Marine Customs And Courtesies: The Basis Of Marine Corps History

Marine customs and courtesies are the basis of Marine Corps history. In the Marine Corps, almost every courtesy and custom has come from the way Marines have behaved and served in the past. Many Marine customs and courtesies have been converted into regulations to show the modern Marine how to conduct themselves. Some of them cannot be found in written Marine Corps Orders (MCO) or other documents. Knowledge of these, both written and spoken, should be important to each Marine because it reminds him or her of the tradition and history of the brotherhood they are a part of, and of his duty to keep true to them. In addition, it makes him/her feel that he/she is a part of the team and helps to create the strong bond of loyalty between him/her …show more content…
As of the early 1920s, the birthday of the Marine Corps has been celebrated on 10 November. On this date, back in 1775, the Continental Congress decide to form two battalions of Marines. Over the years the Marine Corps Birthday has been celebrated in a number of ways. The celebration involves the reading of a part from the Marine Corps Manual and a birthday message from the Commandant; the cutting of a birthday cake by the commanding officer; and the presentation of the first and second pieces of cake to the oldest and youngest Marines present. As of recent years, the ceremony has become a yearly standard for almost every unit in the …show more content…
nIts history dates way back and there are several versions of why it we use it. All are based around that it is a courtesy that is offered when two individuals pass. In the military, the salute is a show of respect between an officer and an enlisted member or between a junior officer and senior officer. All services recognize saluting procedures. Other branches of the military use different orders on when a salute should be performed. For example, in the Marine Corps, a Marine will only salute while wearing a cover. For all services, the salute begins with the junior enlisted or officer rendering the salute and the senior returning the salute. To go along with this, it is appropriate to say the proper greeting of the day. This is also the appropriate military greeting for Marines when not covered.
A proper greeting of the day is the foundation of customs and courtesies. It enhances the respect that we have for each other, as well as acknowledges those senior in rank to the Marine giving the greeting. Usually the proper greeting is “Good time of day rank of personnel you are greeting”. In more relaxed cases, a simple “Hoorah ____” is