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How the US Marine Corps was formed -

The United States Marine Corps can trace its roots back to the Continental Marines of the American Revolutionary War, formed by Captain Samuel Nicholas.

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First commandant -

Nicholas, who was later promoted to Major, is by tradition considered to be the first Commandant of the Marine Corps.

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Founding of the US Marine Corps -

The US Marines Corps proper was created on July 11, 1798. The Corps falls under the Department of the Navy, but is also affiliated with the US Army.

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"The Few. The Proud. The Marines." -

A much-used, often quoted recruitment message is: "The Few. The Proud. The Marines." More recently, the Corps has adopted the slogan "Made for this."

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Following its own rules -

The Corps has its own unique traditions and set of rules that members are expected to abide by.

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US Marine Corps ethos -

Marine Corps standards are more than mere guidelines to follow; they serves as a code that each and every Marine lives by, such is the ethos governing the Corps.

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Recruitment process -

The Marines have stricter entry requirements than other US military branches. To begin with, only US citizens or green card holders between the ages of 17 and 28 can enlist.

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Mandatory requirements -

A high school education and diploma is mandatory. To commission as a Marine Officer, you must be a US citizen between 20 and 28 and have obtained both a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree.

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Physical training -

To even begin recruit training, aspiring Marines must pass the initial strength test (IST). All applicants, male and female, are subjected to a series of timed pull-ups and push-ups, a run, and plank exercise.

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Fitness test -

Assuming you pass the IST, recruits must then complete a far more rigorous physical fitness test (PFT). This includes a timed three-mile (4.8 km) run, the most asked of any branch of the military.

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Passing the Crucible -

Phase 4 of recruitment training is known as The Crucible. This is a 54-hour day and night test of endurance. Failure to complete Phase 4 results in the recruit being dropped.

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Standing tall -

Male and female Marines must be a minimum of 4' 8" tall (1.46 m). At that height, women must weigh between 85 and 115 lbs (38 and 52 kg), men between 85 and 122 lbs (38 and 55 kg).

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Firearm safety -

The Marines (and, in fact, all branches of the US military) count firearm safety among its core standards.

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Treat Never Keep Keep -

There are four fundamental rules governing weapons safety. To remember them, the Marines use the mnemonic Treat Never Keep Keep: Treat every weapon as if it were loaded; Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot; Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you're ready to fire; and  Keep weapon on safe until you intend to fire.

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Weapons training -

Marines are drilled on the correct way to carry their weapons and store their ammunition.

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Combat ready -

They are also trained in how to position their weapons in various situations of escalating threat levels.

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Housing of weapons -

Safety rules include the housing of weapons. According to guidelines, those living in barracks with the rank of sergeant or below must keep their weapons in the armory; weapons stored on base must be locked away and kept with their registration forms.

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Dressing for the occasion -

Marines are forbidden to wear the combat utility uniform with a camouflage pattern ("cammies") away from active duty. The exception is in instances of off-base emergencies.

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Uniform regulations -

Marines are associated and identified with the Corps in and out of uniform, and when on or off duty. As such, when civilian clothing is worn, members are required to ensure that their dress and personal appearance are conservative and commensurate with the high standards traditionally associated with the Corps. No eccentricities of dress are permitted.

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Handy advice -

Marine regulations forbid uniformed members from putting their hands in their pockets unless they need to retrieve something in a garrison environment.

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To be seen -

Any member of the US Marine Corp engaged in activity outside of military formations during hours of low light or low visibility is required to wear a reflective vest or clothing that has reflective material.

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Jarhead -

Haircuts are regulated. The Corps cut is traditionally shorter than those in other branches of the military. The high and tight haircut is often referred to as the "Jarhead cut."

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More style -

Women serving in the Marines are permitted more variety in hair length. In fact, female hairstyles can feature twists for short hair, half-ponytails or up to two half-braids for medium hair, and overall increase in styled length for long hair.

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Guidelines governing social media -

US Marines have been writing letters home since the formation of the Corps. Today, members can use social media but are reminded to observe personal safety measures and Operations Security (OPSEC) standards when using online communities such as Facebook. Marines are urged to exercise sound judgment and common sense when online. Anything posted that could potentially tarnish the Marine Corps' image is the individual's responsibility.

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Fighting spirit -

US Marines are taught never to surrender if they have any means of resisting. In fact, it's rare for Marines to lay down their arms.

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Code of Conduct -

The US Marine Corps, and all branches of the US military, are required to act under the country's Code of Conduct. The early history of rules for the Army was founded by Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Lieber Code in 1863. Essentially an ethics guide, the Code of Conduct was developed after the Korean War.

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Surrender is not an option -

Article II of the Code states: "I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist."

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The laws of war -

The First Geneva Convention, drawn up in 1864, defined "the basis on which rest the rules of international law for the protection of the victims of armed conflicts." It also established a number of rules soldiers have to follow during war. The laws are taught to all branches of the US military, including the Marines. Pictured is the signing of the Geneva Conventions in 1949.

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Body Bearer Section -

The Marine Corps' Body Bearer Section is an elite unit comprised of hand-selected candidates. It's the most elite funeral detail in the United States' Armed Forces. The section is responsible for performing flawless funerals for Marines and Marine family members at Arlington National Cemetery and abroad. Earning the right to perform the most solemn duty in the Marine Corps requires progression through a strict training regimen.

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The Marines' Hymn -

The Marines' Hymn is the oldest official song in the United States military, and the most iconic hymn of all the military branches. When members of the Corps hear the playing of the hymn, they are required to stand at attention, face the music, and sing the words. 

Sources: (United States Marine Corps) (MarineParents.com) (Time) (Emerging Civil War) (U.S. Naval Institute) 

See also: Anti-war songs and other records about war

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