USMC Knowledge

Commandants of the Marine Corps

Since the beginning of the Marine Corps in 1775, there has been 34 Commandants of the Marine Corps. Below is a list of Commandants beginning with the first all the way up until now. 1. Samuel Nicholas (28 November 1775 – 25 August 1781) 2. William Ward Burrows (12 July 1798 – 6 March 1804) [...]

The Marines' Hymn

From the halls of Montezuma To the shores of Tripoli, We 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 Marines. Our flag’s unfurl’d to every breeze From dawn to [...]

Famous Marines

Donald James Adams "Don Adams" Actor Don Adams is most famous for his role as Agent Maxwell Smart on the 1960s sitcom Get Smart F. Lee Baily Lawyer F. (Francis) Lee Bailey was a Marine pilot and then admitted to the bar in 1960. He was a successful defense attorney for cases such as the [...]

Marine Jargon

Aboard on base; on ship alibi round fired to compensate for stoppage or misfire ALICE standard field pack, acronym for All purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment all hands everybody ashore off the base As you were! Resume what you were doing! Aye, aye, sir! acknowledgement of a superior officer’s command barracks communal living quarters BCD [...]

The Marines' Prayer

The Marines’ Prayer Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose in deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my [...]

Rifle Creed

THIS IS MY RIFLE. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. My rifle, without me is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot [...]

Marine NCO Creed

I am the backbone of the United States Marine Corps, I am a Marine Non-Commissioned Officer. I serve as part of the vital link between my commander (and all officers) and enlisted Marines. I will never forget who I am or what I represent. I will challenge myself to the limit and be ever attentive [...]

Marine Corps Quotes

“I can never again see a UNITED STATES MARINE without experiencing a feeling of reverence.” GEN. JOHNSON, U.S. ARMY “There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and those who have met them in battle. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion.” Unknown “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.” Fleet Admiral Chester W. [...]

11 General Orders

There are 11 general orders that apply to interior guard duty that each and every Marine is required to know and memorize. These general orders become a part of every Marine during basic training where they are repeated over and over until memorized. If you are a future Marine, it’s a good idea to go [...]