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Marine Crops Traditions
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Following are U.S. Marine Corps Tradition Lesson Plans
Contributed by Young Marine Units.
1. Origin of Oorah!
2. Origin of Taps!
3. Explanation of the Folds Used in Folding the U.S. Flag.
4. Those --- ---- Marines!
5. Chesty Puller and Math in Korea.
6. More Salty Talk.
7. Video: Warriors, The Film
Contributed by Young Marine Units.
1. Origin of Oorah!
2. Origin of Taps!
3. Explanation of the Folds Used in Folding the U.S. Flag.
4. Those --- ---- Marines!
5. Chesty Puller and Math in Korea.
6. More Salty Talk.
7. Video: Warriors, The Film
1. The Origin of Oorah!
Subject: The Origin of Oohrah!
I can remember using the phrase "Aarugha" in several units in the Marine Corps,
and remember saying aboard surface ships "Aarugha, Aarugha, Dive, Dive,
Dive," but never "Oorah". But I retired from active duty in 1980.
The following is printed in the July or December, 2004 issue of MARINES, the
Corps Official Magazine, www.marines.mil, page 64.
From training day one at boot camp Marines bark "Oorah" as a mindless, endless
form of motivation. But just where did Marines get this funny foghorn sound? As
with every good Marine Corps tradition or legend, countless stories about the
word's origins abound. The stories of "Oorah" range from the logical to the absurd,
including that it is Turkish for kill, which is in fact "Oldurmek" or even simply that it
is a direct counter against the army's Hooah. But in the lexicon of Marine Corps
traditions, "Oorah" is rather new. Any veteran of the past 50 years would tell you
no Marine before 1950 said it. So Where Did The Word Really Originate? The story
with the most credibility holds that the word began with Recon Marines stationed
in Korea in 1953. The story goes the Marines with 1st Amphibious Recon
Company traveled via submarine. An intercom call "dive, dive," and a klaxon
alarm, which made a very distinct "Aarugha" sound, announced a sub's descent.
Recon Marines heard this sound often and started using it as a motivational tool
during runs and physical training. Eventually "Aarugha" mutated into "Oorah",
according to retired Major Gary Marte. Oddly enough, the official Marine Corps
Training Reference Manual about the history of Marine recon is titled "Aarugha"
and the manual credits the origination of the phrase with Recon Marines. The
Corps is rich with traditions and history and stories passed from drill instructor to
recruit and Marine to Marine, add the color to that history. "Oorah" is just one of
those colorful bits of history that separates Marines from any other branch of
service.
(Written by L/Cpl. Paul Hirseman III, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island,
S.C.)
Respectfully Submitted
Oorah, Gung Ho, & Semper Fi!
Verne B. Bell, GySgt., USMC, Retired
C.O., 2nd Tx. Young Marine Bn.
2. From the Internet, The Origin of Taps.
The Origin of Taps
Author Unknown
If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this
brings out a new meaning of it.
Here is something Every American should know. Until I read this, I didn't know, but
I checked it out and it's true:
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that
gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested
to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain
Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison 's Landing in Virginia . The
Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely
wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the
Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical
attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the
stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a
Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with
shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The
boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling
his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors
to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only
partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a
funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.
But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one
musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes
he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" ... used at
military funerals was born.
The words are:
Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes.
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun.
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.
I too have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the
words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse.
I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so
I thought I'd pass it along.
3. From the Internet. Explanation of the Folds Used In Folding the U.S. Flag.
Explanation of the Folding of the U.S. Flag!
I hope you take the time to understand what the flag draped coffin really means.
Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many
survivors .
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the
numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly
folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was
to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!
The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the
ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain
peace throughout the world.
The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in
God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine
guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our
Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our
country, right or wrong."
The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge
allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it
stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces
that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they
be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of
death, that we might see the light of day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through
their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and
women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and
daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King
Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians
eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost
reminding them of their nations motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a
cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George
Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul
Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces
of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they
enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.
In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.
IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.
4. From Internet, Those --- ---- Marines
Those --- ---- Marines
By LtCol David W. Szelowski, USMCR (Ret)
I wonder how many times during Operation Iraqi Freedom that the phrase
"--- ---- Marines" was uttered? Even in the best of times, Army and Air Force
officers have been heard muttering some epithet about Marines, invoking either
heaven or hell. Interestingly enough, we Marines find it all rather reassuring and,
at times, amusing.
Most of the time, Marines do not go out of our way to be obnoxious; we are just
doing what Marines have done for over 200 years. A good example is the fact
that Marines always raise the American flag over mountains or cities they have
conquered. From Mt. Suribachi to the City of Hue, to Kuwait City to Baghdad, U.S.
Marines have raised the Stars and Stripes -- in the latter examples, much to the
chagrin of higher headquarters. You don't get these kinds of problems with the
army.
So what is it about the U.S. Marines that they stick U.S. flags on everything and
do more with less, a less that is either old or an army hand-me-down? We call it
Esprit de Corps, but it goes deeper than that. We learn and maintain myths of the
past, which also means living up to those historical examples. Marine Corps boot
camp is the longest of the services; it is where we mold young men and women
into the mythical image called a Marine. You can be in the Army, you can join the
Air Force, but you become a Marine. All of the other uniformed services have
songs; the U.S. Marines have a hymn. The basic pattern of Marine Corps
uniforms comes from the late nineteenth century; our emblem "the Eagle, Globe
and Anchor" has remained largely unchanged since 1868. The buttons on our
dress blues, whites and greens date back to the founding of our corps. The
Marine Corps is the only service that requires its officers to carry a sword, whose
pattern dates back to 1805.
I think that the path of being a Marine was established long ago. On the 10th of
November 1775, the Marine Corps was first established...in a tavern. To this day,
no matter where in the world, Marines celebrate the founding of our beloved
Corps, much to the confusion of the other services.
A few years ago, a congresswoman from Colorado felt that the Marine Corps was
radical and extreme. She contended that the Marine Corps was not politically
correct, nor did we seem to be part of the Department of Defense's transition to
a "kinder and gentler" military. She was correct, and the Marine Corps took it as a
compliment.
But the proof is in the doing, and during Iraqi Freedom the Marines demonstrated
what Marines can do. I watched with some amusement as a reporter asked a
young lance corporal about being in Iraq and under rifle fire. "Love it, sir!" was his
response. The reporter was taken aback and asked, "No, really." The Marine then
tried to explain that this is what he was trained to do, he looked forward to doing
it and was now happy to be doing it. No doubt in boot camp he was told that he
was "a minister of death praying for war." Contrast that with the poor U.S. Army
Apache pilots who said that if they had to take life, they would do so reluctantly.
You are either a warrior or you are not.
Marines are mission oriented. Live or die, the most important thing to a Marine is
accomplishing the mission. Whether taking the bridge, river or town, accomplishing
the mission is the Holy Grail of being a Marine. How the mission is accomplished is
not so important, as it is expected of all Marines to accomplish the mission with
the tools available. This is probably why we heard that Marines in one engagement
were fighting with knives and bayonets. This was hardly high tech, but it was
effective. These Marines now have bragging rights, for they have proven that they
talk-the-talk and walk-the-walk. I doubt there is a single Marine who is not
envious.
Marines are practical, as well. I enjoyed hearing two reporters interviewing each
other, one embedded with the army, the other with the Marines. The reporter with
the army noted that the sandstorm had blown down many of the soldiers' cots.
The other reporter countered that the Marines did not have this problem because
they slept on the ground. The Marine learns to live with what he can carry on his
back. He expects to be moved around on the battlefield via his two black Cadillacs
(boots). If he is lucky and gets a ride on an amtrack, so much the better -- but it
is not expected. At the end of a mission, the priority for cleaning is weapon, then
equipment, and finally, body. When the other services talk about "quality of life,"
they are referring to housing, clubs and food. Marines are talking about better
weapons, equipment and training, winning the battle and coming home alive is
considered "quality of life."
All of this translates into combat power. In comparison to the U.S. Army's 3rd
Infantry Division, the Marines of I Marine Expeditionary Force were lightly equipped.
Yet, they battled through the heart of Iraq, fought to the center of Baghdad and
then moved off to Tikrit, taking that city as well. The press was so enamored with
the Marines that in the final days of the war they even credited the Marines with
deeds actually accomplished by the army. Little wonder we heard "--- ----
Marines!" so often.
So we need to give the Marines some slack when they do something politically
incorrect, such as raising the flag or appearing insensitive when killing the enemy.
In the field, they look sloppy compared to the army, but are aggressive in the
attack and generally unhappy in the defense. Marines take pride in their work,
even if that work is war. We are just Marines and that is what we do.
Lt.Col. David W. Szelowski, USMCR (Ret)
5. From the Internet. Chesty Puller and Math in Korea.
Way to go Marine!
MARINE MATH
The Korean War, in which the Marine Corps fought and won some of its most
brutal battles, was not without its gallows humor.
During one such conflict a ROK ( Republic of Korea ) commander, whose unit was
fighting along with the Marines, called legendary Marine General Chesty Puller, to
report a major Chinese attack in his sector.
"How many Chinese are attacking you?" asked Puller.
"Many, many Chinese!" replied the excited Korean officer.
General Puller asked for another count and got the same answer, "Many, many,
many Chinese!"
"X*#dammit!" swore Puller, "Put my Marine liaison officer on the radio."
In a minute, an American voice came over the air: "Yes sir?"
"Lieutenant," growled Chesty, "Exactly how many Chinese you got up there?"
"General, we got a whole s---load of Chinese up here!"
"Thank God." exclaimed Puller, "At least there's someone up there that knows
how to count.
6. More Salty Talk
1. Aft, Astern: To the rear.
2. All Hands, Whole Lash Up: everybody, the whole crew or unit
3. Aye Aye, Sir: The proper response to orders in the naval service.
4. Belay: Stop doing what you are doing.
5. Boot: In the 1920's and '30's Navy and Marine recruits wore leggings called
"boots" by the Navy. Marines also wore leggings during boot camp.
6. Brig Time on P--- and Punk: In the brig on bread and water.
7. Captain's Gig: Small boat to ferry captain ashore.
8. Captain's Mast: On report for possible punishment.
9. Caulf Off: To do nothing, loaf. From the days when decks were caulked.
10. Chow Bump, Chow Call: Musical notes indicating time to eat or "Chow Down".
11. Doggy, Dogface: U.S. Army type.
12. Fartsack: Mattress cover on bunk.
13. Forward: To the front.
14. Fouled Up: Mixed up.
15. Gangway!: Get out of the way.
16. Head: Toilet, located originally at the head of the sailing ship.
17. Join The Fleet: FMF or duty ing the operating forces.
18. Jolly: Royal Marine.
19. Knock It Off: Stop doing that.
20. Knucklehead: A dummy of junior rank.
21. Ladder: Stairs.
22. Lay Up To The Headquarters: Go to the front office.
23. Liberty Ashore: Freedom to leave the ship or base to do things.
24. Liberty, Going Ashore: To have fun, e.g.
25. Limey: British sailor.
26. Marine Detachment, seagoing Duty: On large men-o-war, e.g., carriers,
battleships, and cruisers.
27. Mate: Friend, pal.
28. Officer Country: Officers' cabins and wardroom.
29. Old Man: Battalion, Regimental, Division Commander.
30. Pogey Bait: Name meaning "candy" that was supposedly awarded to the 6th
Marines by the 4th Marines when the 6th Marines arrived in Shanghai in the
1930's with field marching packs full of candy (a myth).
31. Port: Window.
32. Port Side: Left side.
33. Rocks and Shoals: Naval regulations used for adjudiciating crimes and
misdemeanors.
34. Seagoing Bellhops, Jarheads, Leathernecks: The Navy's army, but better
shots than the "Dogface" army.
35. Secure: Tighten up, lash up, tie up, or stop.
36. Ship Over For Another Cruise: To reenlist.
37. Shipmate: Comrad, buddy.
38. Shove Off: Move out, get going.
39. Skipper: Company commander or ship commander.
40. Skivvies: Underwear.
41. Squared Away: Got his act together.
42. Starboard: Right side.
43. Stowed: Packed or loaded.
44. Swabby, Swabjockey: Sailor.
45. Sweep Down, Fore and Aft: Clean the decks from front to back.
46. Wardroom: Where officers eat and relax.
47. Yard Bird: A fouled-up Marine.
7. Video: Warriors, The Film
All need to view this video, but it might be a little too much for younger Young Marines. This gives an additional insight into why U. S. Marines are different and better than the rest!
www.warriorsthefilm.com/Movie.html
