“Rah.” or “Rah!” or “Rah?” Short for “Oohrah,” a Marine greeting or expression of enthusiasm similar to the Army's “Hooah” or the Navy's “Hooyah.” Rah, however, is a bit more versatile.
Oorah is a battle cry common in the United States Marine Corps since the mid-20th century. It is comparable to hooah in the US Army and hooyah in the US Navy and US Coast Guard. It is most commonly used to respond to a verbal greeting or as an expression of enthusiasm.
“Semper Fidelis” (“Always Faithful”) is the motto of the Corps. That Marines have lived up to this motto is proved by the fact that there has never been a mutiny, or even the thought of one, among U.S. Marines. Semper Fidelis was adopted about 1883 as the motto of the Corps.
Over the years Marines have picked up nicknames like "Devil Dog" and "Leatherneck" and have adopted phrases "Semper Fidelis," "the Few, the Proud," and "Esprit de Corps." From the Marines' Hymn to the famous Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem, there is much to learn about the terminology of the Corps.
VALUES DEFINED BY THE WAY THEY ARE LIVED
Never lie, never cheat or steal; abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity and respect others. Honor compels Marines to act responsibly, to fulfill our obligations and to hold ourselves and others accountable for every action.
Semper fi' and 'oorah' are not common phrases that civilians say, but it is a resounding sign of respect. Semper fi' is an acronym for “Semper” and “fight.” This phrase originated in 1369 in Abbeville, France, and has been adopted by numerous European towns and families since the 16th century.
"Veteran marine" or "former marine" can refer to anyone who has been discharged honorably from the Corps. "Retired marine" refers to those who have completed 20 or more years of service and formally retired or have been medically retired after less than 20 years service. "Sir" or "Ma'am" is appropriate out of respect.
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.
They are not soldiers. They are Marines. Marines are distinguished by their mission, their training, their history, their uniform and their esprit de corps. You would not call a sailor a soldier, an airman a soldier, and certainly you should not call a Marine a soldier.
Talking to Military as a Civilian. Greet military members using their proper title if you know it. If you know a service member's rank, use their title of address to talk to them. It is not considered rude or disrespectful to use military terminology when you've never served.
Saying "Good morning, Sir," or something along those lines is encouraged when you salute a superior. Perform the salute, then greet the soldier while holding the salute. If you are reporting to the officer, you should identify yourself and state that you are reporting. For example, "Sir, Private Jones reports."
Top - (US Army and Marines) The First Sergeant or Master Sergeant (USMC), senior enlisted man at company level.
Standing at attention is a common position for military and marching band members. To perform a proper position of attention, you will need to keep your legs straight, your head and neck erect, and your arms at your side.
However, “Semper Fi” (as it's yelled, cheered, or used as a greeting) is not just a motto for the Marines – it's a way of life. The phrase is Latin for “Always Faithful” and it embodies the Marine Corps' forever commitment to both their fellow Marines and the United States.
many customs a Service member must master is learning how, when and who to salute. The salute is a tradition of showing honor and respect. Fort Jackson is a training site for all U.S. Armed Forces, civilians and armed forces members from other countries.
But "women Marines" is a lip-twisting phrase. "She-Marines" (TIME, June 21) was frowned on, too. But the eventual development of some unofficial nickname was certain. Last week the Corps had it: BAMs. In leatherneck lingo that stands (approximately) for Broad-Axle Marines.
26. Out of school, a Marine sniper carries the colloquial title “PIG,” or Professionally Instructed Gunman. This is the Marine's title until he has killed an enemy sniper in combat and removed the round with his name on it from the enemy sniper's magazine.
Nickel was wearing the red patch, which dates back to World War II, on his eight-point cover during the ceremony. The patches, according to the Marine Corps, were used to differentiate support personnel on the beaches from grunts moving inland on assaults.
Despite the controversy as to its origins, once a person has earned the title “Marine” that person is a Marine for life. There are no ex- or former- Marines, there are only: Active-Duty Marines. Retired Marines.
If we are being technical, members in the military cannot pocket their hands simply because there are no pockets available.
For Marines, those on IRR status are not paid, they do not drill or train except for “periodic Muster activities” and remain inactive until mobilized by presidential order. IRR Marines retain certain benefits including: Military ID Card. ID Cards for dependents.
The phrase “jarheads” is also a slang phrase used by sailors when referring to Marines. The term first appeared as early as World War II and referred to Marines' appearance wearing their dress blue uniforms. The high collar on the uniform and the Marines' head popping out of the top resembled a Mason Jar.
The words “until Valhalla” hold special meaning among soldiers. The Vikings believed that should they fall in battle, Valhalla awaited them beyond death. “Until Valhalla” conveys the simple yet powerful message that there is no greater distinction in life than to die with valor and honor.
"Leatherneck"
Also mandated was a leather stock to be worn by officers and enlisted men alike. This leather collar served to protect the neck against cutlass slashes and to hold the head erect in proper military bearing. Sailors serving aboard ship with Marines came to call them “leathernecks.”