ABOUT THE MARINE CORPS
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Marine Corps Installations Pacific
Forward Deployed. Forward Engaged.

We are the US Marine Corps

Feared by enemies, respected by allies, and loved by the American people, Marines are a special breed. This reputation was earned and is maintained through a set of enduring Core Values.

These values form the cornerstone, the bedrock, and the heart of our character. They are the guiding beliefs and principles that give us strength, influence our attitudes, and regulate our behavior. They bond our Marine family into a force that can meet any challenge.

The Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment are not just for the Marines. As a Civilian Marine, you are part of the Marine Corps team-so they are for you too. The Corps strongly believes that those who share the same ideals and values and who work to accomplish the same mission make a great team! And you are part of that team.

Honor This is the bedrock of our character. It is the quality that empowers Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior: to never lie, cheat, or steal; to abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; to respect human dignity; and to have respect and concern for each other. It represents the maturity, dedication, trust, and dependability that commit Marines to act responsibly, be accountable for their actions, fulfill their obligations, and hold others accountable for their actions.

Courage The heart of our Core Values, courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines that sees them through the challenges of combat and the mastery of fear, and 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. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to take that extra step.

Commitment This is the spirit of determination and dedication within members of a force of arms that leads to professionalism and mastery of the art of war. It promotes the highest order of discipline for unit and self and is the ingredient that instills dedication to Corps and country 24 hours a day, pride, concern for others, and an unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor. Commitment is the value that establishes the Marine as the warrior and citizen others strive to emulate.

The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is an emblem used to represent the Marine Corps. Whether it appears on a uniform, printed page, or a flag, the Eagle, Globe and Anchor is an icon of greatness.

The Eagle is the symbol of the United States, and it is the one part of the emblem that readily associates the Marine Corps with the United States. The eagle proudly carries a streamer in its beak that bears the motto of the Corps: Semper Fidelis.

The Globe signifies the worldwide commitment of the Marine Corps and its areas of responsibility. Marines serve in any clime or place.

The fouled Anchor, whose origin dates back to the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775, represents the amphibious nature of the Marines’ duties and emphasizes the close ties between the Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy.

Civilian Marines exist to support our men and women in uniform. You should familiarize yourself with their insignia so that you can readily identify the ranks of the active duty Marines with whom you’ll be working.

Click here to view all the ranks of the Marine Corps.

The Marines’ Hymn is the most recognizable military hymn and the oldest official song in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Marines’ Hymn is a reminder of the sacrifice and courage that Marines have shown on the battlefield. It is an important part of Marine Corps culture — every Marine can recite its three stanzas by heart.

  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.

The Marine Corps culture is truly unique. It has its own way of dressing, acting, and talking. At times, the talk seems like code. Much of the jargon stems from Marine and Naval history, and acronyms are widely used. At first, it can be hard to understand.

Common Terms:

All Hands - All members of a command
As You Were - Resume former activity
Below - Downstairs
Bird - Any aircraft
Blouse - Cammie Shirt
Brass - Officers
Brig - Military Jail
Brown Bagger - Married Marine
Blouse - Cammie Shirt
Brass - Officers
Brig - Military Jail
Brown Bagger - Married Marine
Blouse - Cammie Shirt
Brass - Officers
Brig - Military Jail
Brown Bagger - Married Marine
Cammies - Camouflage uniform
Carry On - The order to resume previous activity
Chit - A receipt or authorization; a piece of paper
Chopper - Helicopter
Chow Hall - Where a Marine eats, like a cafeteria
Click - One kilometer or one notch of a rifle sight
Cover - Marine Corps Hat
Deck - Floor
Deuce and a half - 2.5 Ton Truck
Devildog - Another name for a Marine
Field Day - Barracks or Office cleanup
Float - Deployment by ship
Go-Fasters - Running shoes
Good to go - Ready to move, agree with, situation ok
Gouge - Any information or instructions, written or verbal.
Grunt - A Marine infantryman
Gung Ho - Very enthusiastic and committed
Hat - Drill Instructor
Hatch - Door/doorway
Head - Bathroom
High and Tight - Standard Marine haircut
Horn - Radio
Hump - Field March
Jarhead - Another name for a Marine
John Wayne - A grandstander, or descriptive of a bold act, or any act which is typical in the movies but not sound Marine procedure, such as firing a machine gun from the hip. Also, a simple can opener that can be carried on the dog tag chain.
Ink Stick - Black Pen

Monday to Thursday: (0730 - 1200), (1300 - 1530)

Friday: (1300 - 1530)