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.
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.
You can say “Semper Fi” if you're not a Marine, but the Marines' language is slightly different from the rest of the United States.
“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.
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.
“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.
"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.
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.
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.
15. POGs and Grunts – Though every Marine is a trained rifleman, infantry Marines (03XX MOS) lovingly call their non-infantry brothers and sisters POGs (pronounced “pogue,”) which is an acronym that stands for Personnel Other than Grunts.
All enlisted Marines are united by memories of the drill instructors who barked orders at them — morning, noon and night — for the first 13 weeks of their Marine Corps lives. They share the remembrances of dread when they incurred their DI's wrath.
Since military sidewalks are usually straight lines that intersect each other at 90-degree angles, a young private may save a half of a second by cutting through the grass. If enough troops cut that same corner, then the grass will die and become a path, thus destroying the need for the sidewalk to begin with.
Oscar Mike is military lingo for “On the Move” and was specifically chosen to represent the spirit of its founder and the Veterans he serves.
The recruit is given a scripted response: “I have arrived safely at MCRD Parris Island or MCRD San Diego. Please do not send any food or bulky items. I will contact you in 3 to 5 days via postcard with my new mailing address. Thank you for your support.
If we are being technical, members in the military cannot pocket their hands simply because there are no pockets available.
The board's reasoning was to promote uniformity and help Marines to “train as we fight.” While in combat, Marines wear their sleeves down in combat zones for more protection for their arms against different terrains and climates.
"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.”
The military branch with the toughest basic training is the Marine Corps.
Personnel other than grunts, or POGs, are an essential part of the fight. POGs make up the majority of the military and they perform every job that is not specifically reserved for infantry.
The Marine Corps pension program offers half of a veteran's full pay at time of retirement, beginning the day after retirement. For example, if you were making $60,000 a year when you retired, you can expect to make $30,000 each year as part of your pension.
The term "leatherneck" transcended the actual use of the leather stock and became a common nickname for United States Marines.
20. In the Marine Corps a three-day weekend is called a “72” and a four-day weekend is called a “96”
United States Marines don't like to be called soldiers. Unless you wish to cause mild offense, refer to them as Marines (usually capitalized). Members of the U.S. Army and National Guard are soldiers. Members of the Air Force are airmen. Members of the Navy are sailors.