Latin for “Always Faithful,” Semper Fidelis is the motto of every Marine—an eternal and collective commitment to the success of our battles, the progress of our Nation, and the steadfast loyalty to the fellow Marines we fight alongside.
While Soldiers say “Hooah,” U.S. Marines shout, “Oorah” as a battle cry and Navy seamen say, “Hooyah!” All appear similar in print, but no one would confuse Hooah with, for example, Oorah when heard. In any case, the origin of the term is open to debate and the meaning is as varied as the manner in which it is spoken.
In the United States Navy and Marine Corps, the only acceptable response to a lawful order is Aye Aye. It means, “I understand the order and will comply with the command promptly”.
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.
“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.
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. (Source: Wikipedia.)
Absolutely! If you are encountering a Marine or simply using it as a greeting “in the know”'. Be aware that when you say that word, you are communicating that you have some insider knowledge of Marine corps sayings and such.
Sir or Ma'am is a sign of respect for their authority and symbolizes that you are NOT on their same platform. In the naval services, “yes” is a response to a yes-or-no question. “Aye” or “aye-aye” means you understand an order and will carry it out.
While a salute is considered to be a gesture of respect, there's etiquette involved when it comes to rendering a hand salute, whether you are a veteran, active service member, or civilian. As a civilian, saluting soldiers is not a recommended way to honor a current or former member of the military.
Rack: A bed. Marines are weapons, so they are stored in “racks” instead of sleeping in “beds.”
Hooyah is the battle cry used in the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard to build morale and signify verbal acknowledgment. It originated with special forces communities, especially the Navy SEALs, and was subsequently adopted by other Navy divisions.
• Ooh-rah: A battle cry among Marines, 'Ooh-rah' can be used as a greeting, a term of affirmation, or as a way of expressing enthusiasm. • Ductus Exemplo: A Latin term that means “lead by example,” Ductus Exemplo is the official motto of Officer Candidates School (OCS).
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.
"Ura" or "Hura" is the battle cry of the Russian Armed Forces, as well the Soviet Armed Forces and Red Army that preceded it. Its usage dates back to the Medieval era, derived from the Mongolian phrase hurray, meaning "to move" or "to attack".
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."
Hooah /ˈhuːɑː/ is a battle cry used by members of the United States Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Space Force.
14. “Roger that” This one is pretty common knowledge, though not all civilians may know why the military says, “Roger that,” rather than “yes.” Under the old NATO phonetic alphabet, the letter R was pronounced, “Roger” on the radio.
As basic training progresses, the drill instructor will shape the recruit. The yelling will ease and a confident, well-trained Soldier is the result.
Used almost exclusively by the United States Marine Corps. Coined as a type of battle cry to be yelled during training or actual operations, can also be used as a term of agreeance with a statement made by someone.