THE MARINE

by Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert USMC



We all came together, Both young and old. To fight for our freedom, To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil, We stand our ground, And we protect our country From all terror around.

Peace and not war, Is what some people say. But I'll give my life, So you can live the American way.

I give you the right To talk of your peace, To stand in your groups, And protest in our streets.

But still I fight on. I don't *****, I don't whine. I'm just one of the men Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails, Stronger than any machine, I'm the immortal soldier, I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes, And leave from your home. Fight for the people who hate you, With the protests they've shown.

Fight for the stranger, Fight for the young, So they all may have, The great freedom you've won.

Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor. Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door.

But when your time comes, Do what I've done. For if you stand up for freedom You'll stand when the fight's done.

The Silent Reaper

"The silent reaper comes to me
In shades of tarnished gold.
Questioning and beckoning,
I fear his icy hold.

He reaches out and grasps for me,
With bony misformed hand.
I strike out in a desperate wrath!
For this is not my land."

"Go away, Leave me be!
I've much yet must be done!"
He looks at me a deathly stare
I turn for I must run.

Down the road eternity
Is ever drawing near
But with my small respite has come
A lessening of fear.

I turn to him and raise a sword
I've found that's in my hand.
My eyes are strong, my voice is true
I make my final stand.

"Come good Reaper, try this man
For I shall run no more."
"My Country loves me far away
That's what I fight for."

He hesitates and slows his gait
He sees that I wont run.
Marine Corps Honor strong in me
He faces more than one.

Then he turns and disappears
My battles won this day.
My love for Country strong and true
I raise my eyes and pray.

Garth Holt Cpl. USMC

The Title - U.S. Marine

It Can Not be Inherited
Nor Can it Ever be Purchased
You or No One Alive
can Buy It for Any Price
It is Impossible to Rent
and It Can Not be Lent
You Alone and Our Own
have Earned It
with Your Sweat, Blood and Lives.
You Own It Forever
The Title

George L. Scott, Jr.

"THE BREED"

"THE BREED" By Bob Holtzer

Look at them...who are they??

I'd really like to know.

These gallant young men that stand

ready to defend and challenge our nations foe.

You may ask this question when you come upon this scene,

When there is a crisis in our world and all seems dim, just call

on any

"MARINE."

It was "1775" when they formed into the Corps.

to fight and defend our country on many a distant shore.

The fought in actions around the world and they earned a new

respect,

they served with pride and honor to become known as "LEATHERNECK!"

In World War one at "Belleau Wood" with a courage that few had

seen,

they painted our history with valor,

"DEVIL DOG!! "

a name for a "MARINE."

In World War two in the pacific they planted their courageous

seed,

Then again in Korea and Vietnam to become known as "THE BREED!"

It doesn't matter what action in which they may have served,

they are Marines..."THE BREED!"

an honor well deserved.

In peace they carry the legacy of those that have gone before,

These young men are "THE BREED!"

"The heart of the Corps!!"

We are warriors

"We are warriors, one and all. Born to defend, built to conquer. The steel we wear is the steel within ourselves, forged by the hot fires of discipline and training. We are fierce in a way no others can be. We are Marines."

"In the Marines, everyone-sergeant, mechanic, cannoneer, supply man, clerk, aviator, cook-is a rifleman first. All speak the language of the rifle and bayonet, of muddy boots and long, hot marches. It's never us and them, only us. That is the secret of the Corps." - Col. Daniel F. Bolger,

USMC Cadence

You can keep your Army Khakis,

And your Navy Blues.

Theres a different type of fighting man,

that i'd like to introduce.

His uniform is different,

the best you've ever seen.

The Germans called him Devil Dog,

His real name is Marine.

His home is Parris Island,

The land that God forgot

The sand is 18 inches deep,

and the sun is blazing hot.

He's deadly with a rifle,

and a bayonet of steel.

He took the devils calling card ,

He's mastered how to kill.

Later

If you can read this, thank a teacher,

If you are reading it in English, thank a Veteran

Save Water, Shower With A Marine

Grunts Can Do Anything

Marines Always Welcome, Relatives By Appointment

Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are

Marine Sniper -- Visualize World Peace

Marine Sniper -- You Can Run But You Can't Hide

What Part of Marine Don't you Understand

We Don't Care How You Do It In The Navy

Be Safe Sleep With A Marine

To Boldly Go Where A FEW GOOD MEN Have Gone Before

Heros Get Remembered, Legends Live Forever

When It Absolutely, Positively Must Be DESTROYED Overnight -- Call The USMC

Heaven Won't Take Us and Hell Is Afraid We'll Take Over

There Are Two Types of People: MARINES and Those Who Wish They Were

It Ain't Braggng If YOU Can Do It

We Deliver More Destruction Overnight Than Those Who Deliver Overnight

Deadliest Weapon In The World -- A Marine And His Rifle

If You Weren't There Then Shut Up

Marines Never Die -- They Just Go To Hell And Re-Group

For Those Who Fought For It,
Freedom Has A Flavor The Protected Will Never Know

The Impossible Is Done With The Lord's Help And A Few Good Men

Nobody Ever Drowned In Sweat

Marine Pilots Are Plane People With A Special Air About Them

I Love The Smell Of Jet Fuel In The Morining -- Marine Aviation

USMC -- Improvise, Adapt, Overcome

USMC -- No Promises, No Shortcuts

USMC -- America's 911 Service

More Sweat In Peace, Less Blood In War

USMC Is Part Of The Navy -- The Men's Department

Do Draft Dodgers Have Reunions? If So What Do They Talk About?

To Err Is Human, To Forgive Is Divine
Neither of Which Is Marine Corps Policy

Marine Artillery -- The Grunts 24-7, 911 Rescue Battery

Women Marines -- Fewer and Prouder

Every Marine Is A Rifleman
One Shot, One Kill

Forget Smith and Wesson -- This Property Protected By A US Marine

When In Doubt Empty The Magazine

Force Recon -- Penetrates Deeper, Stays Longer
And Carries A Bigger Load

Pain Is Only Temporary, Pride Is Forever

Where In The Hell Is 29 Palms

USMC -- We Do Not Promise You A Rose Garden

Pain Is Weakness Leaving The Body

Combat Engineers -- When It Absolutely Must Be Destroyed Overnight

The Marine Corps Doesn't Build Character, It Reveals It

USMC Infrantry -- Taking Out The Garbage

Not as Lean, Not As Mean, But Still A Marine

And On The Seventh Day When GOD Rested,
We Overran His Perimeter And Stole The Globe,
We Stole The Eagle From The Air Force,
The Anchor From The Navy,
The Rope From The Army,
And Have Been Protecting Our Shores Ever Since.

"You earned the title "Marine" upon graduation from boot recruit training. It wasn't willed to you; it isn't a gift. It is not a government subsidy. Few can claim the title; no one can take it away. It is yours forever."
Tom Barlett - Leatherneck Magazine

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wonderng if they made a difference.
The MARINES don't have that problem."
President Ronald Reagan - 1985

"Marines are about the most peculiar breed of human beings I have ever known. They treat their service as if it was some kind of cult, plastering their emblem on almost everythng they own, making themselves up to look like insane fanatics...."
by an anonymous Canadian citizen

The US Air Force Chief-of-Staff would never be called -- Airman
The Chief-of-Naval Operations would never be called -- Sailor
The Commanding General of The US Army would never be called -- Soldier
BUT the Commandant of the Marine Corps would be proud to be called -- Marine

United States Marine Corps
Leader of men, teller of tall tales, legend in his own mind, U.S. Marine extraordinaire, stream fordable, air dropable, beer fueled, water cooled, author, history maker, lecturer, traveler, freedom fighter, defender of the faith. Wars fought, tigers tamed, revolutions started, bars emptied, alligators castrated. Let me win your hearts and minds or I'll burn your damn hut down

Kill The SOB

Marines Pull Duty In Heaven, Who Else Would God Trust

Gun Control Is Hitting Your Target

You Can Take The Marine Out Of The Corps But You Can't Take The Corps Out Of The Marine

Mess With One MARINE You Mess With Them All

If Everyone Could Get In It Wouldn't Be The Marine Corps

When In Doubt Empty The Magazine

Marines or Martyrs-- Who Do You Think Will Get The Virgins

Marines Only Fear God, No Others

Unless You're Dead, You're Not A Former Marine

No Promises, No Short Cuts, No Retreat, No Surrender

Sergeants Run The Corps But Don't Tell The Commandant

We're Marines, We took Iwo Jima
Baghdad ain't shit, Gen. Kelly, USMC

America, Home of the Free Because of the Brave

US Marines Travel agents to Allah

Marine artillery brings dignity
To what otherwise would just be a brawl

The Marines Are Not a branch We are a Breed

On the seventh day God rested Marines filled sand bags

American by birth Marines by choice

If everyone could get in It wouldn't be The Marines

Don't believe the rumors Marines are human

later

SEMPER FI

USMC Boot Camp

Marine Corps boot camp was one of the most formidable challenges I have accomplished in my life. This is one of my greatest accomplishments and to this day makes a lasting impression on my life. The military is not for everyone, but if one is looking for a test to challenge their heart, will and perseverance, Marine Corps boot camp will serve this purpose. The journey to become a United States Marine was a long one; it was thirteen weeks of intense training, discipline and education. The Marine Corps takes everyday young people from all walks of life and transforms them into United States Marines. With the constant watchful eyes of a team of drill instructors and the continuous motivation from fellow recruits it is a goal that can be achieved.

When many young men and women graduate from high school, they are indecisive about what to do with their future. For me it was the same way: my decision to join the Marine Corps took two years after I graduated high school. When I remember some of the choices I have made in my life, joining the Marine Corps was the best decision overall. After many physical and intelligence tests prior to the start of basic training the journey began with a fight to San Diego, California the location of the recruit depot for the western side of the United States.

Marine Corps boot camp is divided into three phases. The division of the three phases is designed to reduce an individual to their lowest levels, both mentally and physically. This is done to build the young recruits back up into the image of a United States Marine. Phase one is the breakdown phase, phase two is marksmanship and field training, and phase three is final issue, inspection and graduation.

Phase one starts recruit training, it began with a difficult physical training regime and constant classroom instruction. The classroom study included Marine Corps history, rules and regulations to name a few of the subjects. During this time the drill instructors kept a close eye on everything that takes place during the whole day, therefore there is no margin for error. If a mistake in conduct was made, one would feel the wrath of a very irritated supervisor. The end of the first phase included final testing and an initial physical fitness test to measure the levels the recruits have reached.

Phase two of the training schedule commenced with a bus trip to Camp Pendleton, California. This was the home for my platoon for the next four weeks. The first half of the four week session was marksmanship training. Every recruit was taught the correct and safe order of operations to handle and fire their weapons. With constant supervision and the discipline that was being instilled into each recruit incidents are rare. The high point of the marksmanship training was qualification day on the rifle range. Every individual fires their weapon for a score from the two hundred fifty, three hundred, and five hundred yard lines.

The final two weeks of this training phase was field training. Recruits learned from several situations of a combat environment. There are no comforts of home during this session of training, because the last two weeks are spent living in tents and sleeping in sleeping bags for the duration of the second phase. There are several obstacle courses, close combat instruction and even the dreaded gas chamber that the recruits of platoon 1014 accomplished before we had to tackle the unbearable twenty mile hike. At the conclusion of this hike is a monstrous mountain nicknamed the “grim reaper”. Standing at the bottom and looking up at the task at hand, many things passed through our minds. With self determination and confidence, the platoon conquered the massive mountain. Once on top of the grim reaper, it seemed like a foothill as we gazed down from its rocky peak.

The final phase of recruit training was one of the most anticipated times in the platoons newly found Marine Corps life. It begins with a week of work, where recruits are dispatched throughout the base to help out wherever needed. Once the work week was completed final uniforms were issued and tailored. During this time the drill instructors, diligently worked to get the platoon ready for the final commanding general’s inspection. Once graduation day arrived, every member of the platoon was trying to control their emotions. It is the culmination of hard work and perseverance that brought platoon 1014 to this day. It is a day that will stay with us for a very long time.

When I joined the Marine Corps, I had no idea what direction my life was going. I was a young man fresh out of high school, one who was craving challenge and adventure, and thereby being subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Marine Corps did just that challenged my mind, body and soul. I was a changed man, different from the one who stepped off the bus just thirteen weeks before. As I grew during my time in boot camp, the same had happened to all of my fellow marines that crossed the parade deck on graduation day. No matter what hardships life will serve, it cannot take away the honor and pride the Marine Corps has instilled in me.

Worth a Thought?

What bullshit this is

Are American Soldiers and Marines Brainwashed? ... You Bet!
by James Glaser
April 28, 2004

And it isn't just American Soldiers and Marines, every nation has to
brainwash their troops to some extent, in order to get them to kill
on command.

I know, I became a United States Marine and to this day to some
extent, I still am. Pride in the Marine Corps, respect and
admiration for other Marines stays with you until you die.

At one time in this country, the Marines were the elite unit of our
military. Marines were the "Devil Dogs" of our combat forces, but
they were not enough. Other units were created so that we could have
more "ask no question," units.

Now we have the Army Rangers, Navy Seals, Green Berets, Army
Airborne, Marine Corps Recon, and now something called Special
Operations which can be made up with members of some or all of these
units, depending on the mission.

It isn't easy to get young Americans to throw away all of their
parents teachings and have them learn how to hurt people. In Boot
camp we yelled "KILL," 50 to a 100 times a day for weeks. Every bit
of the training was designed so that you followed orders given
without thinking or questioning them.

It is easy to have the troops defend themselves when they are
attacked or fight when they are attacking another group of armed
men. War is an adventure that men have been going on since before
people could write.

The hard thing for the military to do is find a group of men and now
women that will do things that go against everything they were
taught growing up. How hard do you think it is for our Soldiers to
kick in someone's door in the middle of the night, knowing that they
will be confronted by scared crying children and that you will have
to take those kid's father away? Think how hard it is that these
young Americans can't speak the language and so the pleading of a
young wife for her husband can only be understood by the inflection
in her voice.

These soldiers really have no idea if they have the right man or
even the right house. They have to rely on the interpreter and
believe that he is telling them what the people are really saying.
We learned in Vietnam that many times the interpreter had his own
agenda and people suffered for some unknown reason.

How much training does it take before you can get your "Special"
units to enter into civilian areas to wage war? There is the
constant reminder of what you are doing, as nobody stops the war to
pick up the dead children or their mothers.

What about the pilots that fire their weapons on homes that could
and often do have whole families in them. How about the guys that
are firing their artillery at targets in the middle of a city? Just
a few meters off and they can be killing kids the same age as their
own. The same goes for bad intelligence. Somebody says that a
building is filled with terrorists and maybe it is, or maybe it is a
school.

These special American units stand out from the rest of the Military
and the men and women in them are filled with pride and will do
anything asked of them. They have special hats and badges that make
them stand out and regular soldiers look at them as the best.

The training to be in one of these units is tough and not everybody
makes the grade. The training is tough and the indoctrination is
tougher. These people not only believe in themselves and their unit,
but they also believe anything their commanders tell them. Each unit
knows that they are the best and it would be a real black mark for
anyone to question authority.

A shiny brass insignia, colored ribbons and medals are all part of
the indoctrination, as are the polished bloused combat boots and the
how about those Dress Blue Marine uniforms with the red stripe down
the leg and even a sword. Now is that cool or what, a sword

Pride in the unit and all of these accouterments are part of the
brain washing needed to get someone to do things that go against
their very nature. Kill enough or bleed enough and you will get one
of those shiny medals and have your fellow soldier look at you with
awe. Hollywood helps because the hero usually gets the pretty woman.

What happens when you leave the military environment? Your uniform
means nothing and you will probably never wear it again. Those
medals will sit in a drawer or be in a frame on the wall. No one
will look at you with awe and that pride in the unit will fade.

You will however, remember all the things you did without question.
Those innocent deaths and the cries of children will stick right
with you. You will constantly remember those in your unit who gave
their all or maybe their limbs.

You will look at the country you attacked and see that it hasn't
changed or that maybe a whole new set of Americans are there again
fighting. You will remember that they told you if you were not
there, the place would turn into a blood bath. Now years later you
see that after America left, the place turns to peace and becomes
our trading partner.

Years later you realize that you and those you served with were
used, so that some industrialists could sell a new weapons system or
could continue to produce an old one. You have a drawer full of
medals and a mind full of horror, while the politicians and the
defense contractors have money in the bank and homes here and
abroad.

It really is a shame that we do this brainwashing to our troops.
Young men and women going into the military have nothing but good
intentions and they are at that age where they respect and trust
those drill instructors and the officers assigned to teach them.
They really believe that they will be defending America.

Our troops go over to Iraq thinking that they are bringing freedom
and democracy to the Iraqi people and some of them still believe
that after they have been there for a year. It is only after coming
home and getting out of uniform does the real story dawn on them.
They are then no longer exposed to the military lifestyle and they
no longer are getting that constant indoctrination from their
superiors.

Every Veterans Hospital has a section devoted to helping those
veterans who suffer from the actions they took while in uniform and
it really is a crime to use these fine young Americans, who only
want to serve their nation, so that some one can get rich or gain
more power.