"The raising of that flag on Suribachi means a MARINE CORPS for the next 500 years." - JAMES FORRESTAL, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

"Lying offshore, ready to act, the presence of ships and Marines sometimes means much more than just having air power or ship's fire, when it comes to deterring a crisis. And the ships and Marines may not have to do anything but lie offshore. It is hard to lie offshore with a C-141 or C-130 full of airborne troops." ~ Gen. Colin Powell, U. S. Army Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff - During Operation Desert Storm

"Marines don't know how to spell the word defeat" ~ Gen. James N. Mattis | U.S. Central Command

For a split second I was fearful because I knew I wasn't going to survive, but then I was OK because at least I was going out with a bang.

— Cpl Kyle Carpenter - MOH - answer to question "What's the moment that you feel most fearful on the battlefield and how did you overcome that" 06/16/2014

"I love the Corps for those intangible possessions that cannot be issued: pride, honor, integrity, and being able to carry on the traditions for generations of warriors past." ~ Cpl. Jeff Sornig, USMC; in Navy Times, November 1994

“The most deadly thing on a battlefield is one well-aimed shot.”  — Sgt. Carlos Hathcock | USMC Sniper

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.

"The United States Marine Corps, with its fiercely proud tradition of excellence in combat, its hallowed rituals, and its unbending code of honor, is part of the fabric of American myth. " ~ Thomas E. Ricks; Making the Corps, 1997

"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

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