There are many proud traditions involved in the U.S. Marine Corps. Their motto is from the Latin, Semper Fidelis means Always Faithful. But to a Marine, it is not just a motto, but also a way of life. It is all about their commitment to each other, to the Marine Corps, and to each other. That is why they always say there are no ex Marines, once a Marine always A Marine.
Special Duty. Marines are able to volunteer for Special Duty opportunities and assignments around the world. Marines perform duties at embassies, are present for many court guard positions, and are varied throughout the service.
Each type of Special duty is unique and is representative of the discipline that the Marine Corps. is known for.
Rifleman. It does not matter if it is ceremonial or in war, every Marine is a rifleman. Marine Drill teams are poetry in motion; the ceremonial drill is a public display of the military bearing and discipline instilled in every Marine that completes Basic Training. The ceremonial rifle is a reminder of the elegance of earlier weapons, but in modern times there is a whole new generation of weapons that make a U.S. Marine one of the most respected and feared Marksmen in the entire world.
Dress Blues. The Marine Corps have their own Dress Blue Uniform. It is recognized around the world and represents strength, courage, valor and devotion to service to country, to duty, and to honor.
Code. There are different issues that take priority in the U.S. Marine Corps, but there are three basic things that matter. There is a code that is the foundational bedrock for the U.S. Marine Corps, and they hold it inviolate.
Their code is as follows:
Honor. To have Respect for others is essential. A high standard of moral and ethical behavior is required. Honesty and character are felt to be the most important of a number of traits. A Marine is expected to be dependable, and act in a manner that is responsible and mature. Each Marine is aware they are held to task for their actions and behavior, and it is expected to show honor on the Marine Corps.
Courage. The ability to face your fears and overcome it. You are not expected to be without fear, rather to have the moral, physical, and mental strength to work to overcome fear. The ideal of Courage steadies Marines through Crisis, Stress, and other times of various challenges.
Commitment. This spirit of dedication and determination is found in every Marine as an individual, and in the Marine Corps as a whole. Every part of Marine Corps life demonstrates commitment, from the vigilance toward training to various standards of excellence.
