USMC Knowledge

Birthday of the Marine Corps ------ 10 NOV 1775

Birthplace of the Marine Corps ------ Tunn Tavern Philadelphia, PA
First Commandant of the Marine Corps------Captain Samuel Nichols
Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps------Archibald Henderson
Meaning of the Blood Stripe------In memory of those who died at the battle of Chapultapec
Meaning of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor----

1. Eagle-National Defense
2. Globe-Worldwide Service
3. Anchor-Maritime Tradition

Mascot of the Marine Corps------English Bulldog

Marine Corps Motto------Semper Fidelis
Meaning of Semper Fidelis------"Always Faithful"
Only two Marines to receive two Medals of Honor------Dan Daly and Smedley Butler
Only Marine to receive five Navy Crosses------Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller
Origin of the nickname Devil Dog------Given by Germans in WWI
Origin of the nickname Leatherneck------ Came from when Marines wore high leather
collars to defend against sword slashes.
Mission of the Marine Rifle Squad------ To locate, close with, and destroy the enemy, by fire
and maneuver, or repel the enemy assault by fire and close combat.
Five Paragraph Order
Situation
Mission
Execution
Admin and logistics
Command and signal

Marine Corps Core Values

Honor - The qualities of maturity, dedication, trust, and dependability commit Marines to
act responsibly; to be accountable for their actions; to fulfill their obligations; and to hold
others accountable for their actions.
Courage - It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to do what is right; to adhere to a
higher standard of personal conduct; to lead by example; and to make tough decisions
under stress and pressure.
Commitment - It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence
in every endeavor.
Marine Corps Leadership Traits
Dependability - The certainty of proper performance of duty. Bearing - Creating a
favorable impression in carriage, appearance and personal conduct at all times.
Courage - The mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables a man
to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.
Decisiveness - Ability to make decisions promptly and to announce them in clear, forceful
manner.
Endurance - The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain,
fatigue, stress and hardship.
Enthusiasm - The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty.
Initiative - Taking action in the absence of orders.
Integrity - Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principles; includes the
qualities of truthfulness and honesty.
Judgment - The ability to weigh facts and possible solutions on which to base sound
decisions.
Justice - Giving reward and punishment according to merits of the case in question. The
ability to administer a system of rewards and punishments impartially and consistently.
Knowledge - Understanding of a science or an art. The range of one's information,
including professional knowledge and an understanding of your Marines.
Tact - The ability to deal with others without creating offense.
Unselfishness - Avoidance of providing for one's own comfort and personal advancement at
the expense of others.
Loyalty - The quality of faithfulness to country, the Corps, the unit, to one's seniors,
subordinates and peers.

Marine Corps Leadership Principles

*Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
*Be technically and tactically proficient.
*Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates.
*Make sound and timely decisions.
*Set the example.
*Know your Marines and look out for their welfare.
*Keep your Marines informed.
*Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.
*Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished.
*Train your Marines as a team.
*Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.

Marines' Hymn

From the Halls of Montezuma,

To the shores of Tripoli,
We will fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom,
and to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of

UNITED STATES MARINE

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze

From dawn to setting sun.
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far off northern lands
and in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job,
The

UNITED STATES MARINES

Here's health to you and to our Corps

Which we are proud to serve.
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded by

UNITED STATES MARINES

GENERAL ORDERS
1. Take charge of this post and all government property in view.
2. Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing
everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
3. Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
4. To repeat all calls [from posts] more distant from the guardhouse than my own.
5. Quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the
Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, Officers, and Non-Commissioned Officers of the
guard only.
7. Talk to no one except in the line of duty.
8. Give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
9. To call the Corporal of the Guard in any case not covered by instructions.
10. Salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
11. Be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to challenge all
persons on or near my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority

RANK STRUCTURE
ENLISTED
E-1 PRIVATE
E-2 PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
E-3 LANCE CORPORAL
E-4 CORPORAL
E-5 SERGEANT
E-6 STAFF SERGEANT
E-7 GUNNERY SERGEANT
E-8 FIRST SERGEANT / MASTER SERGEANT
E-9 SERGEANT MAJOR / MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT
WARRANT OFFICER
W-1 WARRANT OFFICER
W-2 CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER
W-3 CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER
W-4 CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER
W-5 CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER
OFFICER
0-1 SECOND LIEUTENANT
0-2 FIRST LIEUTENANT
0-3 CAPTAIN
0-4 MAJOR
0-5 LIEUTENANT COLONEL
0-6 COLONEL
0-7 BRIGADIER GENERAL
0-8 MAJOR GENERAL
0-9 LIEUTENANT GENERAL
0-10 GENERAL

CODE OF CONDUCT
Article I: I am an American, fighting in the Armed Forces which guard my country and
our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
Article II: I will NEVER surrender of my own free will. If in command I will NEVER
surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.
Article III: If I am captured, I will continue to resist by ALL means available. I will make
every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special
favors from the enemy.
Article IV: If I become a POW, I will keep FAITH with my fellow prisoners. I will give NO
information nor take part in ANY action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am
senior, I will take command. If not, I will OBEY the lawful orders of those appointed over
me and will back them and their orders.
Article V: When questioned as a POW, I am required ONLY to give my name, rank,
service number and date of birth. I will refuse to answer any further questions to the
utmost of my ability. I will make NO oral or written statements disloyal to my country and
its allies or cause harm to them.
Article VI: I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT I AM AN AMERICAN, responsible for my
actions, dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I WILL TRUST IN GOD
AND IN THE USA.