http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/blog.php?58456-Marine-Corps-Boot-Camp-Basics Marine Corps Community for USMC Marine Veterans. en Sun, 26 May 2013 02:13:00 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/images/leatherneck/misc/rss.jpg http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/blog.php?58456-Marine-Corps-Boot-Camp-Basics http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1098-Universal-Code-of-the-United-States-Marine-Corps Sat, 04 May 2013 23:18:50 GMT * Unit, Corps, God, Country. 1. Respect and Protect your Unit. 2. Respect and Protect the Corps. 3. Respect and Protect God. 4. Respect and...

Unit, Corps, God, Country.

1. Respect and Protect your Unit.
2. Respect and Protect the Corps.
3. Respect and Protect God.
4. Respect and Protect your Country. ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1098-Universal-Code-of-the-United-States-Marine-Corps http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1097-Marine-Corps-Tattoo-Policy Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:18:46 GMT *This is the last policy issued. *Tattoo Policy - 2010 Fiscal Year Date Signed: 1/15/2010 MARADMIN Active Number: 029/10 R 151956Z JAN 10... This is the last policy issued.


Tattoo Policy - 2010 Fiscal Year

Date Signed: 1/15/2010
MARADMIN Active Number: 029/10
R 151956Z JAN 10
UNCLASSIFIED//
MARADMIN 029/10
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/AMPLIFICATION TO THE MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY//
REF/A/MSGIDOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC MCUB /YMD:20030331//
REF/B/MSGIDOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC MCRC/YMD:20040210//
REF/C/MSGIDOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC MPP/YMD:20080709//
NARR/REF A IS MCO P1020.34G, MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS. REF B IS MCO P1100.72C, MILITARY PERSONNEL PROCUREMENT MANUAL, VOLUME 2, ENLISTED PROCUREMENT. REF C IS MCO 1001.45J, CAREER DESIGNATION, RETENTION, AND RETURN TO ACTIVE DUTY, REDESIGNATION OF RESTRICTED OFFICERS TO UNRESTRICTED STATUS, AND INTER-SERVICE TRANSFER OF OFFICERS INTO THE MARINE CORPS.//
POC/P. J. HILLIARD/MAJ/UNIT:MPO /-/TEL:703-784-9387//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/


1. PURPOSE. TO PROVIDE CLARITY, ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE, AND A SINGLE-SOURCE DOCUMENT FOR THE OFFICIAL MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY.


2. FOR GENERATIONS, MARINES HAVE SERVED PROUDLY IN EVERY REGION OF THE WORLD, FULFILLING OUR ROLE AS AMERICA'S AMBASSADORS AND DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM. WE ARE RECOGNIZED AROUND THE GLOBE FOR OUR MILITARY PROWESS AND HIGH STANDARDS OF MILITARY BEARING AND APPEARANCE. THE GROWING TREND OF EXCESSIVE TATTOOS LIMITS WORLD-WIDE ASSIGNABILITY OF MARINES AND DETRACTS FROM ONE OF THE MOST VISIBLE HALLMARKS OF OUR CORPS - OUR DISTINGUISHED APPEARANCE. THIS TATTOO POLICY SEEKS TO BALANCE THE PERSONAL DESIRES OF MARINES WITH THEIR INHERENT RESPONSIBILITIES TO SET THE EXAMPLE AND PRESENT THE SHARP MILITARY APPEARANCE AMERICA HAS COME TO EXPECT OF HER MARINES.


3. THE POLICY'S OVERALL INTENT IS TO ENSURE MARINES CAN BE ASSIGNED WHENEVER AND WHEREVER THEY ARE NEEDED AND TO MAINTAIN OUR PROFESSIONAL DEMEANOR AND THE HIGH STANDARDS EXPECTED OF THE MARINE CORPS. THIS MARADMIN PROVIDES THE CONSOLIDATED/UPDATED MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY AND TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER ALL PREVIOUS MARADMINS ON THE SUBJECT.

A. TATTOOS/BRANDS CONTINUE TO BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES (E.G., PROMOTION, ASSIGNMENT, SCHOOL, ETC.) TO DETERMINE IF ANY ARE PREJUDICIAL TO GOOD ORDER, DISCIPLINE AND MORALE, OR ARE OF A NATURE TO BRING DISCREDIT UPON THE MARINE CORPS.

B. THE FOLLOWING IS THE EXISTING POLICY PROMULGATED IN REFS A AND B.
(1) PRIOR TO ENLISTMENT INTO THE MARINE CORPS, APPLICANTS WITH MORE THAN FOUR (4) TATTOOS/BRANDS WILL BE ADMINISTRATIVELY REVIEWED IAW WITH REF B.

(2) TATTOOS/BRANDS THAT ARE SEXIST (EXPRESS NUDITY), RACIST, ECCENTRIC OR OFFENSIVE IN NATURE, EXPRESS AN ASSOCIATION WITH CONDUCT OR SUBSTANCES PROHIBITED BY THE MARINE CORPS DRUG POLICY AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE (UCMJ), TO INCLUDE TATTOOS ASSOCIATED WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS, DRUG USAGE, OR PARAPHERNALIA, ARE PROHIBITED.



(3) TATTOOS/BRANDS THAT DEPICT VULGAR OR ANTI-AMERICAN CONTENT, BRING POSSIBLE DISCREDIT TO THE MARINE CORPS, OR ASSOCIATE THE APPLICANT/MARINE WITH ANY EXTREMIST GROUP OR ORGANIZATION ARE PROHIBITED.

(4) TATTOOS/BRANDS ON THE HEAD AND NECK ARE PROHIBITED.

(5) SLEEVE TATTOOS AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAGH 5A ARE PROHIBITED. HALF-SLEEVE OR QUARTER-SLEEVE TATTOOS THAT ARE VISIBLE TO THE EYE WHEN WEARING STANDARD PHYSICAL TRAINING (PT) GEAR ARE LIKEWISE PROHIBITED. NO ADDITIONAL ACTION IS REQUIRED BY MARINES WHOSE SLEEVE TATTOOS WERE PREVIOUSLY GRANDFATHERED PER MARADMIN 198/07.

4. THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE CLARIFIES THE MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY AND IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. MARINES WHO DO NOT MEET THIS GUIDANCE WILL BE GRANDFATHERED PER PARAGRAPH 6.
A. THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO ALL MARINES.

(1) TATTOOS/BRANDS ON THE HANDS, FINGERS, AND WRISTS ARE PROHIBITED.
(2) TATTOOS/BRANDS IN THE MOUTH ARE PROHIBITED.
(3) INDIVIDUAL TATTOOS VISIBLE IN THE STANDARD PT UNIFORM (SHORTS AND T-SHIRT) WILL BE NO LARGER THAN THE WEARER'S HAND WITH FINGERS EXTENDED AND JOINED WITH THE THUMB TOUCHING THE BASE OF THE INDEX FINGER.
(4) BAND TATTOOS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 5B ARE PROHIBITED.
(5) TATTOOS/BRANDS WILL NOT BE VISIBLE OR APPARENT ON THE FEET OR LEGS WHEN WEARING THE SERVICE A, BLUE DRESS A/B, BLUE-WHITE DRESS A/B, OR THE EVENING DRESS UNIFORMS. EXCEPTION: FORMAL INSPECTIONS AS PRESCRIBED BY COMMANDERS AND/OR INSPECTOR GENERAL TEAMS.
(6) TATTOOS NOT VISIBLE OR APPARENT WITHOUT THE USE OF ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHTING (BLACK LIGHT) MUST MEET THE POLICY AS SET FORTH HEREIN AND IAW THE REFERENCES.
B. ADDED GUIDANCE APPLICABLE ONLY TO OFFICERS (COMMISSIONED/WARRANT).
(1) OFFICERS ARE LIMITED TO NOT MORE THAN FOUR (4) TATTOOS/BRANDS VISIBLE IN THE STANDARD PT UNIFORM.
(2) BAND TATTOOS EXCEEDING A MAXIMUM WIDTH OF TWO (2) INCHES ARE PROHIBITED.
(3) ENLISTED MARINES WITH PREVIOUSLY GRANDFATHERED SLEEVE TATTOOS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A MARINE CORPS COMMISSIONING OR WARRANT OFFICER PROGRAM. IN OTHER WORDS, AN ENLISTED MARINE GRANDFATHERED FOR A SLEEVE TATTOO IAW MARADMIN 198/07 HAS NO RESTRICTIONS FOR REENLISTMENT OR PROMOTION AS AN ENLISTED MARINE, BUT IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE MARINE ENLISTED COMMISSIONING EDUCATION PROGRAM (MECEP), WARRANT OFFICER, OR ANY OTHER ENLISTED-TO-OFFICER PROGRAM.
(4) PRIOR TO COMMISSIONING/WARRANT OFFICER APPOINTMENT, OFFICER CANDIDATES WILL BE RESCREENED FOR TATTOOS WHICH ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY.
5. DEFINITIONS


A. SLEEVE TATTOOS: A TATTOO(S) THAT IS VERY LARGE OR A COLLECTION OF SMALLER TATTOOS THAT COVERS, OR ALMOST COVERS, A PERSON'S ENTIRE ARM OR LEG. A HALF/QUARTER SLEEVE TATTOO IS DEFINED AS A VERY LARGE TATTOO OR A COLLECTION OF SMALLER TATTOOS THAT COVERS, OR ALMOST COVERS, THE ENTIRE PORTION OF AN ARM OR LEG ABOVE OR BELOW THE ELBOW OR KNEE.



B. BAND TATTOOS: A TATTOO WHICH PARTIALLY OR FULLY ENCIRCLES THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE BODY PART. OFFICERS ARE ALLOWED BAND TATTOO(S) WITH A MAXIMUM WIDTH OF TWO (2) INCHES. ENLISTED MARINES ARE ALLOWED BAND TATTOO(S) WITH A MAXIMUM WIDTH LESS THAN ONE-QUARTER OF THE RESPECTIVE BODY PART(S) (I.E., LEG OR ARM) EXPOSED SURFACE WHILE WEARING THE STANDARD PT UNIFORM.
C. ONE TATTOO: A SINGLE TATTOO IS DEFINED AS ONE (1) OR MULTIPLE TATTOOS SPACED APART THAT CAN STILL BE COVERED BY A CIRCLE WITH A DIAMETER OF FIVE (5) INCHES. TATTOOS SPACED APART THAT CANNOT BE COVERED BY A CIRCLE WITH A DIAMETER OF FIVE (5) INCHES ARE CONSIDERED SEPARATE TATTOOS.
D. THE NECK: ANY PORTION ABOVE THE COLLARBONE IN THE FRONT AREA, ABOVE THE FIRST CERVICAL VERTEBRAE IN THE BACK AREA, OR OTHERWISE VISIBLE DUE TO THE OPEN COLLAR OF THE SHORT SLEEVE KHAKI SHIRT, WITHOUT AN UNDERSHIRT.


E. EXCESSIVE TATTOOS: WHEN THE COMBINED TATTOO COVERAGE ON A PARTICULAR BODY PART(S), I.E., LEG OR ARM, EXCEEDS ONE-QUARTER OF THE RESPECTIVE BODY PART(S) EXPOSED SURFACE WHILE THE INDIVIDUAL IS WEARING THE STANDARD PT UNIFORM.

F. APPLICANT/CANDIDATE: FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS MARADMIN, AN "APPLICANT" IS ANY CIVILIAN IN THE ACCESSION PIPELINE FOR ENLISTMENT INTO THE MARINE CORPS, AND A "CANDIDATE" INCLUDES ANY PARTICIPANT IN AN OFFICER ACCESSION PROGRAM SUCH AS MECEP, OFFICER CANDIDATE COURSE, PLATOON LEADERS COURSE, NAVAL RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS, U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY, ETC.

6. COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS
A. COMMANDERS OF MARINES WHO DO NOT MEET THE GUIDANCE CONTAINED IN PARAGRAPH 4 WILL TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTION TO GRANDFATHER THOSE MARINES. COMMANDS WILL INSERT A PHOTOGRAPH(S) OF THE MARINES RESPECTIVE TATTOOS/BRANDS, ALONG WITH A MEASUREMENT(S) OF THE SIZE IN INCHES AND OF THE LOCATIONS(S) ON THE BODY, AND DATE THE TATTOO/BRANDS WAS DOCUMENTED ON PAGE 11 OF THE MARINE'S OFFICER QUALIFICATION RECORD (OQR)/SERVICE RECORD BOOK (SRB). THE INDIVIDUAL WILL SIGN THE PAGE 11 ENTRY VERIFYING THE INFORMATION IS CORRECT. THE INFORMATION SHALL BE FORWARDED TO THE RESPECTIVE PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION CENTER FOR ENTRY INTO THE MARINE'S OQR/SRB NOT LATER THAN 1 JUNE 2010.


B. FOR ALL APPLICANTS/CANDIDATES CURRENTLY IN AN OFFICER OR ENLISTED ACCESSION PIPELINE, THE COMMANDING GENERAL, MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND (CG MCRC) WILL INFORM THEM OF ADDITIONS TO THE TATTOO POLICY. THOSE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WILL BE GRANDFATHERED AND MCRC WILL DOCUMENT ALL TATTOOS/BRANDS NOT LATER THAN 1 JUNE 2010.


C. THE DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS (DC MRA) IS DESIGNATED AS THE FINAL ADJUDICATING AUTHORITY FOR ANY TATTOO ISSUE REGARDING RETENTION, SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENTS, AND TATTOO CONTENT. COMMANDERS OF MARINES WITH QUESTIONABLE TATTOO(S) CAN SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION FOR ADJUDICATION. SUCH REQUESTS SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO DC MRA (MM), VIA THE CHAIN OF COMMAND, USING AN ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION FORM. THE PACKAGE WILL INCLUDE A PHOTOGRAPH(S) OF THE QUESTIONABLE TATTOO(S); A COPY OF ANY PAGE 11 CONTAINING AN ENTRY WHICH GRANDFATHERED THE TATTOO(S); MEASUREMENT(S) OF THE SIZE IN INCHES; DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION(S) OF THE TATTOO(S); AND AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE TATTOO(S) WAS DEEMED QUESTIONABLE BY THE COMMANDER. ONCE DC MRA HAS MADE A DETERMINATION ON THE TATTOO(S), THE MARINE'S COMMANDER WILL ANNOTATE THE INFORMATION IN THE MARINE'S OQR/SRB (PAGE 11) AND DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE ACTIONS.
D. THE CG MCRC IS THE FINAL ADJUDICATING AUTHORITY FOR ANY TATTOO ISSUE INVOLVING ACCESSIONS (BOTH OFFICER AND ENLISTED), TO INCLUDE ENLISTED MARINES WHO MAY APPLY FOR A COMMISSIONING OR WARRANT OFFICER PROGRAM. EXCEPTION TO THE ABOVE IS ANY ACCESSION RESULTING FROM AN OFFICER RETENTION BOARD IN WHICH THE ADJUDICATING AUTHORITY IS THE DIRECTOR, MANPOWER MANAGEMENT DIVISION (MM) FOR DC MRA.

E. COMMANDERS ARE REQUIRED TO DISSEMINATE THIS POLICY, EDUCATE ALL MARINES WITHIN THEIR COMMAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND MONITOR COMPLIANCE. INDIVIDUAL MARINES ARE RESPONSIBLE TO PROVIDE THE COMMAND WITH THE APPROPRIATE INFORMATION FOR GRANDFATHERING. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN ADMINISTRATIVE/PUNITIVE ACTIONS; COMMANDERS SHALL TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION AS REQUIRED AND WITHIN UCMJ LIMITS TO ENFORCE AND MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE. ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1097-Marine-Corps-Tattoo-Policy http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1095-Marine-Corps-Martial-Arts-Program Sun, 09 Dec 2012 21:21:37 GMT *Tan Belt: *The tan belt syllabus focuses on the development of the basics of armed and unarmed combat. Students start with the Basic Warrior... Tan Belt: The tan belt syllabus focuses on the development of the basics of armed and unarmed combat. Students start with the Basic Warrior Stance and break-falls are taught for safety, then move to:

• basic punches, uppercuts, and hooks
• basic upper-body strikes, including the eye gouge, hammer fists, and elbow strikes
• basic lower-body strikes, including kicks, knee strikes, and stomps
• bayonet techniques
• basic chokes and throws
• counters to strikes, chokes, and holds
• basic unarmed restraints and armed manipulations
• basic knife techniques
• basic weapons of opportunity

Students must prove proficiency with 80% of 50 techniques to pass and earn their belt. The tan belt syllabus is part of The Basic School and recruit training curriculum.


Gray Belt: The gray belt syllabus expands on the basic techniques with:

• intermediate bayonet techniques
• intermediate upper-body strikes including knife-hands (karate chops) and elbow strikes
• intermediate lower-body strikes including kicks, knee strikes, and stomps
• intermediate chokes and throws
• counters to strikes, chokes, and holds
• intermediate unarmed restraints and armed manipulations
• intermediate knife techniques
• basic ground fighting
• basic nonlethal baton techniques
• intermediate weapons on opportunity

Green Belt: The Green belt technique shifts focus from defensive to offensive techniques with:

• intermediate bayonet techniques
• muscle gouging
• intermediate chokes and throws
• counters to strikes
• intermediate unarmed manipulation
• intermediate ground fighting
• intermediate nonlethal baton techniques
• advanced weapons of opportunity

• Brown Belt:
• advanced bayonet techniques
• advanced ground fighting and chokes
• advanced throws
• unarmed vs. hand held weapons
• firearm retention
• firearm disarmament
• advanced knife techniques
• advanced nonlethal baton techniques

Black Belt 1st Degree:

• advanced bayonet techniques
• advanced chokes, holds, and throws
• advanced ground fighting
• basic counter firearm techniques
• advanced upper-body strikes, including strikes and smashes
• advanced knife techniques
• pressure points
• improvised weapons

Black Belt 2nd Degree:

• rifle vs. rifle
• short weapon vs. rifle
• unarmed vs. rifle

There are an additional 5 degrees of black belt, with several of the same common prerequisites, including recommendation of reporting senior, appropriate level of PME completed, must be a current MAIT.


Black belt 2nd degree to 6th degree signify that the holder is an authority in the Marine Corps Martial arts Program. In addition to the above prerequisite, each belt also has its own rank requirements.

• Black belt 2nd degree requires the rank of Sgt or above.
• Black belt 3rd degree requires the rank of SSgt or above.
• Black belt 4th degree requires the rank of GySgt for enlisted and Major for officers or above.
• Black belt 5th degree requires the rank of MSgt/1stSgt for enlisted and Major for officer and above.
• Black belt 6th degree requires the rank of MGySgt/SgtMaj for enlisted and LtCol or higher.
  
  
  
  
  The environmental factors of terrain and weather are complex and unforgiving of errors. Fear robs an individual of their strength, while the other stresses of combat cloud the ability to think and act. The battlefield is the ultimate fighting championships.
  
  
  An event more physically demanding, that requires more strength or endurance and will test the human character past limits that no Olympic or professional athlete will ever endure. A contest where there can be no second place finishers.
  
  That is the harsh reality of combat.
  
  A key element of the Martial Arts program is combative conditioning. Combat conditioning that goes a level beyond our current physical fitness program. It combines the physical fitness dividends of combative arts training with those of traditional physical fitness, water survival training, and rough terrain skills training.
  
  It is designed to mitigate the human factors experienced during combat that have a physically debilitating effect on the human body, allow a Marine to fight in any terrain and under any climatic condition, and face the rigors of the dispersed battlefield encountered in modern combat.
  
  
  Unlike physical fitness, combat fitness develops and strengthens the whole Marine. While many of the exercises and drills appear to simply make a Marine stronger and faster, they are designed in a way that also test the individuals ability to think and fight while fatigued.
  
  By this process we develop mental toughness and the ability of each Marine to think while under stress thus mitigating the human factors associated with combat.
  
  
  Additionally, it places the individual in a situation that test their character and resolve. When tired and required to accomplishing a difficult task, one that may be challenging or hazardous, the individual will be faced with the moral decision to quit or go on thus testing his core values.

]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1095-Marine-Corps-Martial-Arts-Program http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1094-Marine-Corps-Birthday Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:20:45 GMT *All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he... All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.


Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.


Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance. The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground. At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.


The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925. First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials.


Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.


Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine.


Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.


Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November!


This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known. ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1094-Marine-Corps-Birthday http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1093-A-Few-USMC-Slogans Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:15:52 GMT * *_First to Fight_: The media in the United States began using this term to describe U.S. Marines during World War I. And, for once the media was...

• First to Fight: The media in the United States began using this term to describe U.S. Marines during World War I. And, for once the media was right. Marines have served in the vanguard of every American war since the founding of the Corps in 1775. They have carried out over 300 assaults on foreign shores, from the arctic to the tropics. Historically, U.S. Marines are indeed the first to fight.

• Once a Marine, Always a Marine: This truism is now the official motto of the Marine Corps League. The origin of the statement is credited to a gung-ho Marine Corps master sergeant, Paul Woyshner. During a barroom argument he shouted, "Once a Marine, always a Marine!"MSgt. Woyshner was right. Once the title "U.S. Marine" has been earned, it is retained. There are no ex-Marines or former-Marines. There are (1) active duty Marines, (2) retired Marines, (3) reserve Marines, and (4) Marine veterans. Nonetheless, once one has earned the title, he remains a Marine for life.

• Gung-Ho: The Chinese used this term to describe Marines in China around 1900. In the Chinese language, gung-ho means working together. That's what the "American Marines" were always doing, "working together," the Chinese explained. The term stuck to Marines like glue. Today it conveys willingness to tackle any task, or total commitment to the Corps.

• Good night, Chesty, wherever you are: This is an often-used tribute of supreme respect to the late and legendary LtGen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC. Chesty! Without a doubt he was the most outspoken Marine, the most famous Marine, the Marine who really loved to fight, the most decorated Marine in the history of the Corps. Chesty enlisted as a Private. Through incredible fortitude and tenacity he became a living legend. He shouted battle orders in a bellow and stalked battlefields as though impervious to enemy fire. Chesty rose to the rank of Lieutenant General. He displayed an abiding love for the Magnificent Grunts, especially the junior enlisted men who did the majority of the sacrificing and dying, and utter contempt for all staff pogues of whatever rank. During his four wars, he became the only Marine to be awarded the Navy Cross five times. The Marines' Marine! "Goodnight, Chesty, wherever you are."

• A Few Good Men: On 20 March 1779 in Boston, Capt. William Jones, USMC, advertised for "a few good men" to enlist in the Corps for naval duty. The term seemed ideally suited for Marines, mainly because of the implication that "a few" good men would be enough. This term has survived for over 200 years and has been synonymous with U.S. Marines ever since.

]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1093-A-Few-USMC-Slogans http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1092-Marine-Corps-Motto Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:07:52 GMT *The Marine Corps adopted Semper Fidelis as its official motto in 1883 (Semper Fidelis is also the title of the official musical March of the Marine... The Marine Corps adopted Semper Fidelis as its official motto in 1883 (Semper Fidelis is also the title of the official musical March of the Marine Corps).


Translated from Latin, Semper Fidelis means "Always Faithful." U.S. Marines use an abbreviated verbal version, "Semper Fi," to voice loyalty and commitment to their Marine comrades-in-arms.


Previous mottos of the Marine Corps were (1) To the Shores of Tripoli, adopted in 1805; (2) Fortitude, adopted in 1812; (3) From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli, adopted in 1848; and (4) By Sea and by Land, adopted in the 1850's. ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1092-Marine-Corps-Motto http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1091-Memorial-Day Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:04:10 GMT *The first Decoration Day was 30 May 1868, three years after the end of the American Civil War. Gen. John A. Logan, U.S. Army, commander of... The first Decoration Day was 30 May 1868, three years after the end of the American Civil War.


Gen. John A. Logan, U.S. Army, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, initiated the day of remembrance.


He ordered that all Army posts decorate the graves of fallen Civil War comrades with flowers and a "suitable ceremony," and that flags be flown at half mast until noon.


Decoration Day later got a new name, Memorial Day. On this day the nation now honors those killed-in-action from all branches of the armed forces.


This day of honor has been further expanded to include all wars and conflicts in which American servicemen have made the Supreme Sacrifice for their country. And, in a solemn ceremony, a wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (more about that later).


Since the late 1950s on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the U.S. Army has placed small American flags at each of the quarter-million-plus graves in Arlington National Cemetery. The Army also stands guard in the cemetery through Memorial Day to ensure that the flags remain in place.


In 1968 (the height of the hippie and flower power generation), Congress changed the observance date from 30 May to the last Monday in May. However, in 1999 bills were introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, proposing restoration of 30 May as the day of observance.


According to tradition, Memorial Day is observed by placing flowers or small flags on the graves of American servicemen who have fallen in battle.


Americans are encouraged to visit military memorials and to fly flags at half mast until noon. They also are asked to fly the relatively new "POW/MIA" flag, per the 1998 Defense Authorization Act.


Further, all Americans are asked to participate in a "Moment of Remembrance" at 3:00 pm and pledge to aid the families of the honored dead.


In some of the southern states, in addition to the national Memorial Day, citizens also observe Confederate Memorial Day. On this day they honor the Confederate soldiers, sailors, and Marines who died in battle during the Civil War, 1861-1865.


Since this is a state holiday, each state may select its day of observance.


Confederate Memorial Day is observed in Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi on April 26; in South Carolina and North Carolina on May 10; in Alabama on the last Monday in April; in Virginia on May 30; in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Louisiana on June 3 (the birthday of Jefferson Davis); and in Texas on January 19 (the birthday of Gen. Robert E. Lee). ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1091-Memorial-Day http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1090-Veterans-Day Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:57:43 GMT *After four years of carnage in Europe, the giant cannon finally fell silent. At 11:00 am on 11 November 1918 (the eleventh hour, of the 11th day,... After four years of carnage in Europe, the giant cannon finally fell silent. At 11:00 am on 11 November 1918 (the eleventh hour, of the 11th day, of the eleventh month) the Allies and Germany signed an armistice. The Great War, The World War, The War to End War mercifully ended. The whole world rejoiced.


Thereafter the eleventh day of November became Armistice Day in most of the western world. In Canada it became known as Remembrance Day.

In the United States, Congress officially recognized Armistice Day in 1926.


Twelve years later it became a national holiday. Unfortunately, three decades and two wars later America realized that world order had been equally preserved by veterans of World War II and the Korean War. So, in 1954 Dwight D. Eisenhower, U.S. President, signed an act which changed the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day.


In 1968 (the flower-power generation was hard at work again) Congress changed the day of observance to the fourth Monday in October.


Veterans Day had temporarily become just another long three-day weekend. The reason for the holiday had been forgotten by many. Fortunately, the public outcry rose steadily over the next ten years. Finally bowing to public pressure, Congress reversed itself in 1978. The eleventh day of November again became the day on which Americans observe Veterans Day.


By law, Veterans Day is set aside to honor our nation's military veterans both living and dead, who served in time of war.


The focal point for national observance is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. At 11:00 am on 11 November, a color guard that includes all military services executes "Present Arms."


The President of the United States lays a wreath upon the tomb, steps back, and salutes. A bugler plays Taps. A grateful nation has not forgotten. ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1090-Veterans-Day http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1089-USMC-Terms Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:52:26 GMT *_Leatherneck_: The nickname Leatherneck has become a universal moniker for a U.S. Marine. The term originated from the wide and stiff leather... Leatherneck:

The nickname Leatherneck has become a universal moniker for a U.S. Marine. The term originated from the wide and stiff leather neck-piece that was part of the Marine Corps uniform from 1798 until 1872. This leather collar, called The Stock, was roughly four inches high and had two purposes. In combat, it protected the neck and jugular vein from cutlasses slashes. On parade, it kept a Marine's head erect. The term is so widespread that it has become the name of the Marine Corps Association monthly magazine, LEATHERNECK.



Gyrene:

Around 1900, members of the U.S. Navy began using Gyrene as a jocular derogatory reference to U.S. Marines. Instead of being insulted, the Marines loved it. The term became common by World War I and has been extensively used since that time.


Jarhead:

For roughly 50 years, sailors had little luck in their effort to insult Marines by calling them Gyrenes. So, during World War II sailors began referring to Marines as Jarheads. Presumably the high collar on the Marine Dress Blues uniform made a Marine's head look like it was sticking out of the top of a Mason jar. Marines were not insulted. Instead, they embraced the new moniker as a term of utmost respect.


Devil Dogs:

The German Army coined this term of respect for U.S. Marines during World War I. In the summer of 1918 the German Army was driving toward Paris. The French Army was in full retreat. In a desperate effort to save Paris, the newly arrived U.S. Marines were thrown into the breach.


In June 1918, in bitter fighting lasting for weeks, Marines repeatedly repulsed the Germans in Belleau Wood. The German drive toward Paris sputtered, fizzled, and died.


Then the Marines attacked and swept the Germans back out of Belleau Wood. Paris had been saved. The tide of war had turned. Five months later Germany would be forced to accept an armistice. The battle tenacity and fury of the U.S. Marines had stunned the Germans.


In their official reports they called the Marines "teufel hunden," meaning Devil Dogs, the ferocious mountain dogs of Bavarian folklore.


Soldiers of the Sea:

A traditional and functional term for Marines, dating back to the British in the 1600's
]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1089-USMC-Terms http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1088-Tun-Tavern Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:44:01 GMT Ask any Marine. Just ask. He will tell you that the Marine Corps was born in Tun Tavern on 10 November 1775. But, beyond that the Marine's recollection for detail will probably get fuzzy. So, here is the straight scoop:

In the year 1685, Samuel Carpenter built a huge "brew house" in Philadelphia. He located this tavern on the waterfront at the corner of Water Street and Tun Alley.


The old English word tun means a cask, barrel, or keg of beer. So, with his new beer tavern on Tun Alley, Carpenter elected to christen the new waterfront brewery with a logical name, Tun Tavern.

Tun Tavern quickly gained a reputation for serving fine beer. Beginning 47 years later in 1732, the first meetings of the St. John's No. 1 Lodge of the Grand Lodge of the Masonic Temple were held in the tavern. An American of note, Benjamin Franklin, was its third Grand Master.


Even today the Masonic Temple of Philadelphia recognizes Tun Tavern as the birthplace of Masonic teachings in America.

Roughly ten years later in the early 1740s, the new proprietor expanded Tun Tavern and gave the addition a new name, "Peggy Mullan's Red Hot Beef Steak Club at Tun Tavern." The new restaurant became a smashing commercial success and was patronized by notable Americans.


In 1747 the St. Andrews Society, a charitable group dedicated to assisting poor immigrants from Scotland, was founded in the tavern.

Nine years later, then Col. Benjamin Franklin organized the Pennsylvania Militia. He used Tun Tavern as a gathering place to recruit a regiment of soldiers to go into battle against the Indian uprisings that were plaguing the American colonies.


George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Continental Congress later met in Tun Tavern as the American colonies prepared for independence from the English Crown.


On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise two Battalions of Marines. That very day, Nicholas set up shop in Tun Tavern. He appointed Robert Mullan, then the proprietor of the tavern, to the job of chief Marine Recruiter -- serving, of course, from his place of business at Tun Tavern.


Prospective recruits flocked to the tavern, lured by (1) cold beer and (2) the opportunity to serve in the new Corps of Marines. So, yes, the U.S. Marine Corps was indeed born in Tun Tavern. Needless to say, both the Marine Corps and the tavern thrived during this new relationship.


Tun Tavern still lives today. And, Tun Tavern beer is still readily available throughout the Philadelphia area. Further, through magazines it is advertised to Marines throughout the world. ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1088-Tun-Tavern http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1087-Women-Marines Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:37:38 GMT *In secret, Lucy Brewer became the first woman to serve in the Marine Corps. Disguised as a gung-ho man, she served in the Marine Detachment aboard... In secret, Lucy Brewer became the first woman to serve in the Marine Corps. Disguised as a gung-ho man, she served in the Marine Detachment aboard the USS Constitution during the War of 1812.


Over 100 years later on 12 August 1918, the Secretary of the Navy granted authority to enroll women for clerical duty in the Marine Corps Reserve. The next day, Opha M. Johnson enlisted and became the first official Woman Marine.


During the remainder of World War I, 305 women enlisted to "free a man to fight." Over 20 years later during World War II, roughly 1000 officers and 18,000 enlisted women served, led by Col. Ruth C. Streeter.


During the last year of the war, all available male Marines were battling the Japanese in the Pacific. In their absence, Women Marines represented over half of the personnel at Marine Corps bases in the continental United States.


A year after the end of the war, the Marine Corps retained a small nucleus of Women Marines in a postwar reserve. But, in 1948 Congress passed the Women's Armed Forces Integration Act, which authorized women in the regular component of the Corps.


At the time, women could not constitute over two percent of the total force and could not hold permanent rank above lieutenant colonel. Katherine A. Towle was appointed Director of Women Marines with the temporary rank of colonel.


The following year the Corps set up a recruit training battalion for women recruits at Parris Island, and a women's officer training class at Quantico.


During the Vietnam war in March 1967, MSgt. Barbara Dulinsky requested reassignment from the United States to Vietnam.


She was transferred to the main military headquarters (MACV) in Saigon, the first Woman Marine to be sent to a country torn by war. But, seven years later the Commandant authorized Women Marines to serve with specialized rear echelon elements of the Fleet Marine Force.


Still, these women were prohibited from deployment with combat units, or units which could conceivably be engaged in combat. Women were specifically banned from all infantry, artillery, and armor units, and they could not serve as members of aircrews.


In May 1978, BGen. Margaret Brewer became the first general grade Woman Marine, serving as Director of Information.

Twenty-two years later roughly 1000 Women Marines deployed to Southwest Asia in 1990-1991, prior to and during the Gulf War. Later, because of legal mandates, the Corps was forced to accept women into Naval Aviation pilot training. In July 1993, 2ndLt. Sarah Deal became the first such Woman Marine to begin training. She graduated and received her Golden Wings on 21 April 1995.


The next year MGen. Carol A. Mutter became the first two-star Woman Marine. Two years later she was promoted again, the first Woman Marine to wear three stars.


By the turn of the century in the year 2000, over 700 Woman Marines comprised about four percent of the officer corps. And, slightly over 8000 Woman Marines made up roughly five percent of the active enlisted force.


The elite Marine Corps remains the only U.S. armed service with the wisdom and courage to maintain separate boot camp training units for men and women recruits.


Despite the childish whining of liberal theorists, despite the rabid ranting of ignorant politically correct zealots, the Marine Corps has not faltered.

Basic training for men and women will remain separate -- but equal. All who qualify will earn the title, United States Marine. ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1087-Women-Marines http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1086-The-Marines-Prayer Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:25:49 GMT * Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to... Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance.

Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me.

Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1086-The-Marines-Prayer http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1085-Code-Of-Conduct Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:16:23 GMT *_Article I_: I am an American, fighting in the armed forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their... Article I: I am an American, fighting in the armed forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II: I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Article III: If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV: If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Article V: When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service, number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI: I will never forget that I am an American, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America. ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1085-Code-Of-Conduct http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1084-Marines-Riflemans-Creed Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:13:06 GMT * This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me my rifle... This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than the enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. My rifle and I know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, or the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit. My rifle is human, even as I am human, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and I 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. ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1084-Marines-Riflemans-Creed http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1083-11-General-Orders-For-Sentry Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:07:10 GMT 1. Take charge of this post and all government property in view. 2. Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing... 1. Take charge of this post and all government property in view.

2. Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

3. Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

4. To repeat all calls [from posts]more distant from the guardhouse than my own.

5. Quit my post only when properly relieved.

6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, Officers, and Non-Commissioned Officers of the guard only.

7. Talk to no one except in the line of duty.

8. Give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

9. To call the Corporal of the Guard in any case not covered by instructions.

10. Salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

11. Be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority ]]> Rocky C http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/entry.php?1083-11-General-Orders-For-Sentry