No matter the highs or the lows that you’re going through, you can always sleep well at night knowing there are people fighting for the rights of this great country.
One of those branches of the United States Armed Forces is the United States Marine Corps.
Everyone knows that they’re one of the most elite fighting forces in the entire world and are in charge of protection as well as fighting for the US.
However, there are many things you probably don’t know about the Marines. Here are several interesting Marine Corps facts to get you more in-tune with those that protect this amazing nation.
1. They Have a Mascot
Did you know that the US Marine Corps has a mascot? Some might confuse the mascot as the perched eagle that sits atop the United States Marine Corps logo.
However, the mascot is actually a cute and cuddly English Bulldog known as Chesty. He was named after one of the noblest of Marines, Lieutenant General Louis B.Puller, whose nickname was “Chesty”.
Lt. Gen. Chesty Puller is, still to this day, the only Marine to earn five Navy Crosses, the military’s second-highest award for valor in combat.
Needless to say, the Marines are proud of both their mascot and the man that Chesty has named after. Speaking of pride, there are many Marine Corp challenge coins that Marines and veterans collect proudly. It can be customized with the help of any challenge coin maker near you or online.
2. The First-Ever Marine Recruitment was in a Bar
That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, the first-ever organized recruitment is said to have taken place in a bar in Philadelphia that was known as Tun Tavern.
The tale of the story is somewhat like something you would see in a Hollywood movie.
Two men, Captain Robert Mullan and Captain Samuel Nicholas enticed the local bar’s regulars by buying them rounds of beers to listen to the Captains’ pitch.
The captains then sold them on the chance to earn an honorable living traveling the seas, climbing the ranks of the elite, and battling the nation’s fiercest enemies.
There are conflicting debates on whether or not this is truly the first recruitment site for the Marines, nevertheless, it makes for an amazing origin story.
3. They Have Titles for Long Weekends
Every Marine lives for those times in their service where they get to take a “72” or a “96”.
Those terms refer to the opportunity to either take a three-day weekend or a four-day weekend, respectively.
For obvious reasons, it’s not often that a marine gets the chance to take those lengthened breaks while defending the country and its assets. All the more reason that they deserve to enjoy every second of a “72” or a “96”!
4. They Have a Band
Those that aren’t too familiar with politics or the Marines outside of their placement in the United States Armed Forces might not know that the Marines have a band.
In fact, their military band is known as “The President’s Own” and is held in such high regard that they regularly play at major events.
One of those big events, of course, includes the opportunity for The President’s Own to play at each and every President’s inauguration ceremony.
They’re performed at every inauguration since the year 1801, the year that Thomas Jefferson’s presidency began.
More impressively, they have quite the range for talent. Although they’re mostly known for their marching music (as one might expect), they’ve also been known to play other genres to the President’s request.
5. Policy on Pockets
Many people would expect the rules and guidelines for being a Marine to be strict, and there are several examples of that.
However, one of the most unknown rules of Marines is that they’re not allowed to have their hands in their pockets.
In fact, there are many rules like this one to enforce the idea that a Marine must always look and act as a professional. Since the “hands in pocket” look comes off as unprofessional, it’s not allowed among the few and the proud.
6. Honorary Marines Don’t Come Around Often
There are over 190,000 people that currently serve in the United States Marine Corps.
However, the award of becoming an honorary Marine isn’t one that’s handed out all too often. The Marine Corps is very particular about who they hand that title to, as they should be.
As of 2014, there were only 100 people that had ever been given that title. Some of the most notable include Chuck Norris, Bugs Bunny (yes, Bugs Bunny), and Bob Hope.
You’re only given the title if you fall in the lines of someone that has made an incredible contribution to the Marine Corps in some form or fashion.
For example, Chuck Norris has long been a supporter of the Marines even before he was given the Honorary Marine title. A few years back, he cocreated a video with the Marines to remind them of guarding their investments.
7. They’re Part of the Navy
Not many people realize that the Marines are actually a part of the United States Navy.
While they’re certainly their own branch of the United States Armed Forces, they fall under the command of the Navy.
That’s why they work so closely with the Navy on occasions such as training for combat, serving on US Navy ships, and joining on Navy assignments.
Take Pride in These Marine Corps Facts
Now that you’ve seen some interesting Marine Corps Facts, you should take the time to learn more about the US Armed Forces.
For those of you that feel called to serve, the Marines is an amazing opportunity, but it won’t come easy.
Be sure to browse our website for many other articles related to the military, as well as other helpful information.
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