The United States Marine Corps is one of the branches of the US Armed Forces. It is one of the deadliest and most effective armed forces in the world. They have been in uninterrupted service since 1798, more than 240 years. They can fight on land or at sea; Marines are simply unbeatable.
You have all seen films with Marines and you must be inspired or impressed by their way of life. There are many things we do not know about Marines, but as citizens we should know.
Here Are 21 Facts About Marines Every Man Should Know
1. The Marines were founded on 10 November 1775, i.e. before the independence of the United States of America. At that time, the Continental Congress approved the order to deploy two battalions of marines to fight for independence.
2. The first officer in charge of the Continental Marines was Major Samuel Nicholas. He played an important role in the formation of the US Marines. He was commissioned in late 1775.
3. Marines have many nicknames, and some of them are Leathernecks, Jarheads and Devil Dogs. It is said that the name Devil Dogs comes from an enemy.
4. In 1962 NASA’s Mercury capsule Friendship 7 orbited Earth and the man inside it, the first American to orbit the Earth, was a US Marine. During its orbit it travelled at speeds of more than 17,000 miles per hour.
5. In 1883, the Marines took “Semper Fi” as their motto, Semper Fi or Semper Fidelis is Latin for “Always faithful”. Once you are a Marine, you cannot undo it, and Semper Fi is a reminder of that.
6. Marines have a simple but bold symbol; they were given the combination of an iconic bald eagle, a globe and an anchor as the emblem of their organisation. It shows their rich history and patriotism.
7. The first land battle of the Marines on foreign soil took place in Libya. 600 Marines stormed the city of Derna to rescue the USS Philadelphia crew member who had been kidnapped by pirates.
8. Not only on the battlefield are the Marines great: they have won four of five “Warrior Games Competitions”. They have only lost once.
9. Marines are known to eat fast, and this is due to their lifestyle during training. Recruits are required to finish eating when their Drill Instructor is finished.
10. The number plate on the vehicle of the commander of the Marine Corps says “1775”, the year in which the Marines were founded.
11. Marines have a strict protocol on how they will stand in uniform. When they are in uniform, for example, they are not allowed to put their hands in their pockets.
12. Another example of uniform and protocol is that only female Marines are allowed to carry an umbrella when in uniform. Men are not allowed.
13. The only time the badges on the left and right side of the uniform change is when the Marine is classified as a “Gunner”. This is the only rank of a Marine Corp that has a different badge.
14. The US Marines’ mascot is not an American thing; the Marines have chosen an English bulldog as their mascot. The English bulldog is called Chesty after Marine Lieutenant Louis B. “Chesty” Puller. He was the only Marine to receive five Navy Crosses.
15. Marine Corp is an amphibious force, i.e. they can handle a mission both on land and on water. But even with this fact, a swimming qualification does not count towards the promotion of a Marine to the next level.
16. Every year, the Thai Marines and US Marines conduct joint exercises, with the Thai Marines teaching US Marines about jungle survival training. This includes the Cobra Gold exercise. US Marines also take part in the Thai warrior ritual in which a cobra’s head is cut off and they have to drink its blood.
17. Ronald “R.” Lee Ermey is a former Marine instructor and Vietnam veteran. He was one of the first US Marines who also appeared in movies. He played the iconic role of “Gunnery Sergeant Hartman” in Full Metal Jacket. His acting achievements also earned him a “Golden Globe” nomination for best supporting actor.
18. Ed McMahon is a rather famous co-host of the “Tonight Show”, but before that he was an absolute warrior of the US Marines. He was a Navy fighter pilot with six air medals and 85 combat missions under his belt.
19. According to US Naval legend, the first recruiting of Marines took place in a bar. During their formation in 1775, the newly commissioned Captains Samuel Nicholas and Robert Mullan organised the first recruitment meeting in a bar.
20. Marines fought their first battle in the Bahamas in 1776. Captain Samuel Nicholas led the corps and stormed the beaches of the British-controlled island. There were 220 marines.
21. Marines are also known for their organised and disciplined band, also known as “President’s Own”. They have great talent in this band; they also go to different countries to perform and have friendly ‘band battles’ with other Marines of the Allied Forces.
