The Thin Line of Tradition
The traditions of the Marine Corps, its history, its flags, its uniforms, its insignia—the Marine Corps way of doing things—make the Corps what it is [and set it distinctively apart from other military organizations and services].
These traditions give the Marine Corps its flavor, and are the reason why the Corps cherishes its past, its ways of acting and speaking, and its uniforms. These things foster the discipline, valor, loyalty, aggressiveness, and readiness, which make the term " 'Marine' … signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue."
One writer on Marine traditions nailed down their importance in [the following] words: "As our traditions, our institutions, and even our eccentricities—like live coral—develop and toughen, so the Corps itself develops and toughens."
And remember: whenever the Marine Corps is impoverished by the death of a tradition, you are generally to blame. Traditions are not preserved by books and museums, but by faithful adherence on the part of all hands—you especially.
—"The Marine Corps Officer's Guide," 1964 edition
We are sure you have more leatherneck lingo to add to what is listed here or a definition that you think improves on one already listed. By all means send them to us with your sources. If we use the information, we will give you credit next to the definition(s).
| Eighth and Eye |
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., the Corps' oldest post, established in 1801. It is located at 8th and I streets, S.E. |
| eightball |
Worthless, troublesome individual who deservedly remains behind the eightball. |
| EM |
Do not use. Just say enlisted man or woman. Even better, say, "Marine." |
| embed |
Journalist who is assigned a slot within a combat unit. |
| Emblem |
Unites States Marine Corps Emblem, or Corps badge, adopted in 1868, frequently referred to as the globe and anchor, and lately the eagle, globe and anchor. Never EGA.
|
| Ensign |
Colors, national flag. Also a junior commissioned officer in the Navy. |
| EPD |
Extra police duties. |
| EPW |
Enemy prisoner of war. |
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Historic Leatherneck Magazine Covers
"We've Fought In Every Clime And Place": Stamping out the Caco Insurrection in the Republic d' Haiti.
January 2002: The Marines engraved another mark in the rich history of the Corps when they came from more than 400 miles offshore to establish a forward operating base south of Kandahar in the war on terrorism. The Marine CH-46 helicopter on the cover, photographed by PH1(AW/SW) Greg Messier, USN, fought in the desert sand to land and resupply Marines such as the ones (inset) photographed by Sgt Joseph R. Chenelly.
January 2001: This firefight during the Frozen Chosin Reservoir Campaign of 1950 was painted by “Chosin Few” veteran Jack Cannon, who served with Company B, 1st Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment and resides in the warmer climes of New Mexico. The cover was part of Leatherneck’s 50th anniversary salute to the Korean War veterans.
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Today in USMC History
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1899 - Marines arrived to secure Cavite Naval Base, Philippines.
Related Article: The Boxer Rebellion By Maj Glen G. Butler Marine Corps Gazette (Oct 2003)








