The words of a distinguished former Commandant of the Marine Corps serve as a reminder that the Marines are set apart from other organizations not only by what they do, but by what they don't do.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS WASHINGTON, D.C. 20380
From: Commandant of the Marine Corps To: All General Officers and All Commanding Officers – Active and Reserve Subj: Marines Don't Do That
1. Early this month I received the following note from a distinguished friend:
General Chapman:
"Recently I was in an air terminal......(Most people there presented a pretty sloppy appearance) – coats unbuttoned, ties loosened, etc. There was a Marine Corporal (in uniform) who was just the opposite. I spoke to the Marine and pointed out the difference to him. I asked him why it was so? His answer was: 'The Marines don't do that.'"
"Regards,"
2. "The Marines don't do that." A simple statement of fact which leaves no question in the mind of the listener.
3. Marines don't – wear a scruffy uniform.
Marines don't – slouch around with their hands in their pockets.
Marines don't – wear long hair.
Marines don't – fail to respond with a "Yes, or No, Sir" when speaking with a senior.
Marines don't – render a half-hearted or sloppy salute to the Stars and Stripes or to their seniors.
Marines don't – gang up on each other.
Marines don't – question lawful orders.
Marines don't – lie or cheat or break their word.
Marines don't – abandon a fellow Marine in time of need.
Marines don't – let down their fellow Marines by succumbing to drug temptation.
Marines don't – meet problems with "It can't be done" or questions with the easy answer "No."
Marines don't – knock the system without recommending appropriate change.
Marines don't – (the list is all but endless).
4. Marines don't do that. But why not? Because they are a breed apart. They are not the run of the mill; they are but a few good men. They are proud members of an elite Corps. They are as well trained as—if not better than—any military outfit, anywhere. They have led the way, in war and peace, for 196 years. And they know that today they are ready—combat ready—to move out, any time, with the Navy, go anywhere, take on anybody, fight and win.
We must keep our balance, raise our quality, maintain our standards, and be ready to serve our Country. Marines do that!
/s/ L. F. Chapman, Jr.
Commandant
Copy to:
Retired General Officers, Regular and Reserve