What do Marines call one another?
Marines call one another by their rank or title, with senior Marines often referring to junior Marines as “boot” or “Private”, while infantry Marines are commonly known as “Grunts” and non-infantry Marines are referred to as “POGs”, which stands for Personnel Other than Grunts. In a broader sense, all Marines are addressed as “Marine”, a term that embodies the esprit de corps and brotherhood that defines the United States Marine Corps.
Introduction to Marine Corps Culture
Marine Corps culture is built on a foundation of tradition, discipline, and camaraderie, with a unique vocabulary and set of customs that set it apart from other branches of the military.
FAQs about Marine Corps Culture and Terminology
Q1: What is the origin of the term “POG”?
The term POG originated as a way for infantry Marines to distinguish themselves from non-infantry Marines, with POG standing for Personnel Other than Grunts.
Q2: How do Marines greet each other?
Marines greet each other with a verbal greeting, such as “Oorah” or “Good morning, sir/ma’am”, accompanied by a hand salute or other form of respect.
Q3: What is the meaning of “Semper Fidelis”?
Semper Fidelis is the motto of the United States Marine Corps, translating to “Always Faithful” in Latin, and embodying the values of loyalty and dedication that define the Marine Corps.
Q4: Can civilians say “Oorah” to a Marine?
Yes, civilians can say “Oorah” to a Marine, as a way of showing respect or appreciation for the Marine Corps.
Q5: What is a “boot” in the Marine Corps?
A boot is a new Marine, typically in their first few months of service, who is still learning the ways and traditions of the Marine Corps.
Q6: How do Marines address each other in formal situations?
In formal situations, Marines address each other by their rank and last name, such as “Sergeant Johnson” or “General Smith”.
Q7: What is the difference between a “Grunt” and a “POG”?
A Grunt is an infantry Marine, while a POG is a non-infantry Marine, with the two terms reflecting the different roles and responsibilities within the Marine Corps.
Q8: Can you call a Marine a “soldier”?
No, Marines are not soldiers, but rather members of the United States Marine Corps, with their own unique culture and traditions.
Q9: What is the Marine Corps’ position on walking on grass?
On base, Marines are generally not allowed to walk on grass, as it can create unauthorized paths and detract from the appearance of the base.
Q10: How do Marines say “yes” to an order?
Marines respond to an order with “Aye aye, sir”, indicating that they understand and will comply with the order.
Q11: What is the Marine Oath?
The Marine Oath is a pledge to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, taken by all Marines upon enlistment.
Q12: Why are Marines so tough?
Marines are forged in a furnace of shared hardship and tough training, which creates a bond of brotherhood and esprit de corps that defines the Marine Corps.
Q13: Is Marine Corps training harder than Army training?
Marine Corps training is considered one of the toughest in the military, with a 13-week boot camp that tests physical stamina, mental toughness, and moral integrity.
Q14: What does “Pork” mean in the Marine Corps?
Pork refers to a Marine who has completed Scout Sniper training, with the term originating from the acronyms PIG (Prior to becoming a Hunter Of Gunmen) and HOG (Hunter Of Gunmen).
Q15: How can you verify if someone is a Marine?
You can verify if someone is a Marine through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service (SCRACVS), which provides verification of military service.