Random Marine Corps Quotes

"We are United States Marines, and for two and a quarter centuries we have defined the standards of courage, esprit, and military prowess." ~ Gen. James L. Jones, USMC (CMC); 10 November 2000

Weakness in America - "Our Country won't go on forever, if we stay soft as we are now. There won't be any AMERICA because some foreign soldier will invade us and take our women and breed a hardier race!" ~ LT. GEN. LEWIS "CHESTY" PULLER, USMC

"Every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman. All other conditions are secondary." ~ Gen. A. M. Gray, USMC - Commandant of the Marine Corps

"A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There's no such thing as a former Marine. ~ General James F. Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps

"Marines are about the most peculiar breed of human beings I have ever witnessed. They treat their service as if it was some kind of cult, plastering their emblem on almost everything they own, making themselves up to look like insane fanatics with haircuts to ungentlemanly lengths, worshipping their Commandant almost as if he was a god, and making weird animal noises like a band of savages. They'll fight like rabid dogs at the drop of a hat just for the sake of a little action, and are the cockiest SOB's I have ever known. Most have the foulest mouths and drink well beyond man's normal limits, but their high spirits and sense of brotherhood set them apart and , generally speaking, of the United States Marines I've come in contact with, are the most professional soldiers and the finest men I have had the pleasure to meet."
~ An Anonymous Canadian Citizen

Band of Brothers
1.  All Marines are entitled to dignity and respect as individuals, but most abide by common standards established by proper authority.
2.  A Marine should never lie, cheat, or steal from a fellow Marine or fail to come to his aid in time of need.
3.  All Marines should contribute 100% of their abilities to the unit’s mission. Any less effort by an individual passes the buck to someone else.
4.  A unit, regardless of size, is a disciplined family structure, with similar relationships based on mutual respect among members.
5.  It is essential that issues and problems, which tend to lessen a unit’s effectiveness, be addressed and resolved.
6.  A blending of separate cultures, varying educational levels, and different social backgrounds is possible in an unselfish atmosphere of common goals, aspirations, and mutual understanding.
7.  Being the best requires common effort, hard work, and teamwork. Nothing worthwhile comes easy.
8.  Every Marine deserves job satisfaction, equal consideration and recognition of his accomplishments.
9.  Knowing your fellow Marine well enables you to learn to look at things “through his eyes,” as well as your own.
10. Issues detracting from the efficiency and sense of well being of an individual should be surfaced and weighed against the impact on the unit as a whole.
11. It must be recognized that a brotherhood concept depends on all members, “belonging” – being fully accepted by others within.>
~ “Band of Brothers” FMFPac concept by LtGen Charles Cooper, late 1970s.

"We're not retreating, Hell! We're just attacking in a different direction!" — Gen. Oliver Smith | USMC

"Hell, these are Marines.  Men like them held Guadalcanal and took Iwo Jima. Bagdad ain't shit. ~ Marine Major General John F. Kelly

"Come on, you sons of bitches-do you want to live forever?" - Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly, USMC, Belleau Wood, June 1918.

"We signed up knowing the risk. Those innocent people in New York didn't go to work thinking there was any kind of risk. ~ Pvt. Mike Armendariz-Clark, USMC; Afghanastan, 20 September 2001,As reported on page 1 of the New York Times