From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli

We will fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea

First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean

We are proud to claim the title of United States Marines.

This page is for and about the USMC and Marines everywhere - what they have done, what they are doing, and what they will continue to do.  Please note that the first two articles are excerpts from the book, "Heroes: U.S. Marine Corps Medal of Honor Winners" which I am currently reading, and the article on Marine Corps Basic Training is an internet article.

The Fighting Leathernecks

Marine Corps drill instructors have been telling recruits for two centuries that green was chosen as the colors for the Marine Corps uniform because green is the traditional color worn by riflemen. 

During the Revolutionary War, a local Pennsylvania militia group called the Associators wore green uniforms.  Perhaps their attire was also an inspiration for the Marine Corps' color choice.  As part of their uniforms, the Associators sported a black leather stock around their necks.  This stiff, uncomfortable stock was adopted as part of the first Continental Marine uniform as well.  Worn by enlisted men and officers, this accoutrament may have served a useful purpose.  Some believe it was there to protect a man's throat from a cutlass slash; others think the stock was used to keep the soldier's head erect during parades and long marches.

This hot, uncomfortable stock remained a part of the Marine Corps uniform for a century, and inspired one of the Marine Corps' best-known and most enduring nicknames -- Leathernecks.

Hand-Me-Down Blues 

When the United States Marine Corps was established on July 11th, 1798, they were given blue uniforms.  Little did they know they were actually hand-me-downs left over from "Mad Anthony" Wayne's legion.  Wayne, a Revolutionary War veteran, led a two-year campaign against a coalition of Native Americans that ended in the 1794 victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in Ohio.  Four years later uniforms left over from Wayne's campaign turned up in a government warehouse.  Marines were issued these uniforms, which historians believe was the origin of the Corps' "dress blues".

This act of government financial prudence [you could call it stinginess] may have begun another, less glorious Marine Corps tradition.  Because Marines are an expeditionary force meant to be followed by reinforcements, they have never really had an infrastructure of their own.  Marines have always shared their vehicles, weapons, supplies, and technologies with the other armed services.  In the best of times, that meant that the Corps got the same top-of-the-line material the other armed services were issued.  In the worst of times, it meant that the Corps has had to make do with outmoded weapons and material no longer needed by the other services.

In the short war in Korea in 1871, Marines discovered that the "barbarians and bandits" they fought were equipped with better weapons that their own.  That didn't prevent them from winning the fight, but it sure hurt their sense of pride.  Nearly a century later, during World War II, the Marines who landed on Guadalcanal were carrying the same ancient rifles their fathers carried at Belleau Wood twenty-five years before.  The Japanese defenders on the island outnumbered them, and were well entrenched.  Yet the Marines prevailed, because victory at Guadalcanal - as in the victory against the Tiger Hunters of Korea - was not achieved through the quality of the Marine Corps firepower, but because of their tenacious fighting spirit.

"The Marine Corps is the men's department of the Navy."

Despite my love of the Marine Corps, I always root for Army in the Army-Navy game. So when I saw the above statement somewhere, I thought it appropriate to post.

Don't Tread On Me

A coiled snake above the words "Don't tread on me" adorned the drums of the Continental Marines during the Revolutionary War.

In December 1775, "An American Guesser" anonymously wrote to the Pennsylvania Journal. This anonymous writer, having "nothing to do with public affairs" and "in order to divert an idle hour," speculated on why a snake might be chosen as a symbol for America.

First, it occurred to him that "the Rattle-Snake is found in no other quarter of the world besides America."

The rattlesnake also has sharp eyes, and "may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance." Furthermore,

Finally,

Many scholars now agree that this "American Guesser" was Benjamin Franklin.

Marine Corps Boot Camp

Without doubt, Marine boot camp is more challenging -- both physically and mentally -- than the basic training programs of any of the other military services. Not only are the physical requirements much higher, but recruits are required to learn and memorize a startling amount of information. There are more than 70 "training days" in a period a little longer than 12 weeks; however, there is lots of "training" going on on the "non-training days," such as the time in Reception, the time spent in "forming," and on Sundays and Holidays.

If a recruit is unable to perform basic exercises, he may spend a significant amount of time in PCP (the Physical Conditioning Platoon). PCP is tough: its objective is physical fitness, and that's what is be concetrated in while in the program.  While it is normally a 21 day program, once you're in, you don't get out until you can do 3 pull ups, 40 sit ups in 2 minutes, and run 3 miles in 28:00 minutes.

If you arrive overweight, your Drill Instructor will put you on a "diet tray" for your meals.  On the other hand, if you arrive underweight, you may be put on "double-rations."

The first stop is at Recruit Receiving, where new recruits spend the first few days of their recruit training experience.  Here they will receive their first haircut and their initial gear issue, which includes items like uniforms and letter writing supplies. During this time recruits will also be given a full medical and dental screening, and take the Initial Strength Test.  This test consists of a one and a half mile run, sit-ups and pull-ups to test recruits to see if they're in shape to begin training.

The other services give you a slight break during the in-processing phase.   Not the Marine Corps: Discipline starts the second you walk off the bus.  Marine Corps drill instructors are addressed (loudly) as "sir".  You won't even get into the building before you're given your first lesson -- you'll be instructed that Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits absence without leave. Article 91 prohibits disobedience to a lawful order. Article 93 prohibits disrespect to a senior officer. Those are absolute, non-breakable laws that recruits are to live by for the next 13 weeks.

The process usually begins late at night, or in the early morning hours.  The other services do a quick processing and allow recruits to rack out for the rest of the night. In the Marine Corps, they are up the entire first night and all of the next day.

During this day and a half, all recruits complete paperwork processing, get their hair cut off, turn in every single bit of civilian clothing and articles they own, be issued initial uniforms & field gear (canteen, web belt, poncho, field jacket, gloves...) etc.

Recruits spend between 3-5 days in Receiving.  During this time, you'd think you're already in boot camp.  Drill Instructors will be yelling at you, you'll do some drill, some marching, wear uniforms, eat, drink, shower, get chewed out some more, learn to make your rack, etc...

While in Receiving, recruits are given the Initial Strength Test (IST).  To pass (and avoid the Physical Conditioning Platoon), males are required to do 2 dead-hang pull-ups, 44 crunches in 2 minutes, and a 1.5 mile run in 13.5 minutes.  Females are required to run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes, perform a flex-arm hang of 12 seconds, and do 44 crunches in 2 minutes. 

Basic Training is broken down into three basic phases: The First Phase is Basic Learning; physical and mental.  The Second Phase is Rifle Training, and the Third Phase is Field Training.  The first part of week one is called "forming." The Drill Instructors "form" new recruits by a process known as "total immersion."

Forming is the period when recruits are taken to their training companies and they "meet" their drill instructors for the first time.  During Forming's 3-5 days, recruits learn the basics: how to march, how to wear their uniform, how to secure their weapon, etc.  This period of time allows recruits to adjust to the recruit training way of life before the first actual training day.

Immediately, recruits are expected to learn a brand new vocabulary (no mistakes allowed!).  You don't go "upstairs," you go "topside."  You don't go downstairs, you go "down below."  Your bunk becomes a "rack."  The latrine is a "head."  The floor is a "deck."  The walls are "bulkheads."  The windows are "portholes."  The ceiling is an "overhead."  You face "forward."  Behind you is "aft."  Facing forward, left is "port," and right is "starboard."  Never, EVER call the D.I.'s office an "office." It is, and always will be the "D.I. House".   Third-person language is also a cardinal rule. It's not "me," or "I," it's "this recruit."  It's not "them," or "us," it's "these recruits," or "those recruits."  Recruits may never, EVER, say the word, "you" to their drill instructor.  The proper phrase would be "Sir, this recruit does not understand the drill instructor's request, sir." (Shouted at the top of the lungs, of course).

Drill instructors are not allowed to use profanity, nor are they allowed to physically touch a recruit (other than for safety reasons, such as on the weapon's range).  So, how to they maintain discipline?  In the other services, it may be push-ups, or possibly some running. In the Marine Corps, you get "quarter-decked" - basically exercising your rump off and sounding off at the top of your lungs at the same time.  Anything from pushups, crunches, running in place, arm rotations, side straddle hops, steam engines and more can be used on the quarterdeck or the pit.

The Marine Corps has added martial arts to its Boot Camp program in November 2000 - the biggest change to boot camp since the Crucible was added four years before that. Recruits get about 15 hours of martial-arts training at boot camp and will receive another six hours of training during the Marine Combat Training.  Also during the 13 weeks, recruits spend countless hours taking their rifle apart, cleaning it thoroughly, and putting it back together.

Most nights recruits get a full 8 hours of uninterruped sleep.  However, the Marine Corps Recruit Training Regulation allows the Basic Training Commanding General to reduce this requirement to 7 hours.  The above does not apply when a recruit is required to perform guard duty, fire/security watch, mess duty, or when the series/company is engaged in scheduled night events.  Under such circumstances, the hours of sleep may be reduced to a minimum of six hours.  During the Crucible, recruits will normally receive four hours of sleep.

As recruits move away from the first week, they continue learning the basics of close combat skills, including the infamous "pugil sticks."  Many recruits are somewhat apprehensive about this phase of training, but then find out how much fun it really is. Two kinds of blows are permitted: the slash and the horizontal butt stroke, both to the well-protected head and neck.  A clean shot ends the bout.  The secret is aggression -- this is not a defensive sport.  A word here about competition... Marine platoons compete against each other in almost every aspect of training, from drills to inspections to pugil sticks to P.T. to academics.  For each and every event, trophies are won and displayed prominently in the barracks on the awards table.  This is no small matter -- the competition is stiff and the D.I.s (and recruits!) take victories and defeats very seriously.

Recruits learn field first aid, attend classes on core values (as well as other academicclasses), and receive several hours on basic weapon handling.  Around week 3, in addition to more pugil sticks and close combat training, additional classes on first aid and core values, they participate in a 3 mile march (with packs).

The Confidence Course consists of eleven obstacles, designed so that each obstacle is more physically challenging then the last.  The course is designed so the average platoon can run it in 45 minutes.  Like pugil sticks, the Confidence Course is a great morale builder, as most of the recruits find out they can negotiate the obstacles with ease (after a little practice and "encouragement" from ever-vigilant D.I.s). 

During the fourth week, there is even more training with pugil sticks and additional training in close combat skills.  In addition to the daily P.T., there is further academic classes (including more core values training).  The highlight of week 4 is the individual drill evaluation.  Your platoon is evaluated, graded, and compared to the other platoons.  The winning platoon, of course, receives a trophy for the trophy table. The losing platoons receive the wrath of their respective D.I.s. 

The biggest event of week 5 is Combat Water Survival. All Marines must pass basic water survival skills in order to graduate from boot camp (those who don't pass will receive extensive remedial training until they do). Training in Combat Water Survival develops a recruit's confidence in the water. All recruits must pass the minimum requirement level of Combat Water Survival-4, which requires recruits to perform a variety of water survival and swimming techniques. If a recruit meets the CWS-4 requirements, he may upgrade to a higher level. All recruits train in the camouflage utility uniform, but those upgrading may be required to train in full combat gear, which includes a rifle, helmet, flak jacket and pack.   Also this week is a 5 mile hike, a test on Marine Customs & Courtesies, more training in first aid, a full-blown inspection (uniforms, rifles, questions, etc.), and more classes on core values.

Marksmanship training teaches recruits the fundamentals of marksmanship with their M-16A2 service rifle. This training takes place over two weeks, the first of which is called Snap-In Week. During this week, recruits are introduced to the four shooting positions (standing, kneeling, sitting and prone) and a Primary Marksmanship Instructor shows recruits how to fire, how to adjust their sights, how to take into account the effects of the weather, etc. Recruits also have the opportunity to fire on the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Training machine. During the second week of marksmanship training, recruits actually fire a known-distance course with ranges of 200, 300 and 500 yards. Recruits prepare for rifle qualification on Friday of that week.

Before they actually get to fire, however, they practice aiming and dry-firing their rifles until they simply can't stand it anymore.  By the time they fire that first actual shot, they'll have dry-fired their rifles in every conceivable position thousands of times.  In addition to rifle training, during these two weeks, recruits receive basic training on grenades and other types of weapons.

During week 7, recruits also experience a 6 mile night march, and get another chance at the Confidence Course.

Week 8 is called "Team Week," which means recruits get to spend all of their time working at the mess hall or some other detail.  When they return to their platoon at the end of this week, they'll more likely than not discover that their D.I. thinks they've grown sloppy and undisciplined during the week, and will expend extra effort for the next few days in returning the rest of the platoon to his version of disciplined recruits.  This "re-transformation" will usually requires several applications of "quarter-decking."

The ninth week consists almost entirely of the fundamentals of field firing, in preparation for field training during the tenth week.  There is also a 10 mile march (with packs) during week 9.  If recruits haven't experienced blisters yet during their time in boot camp, they most likely will experience it during week 9.

During week 10, recruits start putting all of their training together during field training.  "Field Training" is "practice war."  Recruits operate and live in a simulated combat environment, and learn the fundamentals of patrolling, firing, setting up camp, and more.  Basic Warrior Training introduces recruits to field living conditions.  The majority of a Marine's field training is conducted after recruit training at the School of Infantry.  During the 3-day Basic Warrior Training conducted during boot camp, recruits will learn basic field skills like setting up a tent, field sanitation and camouflage. It is also during this training that recruits go through the gas chamber.

During week 11, recruits get a chance to put everything they've learned in boot camp to the test.  The week starts with the biggest competition of all: The Company Commander's Inspection.  Not only are the recruits being judged here, but the D.I. is being judged as well.

Once they've gotten the Company Commander's Inspection out of the way, they experience the event to top all events: The Crucible.  The Crucible is the final test every recruit must go through to become a Marine.  It tests them physically, mentally and morally and is the defining moment in recruit training.  The Crucible is no walk in the park, unless your idea of a walk in the park takes place over 54 hours and includes food and sleep deprivation and approximately 40 miles of marching.  The entire Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together solving problems, overcoming obstacles and helping each other along.  The Crucible Event is designed around Core Value Stations, Warrior Stations, the Confidence Course, Reaction Course, and Movement Course as well as other various mentally and physically challenging events.  A final foot march will conclude with a Morning Colors Ceremony and a "Warriors' Breakfast".

The famed "Eagle, Globe and Anchor Ceremony" used to be conducted immediately after the Crucible, but now takes place on "Family Day" when families are invited to come.  The Eagle, Globe and Anchor is the Marine Corps Emblem -- it signifies that the recruit is a member, always and forever, of the few and the proud.

Week 11 is known as "Transformation Week."  During this week the new Marines are given 1 hour extra free time each evening and wear the rank insignia of the grade to which they were either guaranteed upon enlistment, or earned during recruit training. Also during this week, more responsibility is given to the privates and PFCs and the supervision from the drill instructors is decreased.  In fact, drill instructors don't wear their duty belts during this time and many of the Drill Instructors will allow the new Marines call them by their rank, not as "sir".  This week helps these new Marines adjust from being a recruit to being a Marine.

The final week. D.I.s are not yelling as much.  Recruits spend this last week learning about the Heroes of the Corps, a class or two on financial management, the relatively easy Battalion Commander's Inspection, more core value classes, and finally, graduation practice and graduation.

The minimum (core) graduation requirements are:

(1) Pass the physical fitness test and be within prescribed weight standards

(2) Qualify for Combat Water Survival at level 4 or higher

(3) Qualify with the service rifle

(4) Pass the battallion commander's inspection

(5) Pass the written tests

(6) Complete the Crucible

If a recruit fails in any of the above areas, he is subject to be "recycled" (sent backwards in time to another platoon), or may possibly be discharged.  

All Marines are authorized 10 days of leave, immediately following graduation from boot camp.  They need the rest, however, because boot camp is just the start - their training is not finished.  Following their leaves, they go on to further training at the School of Infantry (East) which is located at Camp Geiger, MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (for those who attended basic at Parris Island), or the School of Infantry (West), at Camp Pendleton, CA, for those who attended basic training at San Diego.

UNIT    CORPS    GOD    COUNTRY

The Men Who Raised The Flag At Iwo Jima

There are six men on the photo, four in the front line and two in back (five of them, Marines).  The front four are (left to right) Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, John Bradley and Harlon Block.  The back two are Michael Strank (behind Sousley) and Rene Gagnon (behind Bradley).  Strank, Block and Sousley would die shortly afterwards.  Bradley, Hayes and Gagnon became national heroes within weeks.

Mike Strank