Marine's Prayer

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. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. 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.
AMEN.
24/7/365 Marines are and will always be on call when the Nation needs them.
Marine Corps Core Values

Generation after generation of American men and women have given special meaning to the title United States Marine. These same men and women live by a set of enduring Core Values which forms the bedrock of their character. The Core Values give Marines strength and regulate their behavior; they bond the Marine Corps into a total force that can meet any challenge.


HONOR

Honor guides Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior; to never lie cheat or steal; to abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity; and respect others. The quality of maturity, dedication, trust and dependability commit Marines to act responsibly; to be accountable for their actions; to fulfill their obligations; and to hold others accountable for their actions.


COURAGE

Courage is the mental, moral and physical strength ingrained in Marines. It carries them through the challenges of combat and helps them overcome fear. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure.


COMMITMENT

Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in Marines. It leads to the highest order of discipline for individuals and units. It is the ingredient that enables 24-hour a day dedication to Corps and country. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor.
MARINE CORPS LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

· Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
· Be technically and tactically proficient.
· Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates.
· Make sound and timely decisions.
· Set the example.
· Know your Marines and look out for their welfare.
· Keep your Marines informed.
· Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.
· Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished.
· Train your Marines as a team.
· Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.

MARINE CORPS LEADERSHIP TRAITS

· Dependability
The certainty of proper performance of duty.

· Bearing
Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearence and personal conduct at all times.

· Courage
The mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables a man to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.

· Decisiveness
Ability to make decisions promptly and to announce them in clear, forceful manner.

· Endurance
The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress and hardship.

· Enthusiasm
The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty.

· Initiative
Taking action in the absence of orders.

· Integrity
Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principles; includes the qualities of truthfulness and honesty.

· Judgement
The ability to weigh facts and possible solutions on which to base sound decisions.

· Justice
Giving reward and punishment according to merits of the case in question. The ability to administer a system of rewards and punishments impartially and consistently.

· Knowledge
Understanding of a science or an art. The range of one's information, including professional knowledge and an understanding of your Marines.

· Tact
The ability to deal with others without creating offense.

· Unselfishness
Avoidance of providing for one's own comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.

·Loyalty
The quality of faithfulness to country, the Corps, the unit, to one's seniors, subordinates and peers.
MY RIFLE

The creed of a United States Marine
by Major General W.H. Rupertus, USMC

This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.

My rifle, without me is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will...

My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit...

My rifle is human, even as I, 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 ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...

Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and myself 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 there is no enemy, but Peace!



CODE OF CONDUCT

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 my people 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 my faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or 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 only 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 it's allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI: I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my action, and dedicated to the principles which make my country free. I will trust in my God and the United States of America.
AJ's Place

Midis

Marines Section
Marine Prayer
Core Values
Leadership Traits
Code Of Conduct
Phrases Of M.C.
My Rifle
DI's
Questions about M.C.
Brief History
1st Commandant of M.C.
History/Medal Of Honor

In-Depth History
Marine Acronyms
Helpful Info on:
Drill
Uniforms
Customs/Courtesy
Orgs & Attachments
Marksmanship
Weight Standards
Fitness Program
Battle Skills
Interior Guard
Leadership
TERMS AND PHRASES USED IN (OR ABOUT) THE MARINE CORPS

"First to Fight"
Marines have been in the forefront of every American war since the founding of the Corps. They have carried out over 300 landings on foreign shores. They have served everywhere, from the poles to the tropics. Their record of readiness reflects pride, responsibility and challenge.

"Leathernecks"
The Marines' long-standing nickname goes back to the leather stock or neckpiece, which was part of the Marine uniform from 1775 to 1875. The leather bands around their threats were intended to ensure that Marines kept their heads erect.

"Devil Dogs"
In the Belleau Wood fighting in 1918, the Germans received a thorough indoctrination in the fighting ability of the Marines. Fighting through supposedly impenetrable woods and capturing supposedly untakeable terrain, the persistent attacks, delivered with unbelievable courage soon had the Germans calling Marines "teufelhunden," referring to the fierce fighting dogs of legendary origin.

"Esprit de Corps"
The "spirit" of a unit. This spirit is commonly reflected by all members. It implies devotion and loyalty to the Marine Corps, with deep regard for history, traditions and honor.

"Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue"
Refers to the victories in World War II, especially at Iwo Jima, the largest all-Marine battle in history. Admiral Nimitz's ringing epitome of Marine fighting on Iwo Jima was applied to the entire Marine Corps in World War II.

"Gyrenes"
The term "gyrene" is a jocular reference to Marines which was first used in England as early as 1894. It was used in the United States around the time of World War I. Its exact origin is unknown, but it did appear to have a derogatory meaning in its early usage. It has been suggested that the term may embody a reference to pollywog, a naval slang term for a person who has not yet "crossed" [the equator], hence, a landlubber.

"Jarhead"
A slang term used by sailors as early as World War II to refer to members of the Marine Corps, drawing the term from the resemblance of the Marine dress blues uniform, with its high collar, to a Mason jar.

"Semper Fidelis"
The Motto of the United States Marine Corps. Latin for always faithful. Faithful to god, Country, Family and the Corps.

"Once a Marine, Always a Marine"
The motto of the Marine Corps League. Having earned the title of Marine it becomes a integral part of who and what we will become later in life.
Semper Fi Marines