[Moose4]

The irony about Ermey is that he wasn’t actually a “Gunny” when he was a Marine—he retired as a Staff Sergeant, but I think he was a DI at one point. He was awarded a retroactive promotion to Gunnery Sergeant for his work with the troops and generally being a “face” of the USMC. Now that takes nothing away from the fact that he’s basically an American icon now. Heck, who can’t quote a few choice lines from FMJ every now and then? Ermey’s portrayal of Hartmann was amazing...more than just a profanity-spewing psycho, you can tell that he cares about his recruits and that he’s trying to get them ready to be the best Marines he can be.

}:-)4

[Domangart]

Yet another example that military service is hazardous to your health.

[RJS1950]

He was a DI near the time period that I went through boot camp. The first time I saw FMJ and he began his spiel I closed my eyes and could clearly see my primary DI in my mind doing and saying some of the same things.

[Huntress]

Heck, who can’t quote a few choice lines from FMJ every now and then?

My personal favorite:

"Private Pyle you had best square your a** away and start sh****ing me Tiffany cufflinks or I will definitely f*** you up!"

[Pyro7480]

Ever see the animated introduction on his website? It's pretty good R. Lee Ermey

[A.A. Cunningham]

He was awarded a retroactive promotion to Gunnery Sergeant for his work with the troops and generally being a “face” of the USMC.

Incorrect. Jones made Ermey and honorary Gunny as a PR move. Nothing retroactive about a meaningless honorary "promotion".