Some people think we came from hell, other think we should all go there. Then there are the wise ones who are glad we are around.
So what does it take to be a Marine? I admit, you have to be a bit foolish, a little daring, somewhat adventurous, looking for a challenge and according to most parents-crazy. Why? Because we are special. We train differently, we act differently, we think like no others, we take chances where others never would, we do more with less,We are overflowing with pride.
We wear our uniform with pride, we hold our heads up high with pride and our families are proud of us. Our country respects us, there are those who are not fond of us and the enemy fear us. So, unless you’ve been a Marine, no one really understands us or what it takes to be a Marine. We are damn proud to be called “Marine”.
You can find a former Marine in all walks of life. People say we’re dummies, stupid, crazy, obnoxious, animals. They just don’t know. I have met former Marines who are lawyers, doctor, artists, police captains, business owners and just about any profession you can imagine. And every former Marine I have met is just as proud now as when they were in the Corps.
Our ways in life and in combat are unconventional, unlike others, daring foolish or rude at times, impetuous, usually tough but always successful. We have been called, “America’s 911”. We know how to “take it” and we know how to ” dish it out”. We have gone through boot camp or OCS and became sensitive, caring and loving. Sensitive to what people say about us, caring for our fellow Marine and loving our Corps and country.
The men and women of the Marine Corps are highly motivated and held in high esteem by those who love us, hate us and fear us. We have an ego the size of Texas and a history to back it up. No one can ever take that away from us because we have earned it. When you join the Marine Corps, it’s because you want to be a Marine. I know.
Over the past century, we have been looked down upon, insulted, spat on rejected, degraded, used, abused, exploited and taken advantage of. We love it! We can take it; that’s what makes us a Marine. This special treatment.
We are respected and admired by other countries yet not in some social circles in our country. That is just fine because we shall be here, prepared to fight when our country needs us again. And we ask for nothing. That’s what it takes to be a Marine.
Gen. George S. Patton could not have said it any better when he said, “The highest obligation and privilege of citizenship it that of bearing arms for one’s country.”
If it weren’t for these crazy, foolhardy, vulgar, wild, gutsy, braggarts who joined the Marine Corps, we would not have a country, a free country. A free country that allows others to call us names. We have protected this country and died for you. Thank you for that honor
By Martin E. Shapiro—RVN 1965/66, 1st Bn., 9th Marines
Sgt Grit wants to hear from you! Leave your comments below or Submit your own Story !
Ooh rah!
Right on Brother! It sure fits my MO. Semper Fi! Sgt Court C Conkwright P I. June 1962 2nd Bn. Plt 238. Then 2nd Marine Div. 0311. I would not trade being a Marine for anything. One of the best moves I ever made. Just look at all the Brothers I now have.
There is no such thing as a former Marine. Once a Marine , always a Marine. We just aren’t on active duty. OOORAH SEMPER FI to all my brothers.
I concur, HONORABLY discharged Marines will always be Marines! The author of this post made it a good read except for that one line. Do not refer to us as FORMER! To do that is an insult. I’m a Captain in the fire department in the city where I live. I have been in the fire service for 30 years now. But I still consider myself a Marine first before I would call myself a firefighter. One night I met up with some of the guys for a few and one of them, who was prior army, jokingly teased me about always wearing Marine gear. I just told him he couldn’t possibly ever understand. Then I showed him my arm and told him, “Forever having the title, forever branded!” I posted a pic of my tat in the tattoo section of this website entitled “this just inked”. Other than that, like I stated earlier, a good read.
Amen. Still a Marine. SEMPER FI!
Amen brother!!
THANK U MY BROTHER EARLY EVERY LETTER THAT SPELLS THE WORD M.A.R.I.N.E. 000H RA..
Earned. .was the word not early..
Ooh Rah Martin. From Golf Company 2/9 ’68-’69
Sums up the essence of being a Marine. The line “We are respected and admired by other countries yet not in some social circles in our country.” reminded me of the time I visited a good Marine friend who was at Harvard in the MBA program. I arrived at his home on a Friday afternoon and he said there was a mixer with his seminar group that night and to come along. Sounded good, free booze and eats. His group all knew my friend was a Marine and I was introduced as his friend, also a Marine. Most of the men in his group were corporation VP’s and were enjoying themselves chasing college girls. There were a few women in his group. Later in the evening one of the women came up to me and said in a very condescending way “So, you are Scott’s friend, what do you do?” I couldn’t help myself and I quickly responded, “I’m a trained killer!” She hurried away at double time.
Semper Fi do or die forever!
AND TO THINK THE (MARINE CORPS) IS (OLDER) THAN THE (UNITED STATES) AND IT ALL STARTED IN A (TAVERN=BAR) NOW WHATS TO THAT? ONLY A MARINE WOULD UNDERSTAND! (SEMPER FI) (SKI)
Well said Brother, I am going to pass this one around. SEMPER FI
What is a former Marine?
I would say if you dishonor the Corps, you lose the title.
Jerry, roger that !!
no such thing as a former marine , The correct term is former active duty marine. If the army and the navy ever look on heaven scene, they will find the streets are guarded by United States marines. once a marine ALWAYS a marine.
I disagree with” former active duty Marine” title, ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE. There are only ex husbands and wives or former presidents.
Negative…….There is no “Former” or “Ex” Marine!!!!! ONCE A MARINE…….ALWAYS A MARINE!!!!! Devil Dog, Leatherneck or Jarhead is always acceptable too!!!!!
Semper FI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, well said. I was an active Marine a long time ago, but I’m still a Devil Dog. ‘Semper Fi Til I Die’ is on my belt buckle at this very minute! I’m the only Marine in the company I work at part time. In fact, the only US veteran there. I see many in companies who think they are leaders, but lack the discipline to be successful. They dodge making decisions and don’t have the courage to take people to task. I remember a couple of DI’s, who could have helped them out! Sgt. Jim Suthers
Amen and Semper Fi brother!
G
The Marine Corps & the Catholic Schools have given me the determination and drive to have succeeded in life. Both organizations know what it takes to mold an individual into a person that understands the importance of God, Country, and Family. I shall forever be grateful to God and Corps for the freedoms I have enjoyed throughout my life. Semper Fi 2150078
You are right on about Catholic School and the USMC! My twin brother and I were in a Catholic orphanage in Oahu Hawaii from 1952 to 1955 run by the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary sisters .You talk about Marine Corps Drill Instructors ! We joined the USMC on Nov 1961 and went to PI Plt 194 Bco 1st Bn (The stomping Ground) we were 17years and one month old at the time. Our DI’s couldent beleve how much discipline we had for never being in ROTC or any other military organizations.Yes those Catholic Nun were tough but loving.
You said it Marine! I kept such a low profile in boot camp thanks to those nuns that one of my DI’s actually ask me what my name was at graduation! Lol.
Great Article – So Very True….Joined in 1953 and spent 3 years and Still Proud to have been a member of the U S Marines…Semper Fi
Semper Fi. Thank for the eloquent comments. Nelson, J.R., I Corp, 1968-69, 3/4, Mike Company, One Alpha. I will always be a Marine and finally proud of my service with fellow Marines, Our Corps and the USA, regardless of how I maybe viewed by the public
SEMPER FI!!!GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL MARINES!! Sgt C. Bryson 1966-1970 Served 2/4 RVN 67/68
Well said !!!! I was in Comm Plt 1/9 the same time he was in 1/9
I would not trade being a Marine for anything! -A1-10 1964
Martin, Semper Fi Brother, very well stated and true. The confirmation of the Marine Corps in ‘The National Security Act of 1947’; SEC 206, (c) … shall provide security detachments for the protection of naval property at naval stations and bases, and shall perform such other duties as the President may direct: This statement allows the Commander in Chief to order the Marine Corps to respond to actions without going through Congress and while it has been some what changed it guaranteed a Marine Crops forever. As a side note did you happen to serve with SGT J D Thompson from UTHA, been looking for him for years.
Well said brother!! 1stFSR/FLC RVN 67-68. Seller Fi!!
Well said brother!! 1stFSR/FLC RVN 67-68. Semper Fi!!
I also FLC heavy section refuelers, Semper Fi. Don McCrary
Was it Chesty who said there’s no such thing as a former Marine? You are a Marine until you die, then you will be known as a dead Marine.
Well said brother!!!!! Couldn’t agree more.
My experience has always been when I would run in to another Marine, regardless of our age or war, it was meeting an old friend for the first time. We would often talk until our wives pull us away. We would shared our common experiences and laugh at things that we only knew why they were funny or hang our heads for loss friends and changing times. Becoming a Marine made me a better person—a better husband, father, grandfather, friend, and better at life. Always and Forever—Semper Fi !!!
Amen, Brother
OOH RAH SEMPER FI best thing I ever did was join the Marines, my dad (Navy vet from WW2) told me you have done it now. Guess people don’t understand me now, I’m an ordained minister and I have told some I’m the most trained individual you will meet. I’m trained to kill and now I can preach your funeral, some laugh,some don’t know how to take it. But it don’t matter I’m still a Marine and proud of it 72-76 2nd Field Artillery Group, & Hotel Battery 3/12
Once a Marine always a Marine. Agreed. It’s been a little over 45 years since I hit the yellow footprints at P.I. I was with Mike Batt. 4/12 from ’73-’74. Remember Harry the Dog? He was all over Camp Hague. I’ll never forget the Quonset huts. OR the foot long “chicken” drumsticks sold by the street vendors on Gate 2 street….
I was there from Sept 74 to Sept 75 started with Lima battery then they transferred me to Hotel battery when we started the evacuation of Vietnam Nam. Don’t remember the dog or the chicken but how can anyone forget the Quonset huts guess I spent to much time at the club.
Sorry I don’t agree that you are crazy etc as a marine wife now widow — sorry you guy are normal to me — I am proud of what you do and who you are — I know have known many marines from different eras and you can tell them by there look — So you are a little outrageous and have a different sense of honor — I have learned that when the chips are down you all stand tall and pitch in — ask no questions – I thank you for your service and you should be proud of who you are what you have accomplished — As they say once a marine always a marine!
As a Navy Corpsman who volunteered for Nam and fought along with you, I could not be prouder than to call myself, or be called, Corpsman of Marines. That’s about as close as I can get to being a Marine, but there is no prouder moment in my life, than my time with the Marine Corps. And I’d fight like hell all over again if my Country, or the Corps needed me. I have the greatest respect and love for all my Brothers-in-Arms.
The worst mistake anybody can make is to think our Corpsman is not one of us. They will regret it. Thanks for being there. Semper fidelis.
Bottom line: We are brothers forever
Oooorahhhh devil dog,SEMPER FI/w PRIDE . Once a Marine always a Marine. First to Fight, Dead before Dishonor, we are hardcore to the bone. Thanks to the Corp I am who I am, father huband, and a dam Marine.
I couldn’t have said it better. Those who haven’t been a Marine can never fully understand. Those that love us come the closest. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Plt 392, PISC Nov 1961
Right on brothers and sisters. Best thing I did was to join the Corps. H&MS 39, MAG 39, 1st MAW, Quant Tri, RVN, 1969. Today PROUD member of Greater New Bedford Marine Corps League Set #1399. Join the Marine Corps League in your area and continue to support the Corps and your community. Oorah and Semper Fi my Brothers, Sisters, and Corpsman.
Like we have always said throughout the history of the USMC, Once a Marine, Always a Marine. After the Corps, went to work in the aerospace industry for 27 years. Using the Marine Corps discipline, leadership and knowledge, became a manager of many departments, directed by company vice presidents, to command and made these departments highly efficient and productive using our proven Marine Corps methods. God bless the Marine Corps and all who have served in it, past, present and future. Semper Fi, now and forever!! Note: the Marine Corpsman is a MARINE now and forever. They are the ones that are always going to the sounds of battles to help save our Marines.
Ooh rah! Vietnam 67-70.
Martin- Your words have been repeated in our Corps war after war; Why- because of our training and attitude. Thank you for repeating them. I also was a 1st Bn 9th Marine member 1965-1966 , a 3rd Bn 7th Marine member 1966-1967, and a 3rd Bn 7th Marine member 1970. Semper Fi to all!!!
I Think this lady said it best. “The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!” Eleanor Roosevelt. I am proud that I am one of those animals. Semper Fi.
This A.M. ,, I was at a small V.A. Clinic in Tilton N.H. (going thru stages of pneumonia , and feeling sorry for my condition) 1959-1965. The Automatic Door opened and this little man walked in preceded by his walker. The look I got and gave back, said it all !!! He Was One of The Chosen Few !! (I learned later from his Wife). Needless to say ,, It Took Our Wives to Separate Us ,, least we would still be at that Small V.A. Clinic. I Tried to sign him up to The Marine Corps League of which I am a Member,, Even having to use a walker ,,, This Marine still was up rite !!!!!
How about “I am a Marine masquerading as a civilian”?
Semper Fi. Once a Marine ALWAYS a Marine!
Semper Fi
General Mattis, aka Mad Dog, put it in these words, “no better friend, no worse enemy then a U. S. Marine”! Semper Fi, bros!
I really cannot add any more. Well Said! Semper Fi all.
Every day a holiday, every meal a feast, every payday a fortune, every deployment a challenge, every formation a family reunion. Semper Fidelis
Martin: your well expressed and passionate comments are right on target. However, I do agree with the others (in regard to your accidental oversight on words) I have always considered myself a Marine first, despite my decades-long discharge. In my opinion, there’s just no other description for those of us who willingly served in The Corps at one time or another. The time-worn motto of “once a Marine always a Marine” continues to hold true and will never wear out. Here’s health to you and to our Corps…..Semper Fi, Leo Caldeira ’58-’64 (1st Bat 9th Marines, ’59-’61).