Congratulations on Enlistment, Basic Training and Graduation “This is a big step into a successful military future.” “You did it, Recruit, and you should be proud.” “What you learn in the military will serve you for the rest of your life. Congratulations on joining the (branch of service).”
Semper Fidelis is used as a greeting, a motivation, and an expression that unites past and present Marines. During war or peacetime, Semper Fidelis speaks volumes. It represents tradition and responsibility—beginning the moment a young man or woman commits to earning the title of U.S. Marine.
Accompany the salute with an appropriate greeting.
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 receiving a medal or commendation: “Congratulations on this achievement, with thanks for your service.” General congratulations: “This is a great accomplishment.
Errr... - (U.S. Marines) An abbreviated or unmotivated "Oorah". Often used as a form of acknowledgment or greeting. Yes, we really do walk around saying "Errr" at one another in the way normal civilized humans say "Hello."
“No man is a man until he has been a soldier.” “Freedom is never free.” “We must never forget why we have and why we need our military. Our armed forces exist solely to ensure our nation is safe, so that each and every one of us can sleep soundly at night, knowing we have 'guardians at the gate.
“Hooah!” “Oorah!” and “Hooyah!” are all cries that are considered military slang. While related, they do not always have the same meaning. These terms can be used to say yes, understood, thank you, you're welcome, amen, nice to meet you, and many other things.
Compliments are formal marks of respect and courtesy, i.e. salutes. Because of the rank worn, “Honoraries” will be saluted. As Honorary Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels are filling the same role, saluting between them is minimal when they are together at a gathering.
"There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country." "Over all our happy country over all our Nation spread, is a band of noble heroes–is our Army of the Dead." "What I can do for my country, I am willing to do." "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."
Address your letters to "Rct. Last name, First name." Your son or daughter is NOT a Marine yet. DO NOT put any other rank other than Rct. —which means "Recruit"—and refer to him or her as such when addressing the envelope.
"Retreat Hell! We've just got here!" (Attributed to several World War I Marine Corps officers, Belleau Wood, June 1918.) "Once a Marine, always a Marine!"
The Marine Corps Motto That Marines have lived up to their motto, "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful), is proven by the fact that there has never been a mutiny among U.S. Marines. This motto was adopted about 1883.
Thank you for your service to this country. Your bravery, sacrifice, and strength do not go unnoticed, and we will always be indebted to you and your family for all that you have given to the country. I would like to thank you very much for your service! Thank you for your time, bravery, and sacrifice for this country.
Devil Dog or Devil – Nickname for Marines, from the German word "Teufelhunden", supposedly given by German troops at the Battle of Belleau Wood, though the correct grammatical form would be "Teufelshunde".
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. POGs call infantrymen Grunts, of course. 16.
Boot – A new service member, often derogatory term used for someone coming to the unit fresh from boot camp.