Devil Dogs in Kilts?

[kiltedsawyer]

I'll do that. He's still in the reserves and a LCol now. If you had met him, you'd remember him. I was on the Mighty Mo (USS Missouri) during Desert Storm. There was a shortage of gunnery officers for the firing missions, so the XO asked ( that was surreal) if I (Assistant Suppo) minded qualifying and standing watch. I actually took a fire mission from my brother-in-law during one late watch. I am the only 16" gun qualified supply officer in the Navy.

Well, you must have come through here, I'm a civilian employee at NSCS in Athens, (at least for a few more years.)

I never served in the military, my father did, but more interestingly, my father-in-law served in the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. He was on board the Indianapolis on 12/7/41 and at Pearl Harbor when the Indy went down. He said he never joined the Marines because he didn't think they would last........he always said that with a wry smile. Proud to know so many of you who have served our country. Thank you.

[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.

[Chase]

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!!

You can find all the terms and their meanings at:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jarhead

[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]

Once a sergeant, still a Marine.

Of course, at my advanced age and physical lack-of-condition, the Corps wouldn't let me file papers, much less lead a platoon.

But the Corps inculcates its recruits with its history, traditions, and the overall mystique of being one of the Few. Every boot camp graduate can recite much of the history, and probably went to the rack every night saying something like, "Good night, Chesty, where ever you are." Even after he was dead!

I salute all my brothers in arms and thank each of you for your service. But I embrace the Marines in the crowd and will cry special tears over your graves should I outlast you. God, Corps, and country . . . in that order. (Hope that doesn't draw any wrath.)

Joke: Know what it sounds like when the sh** hits the fan?

"Muh-reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen!"

[James MacMillan]

Well those that get angry at the phrase "God, Corps, and Country" don't understand that when we say "Corps" we are saying Country and God. If we can stay true to the values taught to us in boot camp, we will never go wrong in life.

[thescot]

I. . .While in the Army National Guard I was impressed to see that every member of my Scout Platoon was prior service from each branch. The depth of experience we had was impressive for what some call weekend warriors. . . .

Yeah, the reserves can have a host of very impressive people. Once at Twenty-nine Palms, there was a "C" Company made up of Viet Nam vets doing some training in the desert. A few were headed to mainside when an MP fresh out of boot camp and OJT stopped them for wearing field jackets. He told them that he'd probably overlook it if they were "regulars," but since they were reservists, they'd have to go back to camp.

This insult from a newbie brought the wrath of C Co. (about like the wrath of God, only more certain) their way as they went back and loaded a truck to head to the MP barracks for an attitude adjustment.

Fortunately, the CO got wind of it and talked them down. Not only were they almost all battle-hardened veterans from Nam, but many were also firemen in real life. What a great bunch of guys. They really knew how to watch your back, too (another story).

Joke: As the first wave of boats lined up for the assault on Tarawa, they got the GO and started for the beach, only to be recalled. You can imagine the confusion that caused. One of the boats came back along side the ship and the skipper asked, "What's the problem?"

"There's been a terrible mistake," the loading master answered. "There's a regular onboard one of the boats."

[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…