Devil Dogs in Kilts?

[pipesndrumsnun]

Please 'splain for us non-military (or at least for me!): what is a Devil Dog and a Jar Head? Is "jar head" because of the hair cut? And, since we are at it, what is the derivation of the term "leather neck"? Are there any other names that I need to be "up" on?
THANKS for the explanations and for your service!!

[macwilkin]

Please 'splain for us non-military (or at least for me!): what is a Devil Dog and a Jar Head? Is "jar head" because of the hair cut? And, since we are at it, what is the derivation of the term "leather neck"? Are there any other names that I need to be "up" on?
THANKS for the explanations and for your service!!

For an interesting article about the "Devil Dog", please visit:

http://german.about.com/od/culture/a/germyth13.htm

The author provides a very interesting & respectful look at the "Teufelshunde"/"Devil Dog" story from WWI. He also does mention his sources.

Regards,

Todd

[pipesndrumsnun]

Thanks, Todd!!

[davedove]

Please 'splain for us non-military (or at least for me!): what is a Devil Dog and a Jar Head? Is "jar head" because of the hair cut? And, since we are at it, what is the derivation of the term "leather neck"? Are there any other names that I need to be "up" on?
THANKS for the explanations and for your service!!

I understand the name Leatherneck derives from a uniform that the Marines wore sometime in the 1800's. Included as part of the uniform was a leather collar, so they gained the name of Leathernecks. Or at least that's what the Gunny said on Mail Call.

[macwilkin]

I understand the name Leatherneck derives from a uniform that the Marines wore sometime in the 1800's. Included as part of the uniform was a leather collar, so they gained the name of Leathernecks. Or at least that's what the Gunny said on Mail Call.

Yep. The leather neck stock was standard issue from the Revolution to the eve of the Civil War. The main purpose was to keep the soldier's head erect, as well as to guard against saber cuts. having worn one for War of 1812 and Mexican War living history events, I can say they are very uncomfortable, to say the least.

Regards,

Todd

[thescot]

I understand the name Leatherneck derives from a uniform that the Marines wore sometime in the 1800's. Included as part of the uniform was a leather collar, so they gained the name of Leathernecks. Or at least that's what the Gunny said on Mail Call.

Thanks to Todd for the info on that. You can still see the symbolic "leather neck" collar on the upright collar of the dress blue blouse. And while we're there, you can also see the red piping on the blouse which symbolizes the fact that many of the first Marines didn't have uniforms, so they took the redcoats from the British in the Revolution, turned them wrong side out, and wore the blue lining out (with the red underenath showing a little).

The officers still were a "rope" cross on their dress covers as a remembrance of the rope they'd put on their hats so the Marine snipers in the rigging of the ships would know who not to shoot! And all officers are required to own a Mamaluke sword like the one givien to Lt. OBanion during the war against the Barbary pirates.

Oh, yeah, and all officers and nco's wear a "blood stripe" down the trouser leg. (I told you we were all indoctrinated from the beginning. )

Is this TMI? I promise to quit now.

[James MacMillan]

Hey Jim - You used the term TMI - which I understand is now commonly understood to mean "Too much information." But to me, TMI will always be "Techniques of Military Instruction." Which you may remember is easily broken down as:

Tell ‘em what you are going to tell ‘em.
Tell ‘em.
Tell ‘em what you told ‘em.

Now civilians teach that in high priced training classes, but they call it. Introduction, Body, Review. I like our way better…

[macwilkin]

And while we're there, you can also see the red piping on the blouse which symbolizes the fact that many of the first Marines didn't have uniforms, so they took the redcoats from the British in the Revolution, turned them wrong side out, and wore the blue lining out (with the red underenath showing a little).

If I remember correctly, the Marines were wearing green uniforms during the Revolution:

http://www.ussnicholas.org/samuel_nicholas.html

"In 1776, the Naval Committee of the Second Continental Congress prescribed new uniform regulations. Marine uniforms were to consist of green coats with buff white facings, buff breeches and black gaiters. "

-- http://www.usmcmuseum.org/Museum_LoreCorps.asp

And here is a nice article from a SAR web site about the term "Leatherneck":

http://www.southcoastsar.org/Leathernecks.htm

Regards,

Todd

[pipesndrumsnun]

Thanks for all of the great information, guys!

[Clockwork John]

I never served, but I did do four years in the Young Marines, sponsored by the Marine Corps League. I was the first Platoon Guide in the start-up platoon of the local chapter. I also was briefly a Platoon Sergeant, a training instructor, and I was working on setting up a Chaplain program when I left. It's a good program, and it taught me alot.

No offence to those of you who are, or have been, in uniform, but the Young Marines taught me enough about the military that I decided not to join up. I have mad respect for all of you who are serving or have served, but it's not for me.

I have a long history of miltary service in my family. My grandfather was in the Navy in WWII. My great grandfather flew in WWI. He was also a stunt pilot who was in several silent films. I had family on both sides of the Civil War. I'm sure I had family in the Revolution too, as we've been here since the Mayflower landed. My dad would have joined up as a linguist, but they wouldn't take him. He has foot problems and is colorblind.

To all of you who have served, thank you. You do a tough, dirty job so we as citizens will never have to.