Few, Proud, Remarkable

National Review ^ | April 23 2004 | Richard Lowry

[No_Outcome_But_Victory]

priceless to watch a couple of truly long-haired hippie types swoon away when the sergeant said: "all of you odd-numbered maggots, welcome to the Marines".

I'd give a million bucks to have seen that one!LOL!

[No_Outcome_But_Victory]

I don't think the same existed in the Corp.

I wouldn't think so either. The Marines have a totally different mindset about the character of their service than the other branches (not that I would presume to disparage them, I do not).

I didn't ever meet any one of the Vietnam era Senior NCO's that I didn't respect. Of course one usually wants to not be too noticed by the 1stSGT and SGTMaj, because that usually meant you were in trouble :)

[sergeantdave]

A boot camp rhyme -

This is my rifle.

This is my gun.

This is for fighting.

This is for fun.

[Michael Barnes]

"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!"

Eleanor Roosevelt, 1945

[Interesting Times]

You'll appreciate this one...

[Interesting Times]

"This recruit will be proud to serve his country. This recruit will die for his country."

This middle-aged software developer will work to keep that courageous recruit from being slandered as a war criminal and baby killer.

[Tallguy]

I can sympathize with the "national unity" argument that the pro-Draft theorists make, but I'm afraid that any version of the Draft that would survive the political process would fail this test. Any Draft has to have it's exceptions, deferments, etc. The elites always wiggle through the cracks. Plus, the training time alone requires long-service volunteers as opposed to 2-year draftees.

[firewalk]

Bttt

[McGavin999]

"This recruit is going to be a Marine. Now this recruit is going to be hard and tight." He is from New Jersey and explains, "September 11th made this recruit angry." Twelve weeks ago, he was an ordinary kid. Not anymore: "This recruit will be proud to serve his country. This recruit will die for his country."

And this American is humbled that we have men of this caliber fighting for us.

[MJemison]

My dear, cosseted, spoiled, soft niece became a Marine. Her biggest fear was not being able to complete the crucible, but she gutted it out. Her true character was revealed. Her words to me: "At the end of it, when the American Flag at camp came back into view, I choked up. I know who I am now."

[dozer7]

"This is the reason we don't need to bring back the draft. These kids will keep comming to Parris Island and San Diego,and the Drill Instructors will keep turning them into Marines, just as they have for 228 years.

Semper Fi"

Great post, I sent this off to my two Marine Corps sons. I was there for the before graduation dinner and for sure their graduation.

best regards

the dozer

[dozer7]

"I support the draft but feel that service overseas should be volentary. I have a feeling that many draftees would choose service overseas with a pay increase and a chance to learn new skills."

Don't stop there make being under combat arms optional also. The deal is all enemies foreign and domestic, key word defend. I would expect some comments on your post. What you are describing is the peace corps without the boot camp. Lot of freedom defended there. Hey it is called the armed services. I have got to stop here before I get ugly.

[The Shrew]

To some who might need a bit of explanation as to why I am the way I am.

Thanks for the link.

Regards,

TS