Terminology of the Marine Corps
The Marine Corps is a very small branch of the military. It is technically part of the US Navy. There is a long standing rivalry between the two branches. I have never understood this. It states Department of the Navy on your paychecks. The Marine Corps started out (and continues to function) as warriors from the sea. Most terms in the Marine Corps are of a Naval background.
For younger Marines, some of these terms may not be used as much, for the older ones, they may be too new but most have been around for a long time. Tradition plays an enormorous role in the USMC and will continue into the future. I have compiled a short list of terms that are used by Marines so that the civilian world can better understand what they mean, and maybe their history.
Leather neck: In the old days (when swords were more than just decorative) Marines would wear a uniform that had a high leather collar. This served two purposes. One the leather would help to protect agains a sword slash to the neck. The rigid neckline would also make the Marine hold their head erect, giving them (at least the look of if they were scared) a more confident, head held high, type posture. This can still be seen in the modern Dress Blues. Although the collar isn't leather anymore, it is impossible to slouch with the uniform on.
Devil Dog: Marine Corps lore says that during the battle of Belleau Wood in 1918 that the Marines fought like Teuflul Hunden, or (very loosely translated) hounds from hell. This is title that is used with pride when speaking to another Marine. Variations among friends (especially in the combat arms specialities of the Corps) include Devil Duck and Devil Nuts. The last two variations are used among friends and not recomended as a way to address a Marine you are not friends with.
Grunt Candy: Grunt candy is the slang name that grunts (Ground UNiTs) gave 800 mg Motrin. It is the cure all wonder pill that is given to Marines by the Navy Corpsman (the Marines do not have their own medical branch, all medics are technically sailors in the Navy that serve with the Marines). The Corpsman, or Doc, are held in high esteem and found in every platoon. They keep up with the rigors of Marine training, and more importantly save you life if you are injured. If it is not life threatning, grunt candy is usually the answer to any complaint.
Poag: Any Marine that is not in the of the combat arms MOS (military occupational speciality, or your job). Usually this is a slightly derogatory term that will refer to a Marine that works in the administrative fields,
Poagie Bait: This is junk food that the administrative Marines are thought to live on by the combat Marines. Things like soda, candy etc.
03's: This refers to the numbers assigned to your MOS. Rifleman are 0311, machine gunners are 0351, mortor men are 0341. These are a few examples. Marines in the 03 field tend to look down on the other MOS Marines.
Jarhead: Stories vary as to the origin of this term. Other branches consider it a derogatory way to refer to a Marine, but the Marines take pride in it. Usually it will refer to the traditional haircut worn by most Marines, the high and tight. This haircut leaves hair only on the top of the head, while the sides are shaved off, giving the look of the lid of a jar.
Semper Fi: This is an all around term that is used by Marines. It is short for the latin term Semper Fedelis, which means always faithful. It has been said it came into use because there has never been a mutiny among Marines as well as Marines are always faithful to each other, to the Corps, the mission and to the country.
Boot: Someone that has just joined the Marine Corps. Especially when you have just joined your first unit. You are guaranteed to get every undesirable job that is available, at least until someone newer comes along.
Oohrah: There are many stories to origin of this phrase. It is used as a generalized answer to almost any question both to show agreement with a statement and often it is used in a sacastic way. It is the same principle as the Army's use of the term Hoo Ah.
Salt or Old Salt: A Marine that has been around. Specifically deployed overseas. A variation is salty, meany someone who is tough and embraces the hardships of the Marine Corps with a certain amount of zeal.
Chesty: A term used to describe a Marine that is gung ho or hardcore. It comes from a Marine Corps legend Louis B Puller, also known as Chesty. He was awarded the Navy Cross (the 2nd highest Naval decoration for valor) 5 seperate times.
This is a very abbreviated versions of just a few terms used by Marines. If you would like to learn more, you can ask any Marine, including myself. Most are glad to talk about it. Articles and articles can be written about the unique terminology that the Marine Corps members use among themselves.
