Once a Marine . . .

I joined the Marines in their 188th year of service to America; today is the 230th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. This may not be a very significant event to most people, but it certainly is among those who have earned the right to be called “Marine.” The United States Marine Corps, in terms of its historic task and mission, is modeled on its British counterpart – they are soldiers of the sea, and their purpose is the projection of naval power ashore.

Since its beginning in 1775, countless numbers of Americans have served their country in the uniform of the United States Marine Corps. In the past 230 years, thousands of Marines have given their lives in hundreds of engagements in the defense of our beloved America. Thus, the Marine Corps birthday celebration is a day when all Marines, past and present, reflect on the bravery and accomplishments of those who have passed before.

The Marine Corps is unique in a number of important ways. Marines have an exclusive mission within the Department of Defense. The Marine Corps developed amphibious and over the horizon assault operations doctrine, created and advanced close air support standards, and it formulated and implemented maritime pre-positioned logistics capability; Marine Corps equipment is tailored to its unique task and missions. Even Marine uniforms are exclusive; its history is reflected in several articles of clothing. In spite of hundreds of occupational specialties, however, one thing stands out about Marines – every Marine is primarily a rifleman, and every Marine is a warrior.

The Marine Corps is a large family – one composed of men and women who have little in common with one another except that they are first and foremost, United States Marines. It is therefore proper that all Marines, past and present, come together on November 10th to recall, and reflect upon, the deeds and sacrifices of those who have preceded us. It is a solemn occasion, it is a celebration of history and tradition, and it is a renewal of our commitment to the American people; we remain dedicated to the preservation of the United States Constitution, and the rights of all Americans to be free.

While the history of the United States Marine Corps belongs in rather large sized books, and there are several that are worthy of the reader’s time and money, my purpose here is to explain that the title “Marine,” once earned, is a lifetime distinction. It may be true that a Marine could later in life become a company president, or a high ranking politician, or a minister, a teacher, a police officer, a fireman, or a dentist – but for as long as that person lives, he or she is entitled to be called Marine. There is no such thing as a former Marine, a retired Marine, or an ex-Marine. There are only two kinds of Marines – those who are alive, and those who are dead.

As with any large organization, our Corps consists of a wide range of people; none of them are perfect human beings, but it is true that all Marines are capable of the most astounding acts of valor. Generally, the character of Marines is exceptional; they are devoted to their Corps and Country, and they form unique bonds with other Marines – especially among those who serve in the same rifle squad, or aviation squadron. Marines are knowledgeable, well read in the profession of arms, and they are devoted to the development of leadership skills. Marines lead by example, not through coersion, and no one ever quits in the Marine Corps – it simply isn’t an option.

November 10th is also a time to appreciate the sacrifices of the wives, husbands, and children of Marines. Military service is demanding, and this is especially true in the Marine Corps where fewer manpower numbers result in continual deployments and extended time away from loved ones. Marine wives and husbands, in supporting their spouses, being patient, expressing love, and understanding, enable Marines to accomplish daunting tasks. There are NO easy assignments in the Marine Corps; some are just less demanding. Marines who serve in combat need (and deserve) the love and support of their families, but so too do Marines who serve as recruiters, drill instructors, who are deployed in the Pacific, or who work at that puzzle palace called Headquarters Marine Corps.

Being a Marine is clearly the best thing I’ve ever done, but I owe a debt of gratitude to those who trained me, who stood by me, and to those who permitted me to call them “friend.” Sadly, it is a debt that can never be repaid, only cherished – and I am certain that these Marines know who they are.

Yes, it’s true. “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”

X-post: Social Sense