT A LOT OF BOOZE MIGHT HAVE WASHED THAT PART OUT .

I FOUND THIS TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION i DO BELIVE THE NAVY STILL DOES THIS AS A TRIDITION

(quote)
On the trip crossing the equator the ship held its usual ancient order of the day. It's a magic moment in every sailors life, Those who have been initiated are known as "Shellbacks" while those who have not crossed before are known as "Pollywags."

[cadetat6]

It was crossing the Equator. For About two or three days En-listed men were in charge and Officers had to do what ever they told them. This story is posted under "Question For Marines"

[Arlene Horton]

True...my older son served as an ET1 on the U.S.S.Midway and when they crossed the equator he was initiated into that "hallowed society". Still has the certificate he got when he made "shellback".