Which rank do you think is the backbone of the Marine Corps? Welcome back! If you are new here make sure to hit subscribe to expand your knowledge on Military History and join the growing Premier History Community!
I served 27 years in the Corps, with five tours of combat as a 0311, 0321, 0369 and 9999. I retired as the First Sergeant of Golf 2/4. The NCOs (E-4 & E-5) are the back bone of the Marine Corps, they are the ones that get the job done.
I'm in the DEP, while waiting for Boot Camp we are memorizing Marine Corps knowledge, general orders, and ranks. Our Staff Sergeant always reminds us when we talk of the Sergeant rank, to additionally refer to it as the "backbone of the Marine Corps"
I spent 7 years in the Marine Corps from 1983-1989 as a 2111. I participated in Operation Urgent Fury and then time in beautiful Beruit Lebanon. I retired as an E5. My son is an E4 and has 10 months left of a 5 year commitment. I am very proud of him. Semper Fidelis 🇺🇸
Is it hard getting to the marines I’m 15 years old in a sophomore in high school I want to become a marine physically I’m strong but I’m worried about the education part of getting to the marines is it tuff to pass the asvab ?
@@brodysoflyrodriguez It is not difficult to get into the Marine Corps or Army. You need to be able to run 1.5 miles in 14 minutes for the Marines today, do a few pull ups and so on, very easy. The difficulty will come physically if you are in poor or fair condition. I suggest that you start entering some extra school activities, especially running track and football, if you do both you will have no problem with boot camp. At the least I suggest you begin running and be able to complete 3 miles in less than 21 minutes. Further I suggest you be able to run at least 6 miles, do 70 push ups and 50 pull ups. Targeting a healthy body is very important. As to school, concentrate on English and higher mathematics such as algebra and geometry, if you can accomplish this you will have no problems with education. If you think you would like a specific skill set while in the marines think about what you like to do as you progress in age, for example if you like to tinker with things you might want to learn about how to be a mechanic, if you like the idea of flying, purchase a ground school package [King Schools & Sporty's Pilot Shop offer great schooling you can perform at home] then save up some money and get at least 20 hours of flight time then try to get into one of the flight schools either fixed wing or rotor wing as a warrant officer, and the list goes on. Think about what you want to do then study that field in addition to the subjects I listed above. Don't worry about anything, rather become determined to do what you want then work to get it, even if you require help along the way.
@@darickhassell9793 I know this isn't relevant but here's a full metal jacket quote for you: "Do we love our beloved corps ladies?!" "Semper Fi, do or die! Gung ho! Gung ho! Gung ho!" "What makes the grass grow?!" "Blood! Blood! Blood!" "What do we do for a living, ladies?!" "Kill! Kill! Kill!" "I can't hear you!" "Kill! Kill! Kill!" "Bull**** I still can't hear you!" "Kill! Kill! Kill!"
My dad retired as a Master Sargent and served for 25 years, 20 in active duty and 5 in the reserve. He joined in July 1946. He was named after his uncle who served with the Marines in WW1 attached to the Army's 2nd Division. I was very proud of him! He lived the motto "Once a Marine ... Always a Marine"!
Sergeant, E-5 is the most important, we make sure all tasks are done and accountability is enforced. We taught our young lieutenants much of what it means to lead. Without good sergeants, there would be nothing.
I had an uncle on my mother's side who served in WW2, as well as during Korea and Vietnam. He was also in charge of a contingent of Marines aboard a ship leading up to the Seven Day War in the Persian Gulf in 1967, although they never had to deploy due to the de-escalation of that conflict. I remember he was stationed at Da Nang from Sept '68 to Oct '69. He retired as a Full Colonel (O-6) in 1974. He passed on in 1991. Thank you for your service to our country, Uncle Don Keller.
I grew up with my uncle, a USMC gunnery sgt. To me he seemed like the toughest man on the planet and I'm sure others thought the same. Yet he was good humored and I never heard him raise his voice or say an unkind word about or to anyone. That was the example he set of how a MAN conducts himself.
I'm a Marine vet. I spent 4 years as an avionics tech. In civilian life, I often held positions as a hiring manager. Anytime I had a candidate that had been a Marine NCO, top of the interview pile! The Marine Corps cultivates and develops the best leaders in the world!
Respect! Thank you for your service. I am old enough to remember how Viet Nam vets were treated when they came back. You can hate a conflict and the politics around it, but you should always, ALWAYS respect and admire those who served.
On one of my overseas deployments while in the Navy I was assigned to a Marine Corps air station for about 6 months. I wound up working in an office and interacting pretty much exclusively with Marines. I totally agree with those here who consider the E-4 and E-5 (NCOs) as the backbone of the Marine Corps. Perhaps it's because of the smaller size of the Marines compared with the Navy, but junior enlisted take on more responsibility in the Marines than pretty much any other service.
I just wanna say THANK YOU to every single one of our amazing veterans out there for ur service and sacrifices you've made no words can really describe my appreciation, gratitude, RESPECT for u all to me the brave men and women of our military will always be my TRUE HEROS God bless u all 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
My father highest rank was Master Gunnery Sergeant (E9) of the United States Marine Corp 🇺🇸...his duties was being a Communications Officer. He fought in Vietnam twice and Commander of Communications in Desert Storm.
As a Marine from 1973-79, most of the LCpls, Cpl’s, and Sgt’s were in a leadership position as least one rank higher than their actual rank would hold. Also, Marine rifle squads are based on 13 Marines. Not 8
Sorry, a Marine Squad is 3 squads, 9 complete for a platoon, Each Squad has a leader which is usually a Corporal, You have a platoon Sergeant, Usually a Sergeant or a Staff Sergeant, Your platoon commander is a Lieutenant, 3 platoons makes one company, The Gunnery Sergeant leads the company, Then the First Sergeant infos the Company and the Company commander is a Second Lieutenant or a Captain.
I was in the Corp about the same time and I remember squad compliment as being 3 fireteam comprised of 4 Marines and a squad leader. a total of 13 Marines in a squad. then after that you had 3 squads in a platoon, 4 platoons in a company. after that no one really cared unless they had butterbars or higher on their collar.
Roger that Joe Robo; when deployed there’s a forth squad, which may include any combination of weapons, Corpsmen, Combat Engineers, communications, etc. depending on mission.73/93 Semper Fi 🦅🌎⚓️🇺🇸✝️
I became a Cpl in 1964. I became squad leader of 1st squad, 3d platoon of G Co, 2/2. Back then a squad consisted of a squad leader and 3 fire teams of 4 men each, so a total of 13 men. Then, the squad became 14 men, after a grenadier was added. There were 3 squads per platoon. When I was in, gunnery sergeants were addressed as "gunny." 1st sergeants through the rank of master sergeant were usually called "top." WOs could be addressed as "gunner" (not the same as "gunny") or "Mr." 1st and 2d Lts could be addressed as "Mr."
having never served anything except time, im smart enough to not make a stupid comment about something i hold the highest respect for!... but i WILL say to each and every one of you that have served..THANK YOU!!! nothing but respect n admiration!
Twenty-four years an active duty Marine; now, a Retired Marine; still a Marine. Retired a couple of ranks beyond Captain. Marine Corps Non-Commissioned officers.....and Captains...are the backbone of the Marine Corps. I leaned heavily on the Corporals and Sergeants and Captains throughout my career to "make it happen". They excelled with "mission orders" and I was constantly in awe of their resourcefulness, ingenuity and attention to detail. Their ideas and solutions often exceeded my expectations. NCOs and Captains. THEY make the Marine Corps what it is. Semper Fi.
Yes, I was sent to the Quantico Tailors towards the end of OCC in 1958. There were three shops, choose one, and take out a loan. Complete uniforms cost about $950.00. (Lt. pay was $222.70/month) I wore my Blues at Quantico but wore, and loved, the tropical whites while overseas in the Pacific for many years. Semper Fidelis.
Being a former Jarhead going to boot camp at Parris Island the first voice I heard every day was from gunny Wentworth senior drill instructor I can still hear his voice so I'm going with the gunny. Gunnery sergeant.
I served from 1975-2007 during Peace time and wartime era, private - GySgt-WO1-CWO4, Commander, Brig Company. Love the Corps, President GW Bush signed my retirement. Its all commitment and duty.
I entered the USMCR in 1963, after high school, went to boot camp at Parris Island, SC. Went home to Long Island, attended college for awhile, than transferred into the active Marine Corps from 1966-70. Went to Vietnam in 1967-68. I was a Sgt E-5 from 1967 until I was discharged in Jan 1970. I think that the backbone of the NCO ranks is an individual thing, as we had both effective and useless staff NCO’s during my tours. In fact, there were some smart Lance Corporals and Corporals that had more on the ball than their superiors. But overall, I found many Gunnery Sergeants I met were proficient. If I had stayed in the Corps, I would have wanted to be in the Warrant Officer ranks instead of going to Lieutenant and through the staff Officer ranks. But I wanted to go back to civilian life anyway. It was a good experience overall. The Marines taught me a lot. Semper Fi
The Class of 1968 was the only class at the US Naval Academy to fall short of their commissioned Marine Corps officer quota. In Bancroft Hall is a plaque with the names of all fallen Midshipmen in battle. There were so many former recent classmates of the class of '68 memorialized on that wall from the war in Vietnam, that many mothers and girlfriends pleaded and cried for them to not select a Marine Corps commission.
Thank you so much, all our service men and women....I never had what it took but I always admired those who did. God bless you all, you are true heroes.
I served in the Corps for 5 years, worst mistake of my life was getting out. Both my son's were born at Camp Lejune, NC. I think the Sgt , Ssgt and Funny are the back bone of the corps, I got out as a Cpl. You could also say that they are part of the back bone depending on what their MOS is. Semper Fi from an old Marine
Some of my most memorable moments in life were in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era. Receiving PFC upon graduating at Parris Island and finally Sergeant were great memories. I miss a lot of those "brothers," as many of them contracted Parkinson's disease, and cancers among other ailments from the water contamination at New River Air Station. SEMPER Fi!
My ScoutMaster just recently retired from the Marines as a 1st Sergeant. He was an MP in the majority of his time, and was in the reserves for the final leg of his time. I respect the hell out of you Vince. Edit: I know he was in the reserves when he finished, but I am not too sure about the MP, and there might have been a third MOS
I was in the Scouting program prior to the USMC (grad Nov 1983). I knew the compass better than the instructors. The 1 wk FTW was a joke to me. I got thrown into a meat wagon thinking I quit sweating; I never started. I was used to 1500 elevation and 100 heat. Boot camp was sea level and maybe 70* at night.
@@MNpolarbear 1stSgt is not an administrative position. It is a leadership position, senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer. There is an admin Chief responsible for administration. The 1stSgt does assist the CO with NJP, ProCon marks, officers with fitness reports, and other leadership duties.
I EAS'ed as a Terminal Lance. I learned that our NCO'S and SNCO's were the backbone of the Corps, but we, the Non-Rates, were the hands. Our SSNCO's were the dick and the balls. God bless you, Seargent Bryant, Staff Seargent Tucker, Gunnery Seargent Allison, First Seargent Delaughter, and Seargent Major Bradley.
I did 6 years in the late 80s and early 90s. I reached the rank of Sergeant in just under 4 years. I would have to say Corporals are the backbone of the Corps. Once I reached E-5 the increased administrative duties required I spend less time with junior Marines. Junior Marines led by Corporals is where it's at. Sempr Fi
I was raised by a retired Master Guns who lived and bleed for the corps , if it didn't have something to do with the Corps it had something to do with Ireland, music was either Irish folk or recording of cadence. His trucks break lights had his rank so when he pressed the break it lit up red. Lic plate was MstGnySgt or close to. The man fought in WW2 , Korea and one tour in Nam 65' . I used to think he was a superhero when he had his dress uniform on so naturally I joined in 03/07. Craziest thing is he isn't the longest one to serve in my fam. I can trace my history to the civil war , I have a uncles uniform from WW1 who was kia with the " lost battalion " 77th infantry NY, pvt Thomas James Lyons. Anyways enough bragging. E4 up to E7.
E-8 cross rifles: field. Diamond: Office. E-9 Bursting bomb: field. Star: office Warrant officer is picked by Congress. Every level of warrant officer is as the same rank of every 2 ranks of Commissioned officer.
@@BrigadierVo Technically, a commissioned officer of any grade is senior to any warrant officer. In reality, warrant officers are generally very experienced in their field and a boot lieutenant is playing with fire if he/she tries to play Know-it-all with a WO. Same if they try to play games with a first sergeant or sergeant major.
@@BrigadierVo "do not confuse your rank with my experience" The officer always outranks the enlisted, but try to pull rank on an SNCO as a boot officer and it won't go very well, If you're in the wrong the CO will let them teach you a lesson
WO Is not picked by congress. WO-1 promotion is approved usually by Sgt Maj of Marine Corps . To seek a WO, the candidate has to have 12 years of service and minimum of Staff Sergeant. The exception is the Marine Gunner, who has to have achieved a rank of Gunnery Sergeant with 16 years of service and is commissioned directly to the Rank of Marine Gunner, which is equivalent to WO-2. I believe this promotion is done by CMC.
My father and his brother's came home from the pearl harbor war with 4 stars and more than 1 purple heart and my 2 brother was in the war in 1972 and 1973 and I am very grateful and proud of my family and the man I have a man that is in the military as a marine for over 20 years now thank you God.
I always thought it was really, really stupid that an infantry Marine of 15+ years would be immediately outranked by a college art major, who is the newest butterbar in the fleet.
On paper yes, but any second LT will keep his or her mouth shut and learn. SNCO’s train Officer candidates in the basic school before they’re commissioned.
As a Marine, there's nothing complicated about Marine Corps rank. The only bit that might be a little tricky is the spotting the difference between Master Seargent and First Seargent, and Master Gunnery Seargent and Seargent Major. You better be able to spot it, though. Air Force Enlisted rank is a bit funny. Try wading through Navy and Coast Guard rates.
@Keenan Alessi Damn autocorrect. I'm dyslexic and swap letters without noticing. Thank you for noticing. I went to Paris Island Aug 16th, 1994, graduated Nov 4th, 1994, 2nd Bn, F Co, Plt 2021, 1st Squad, SDI Ssgt Ferril Chatman, arrived at Camp Geiger, SOI, Nov 15th, 1994, went to ITB, B Co, 2nd Plt, 1st Squad, graduated 0311, Feb 10th, 1995. I was supposed to go to 2/2, but my orders were changed at the JRC, on main-side Camp Lejeune, and I was sent to 3/6, wound up in L Co, 1st Plt, 3rd Squad. Did a CAX, UDP to Oki, month in S. Korea, month in Panama, had major surgery on my right knee, had become an alcoholic and wound up getting sober on the morning of March 3rd, 1997, went to rehab right on Lejeune, did my last 18 months in the Corps sober, still sober. Spent my last year with 1/6 B Co. My awards were National Defense Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and my French Fourragere for serving with the 6th Reg. Thank you. How's that? I hope you have a nice day, sir.
Never found that hard. It's quite easy to see the difference, unless you have absolutely no idea what you're looking at. But for those of us that are a little bit studied: it's no problem!
@@drydogg Don't sweat the small stuff Marine, you don't have to convince anyone (I serve from 74 to 76)because you know, the people that Love you know, and I know ,oo-rah
One of My Older Brother was in the Marines and He Retired after 26 Years as an E9(Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps)Idc what Branch anyone serves in..,I just Salute and Got a lot of LOVE for People who Serve their Country!!!!!
Did you meant that he is "a" SgtMaj in the Marine Corps? SgtMaj is an E-9. The actual Sargent Major "of" the Marine Corps (SMMC) is the highest enlisted Marine in the Corps, and there's only one SMMC at any one time.
Worked as a Division Manager for a CEO who was a 3rd Marine WW2 Grunt. Went in @ Bougainville was a PFC, when relived @ Iwo Jima was the Company Gunny @ 20 yrs old, all Field Promotions. One hell of a great Leader and Proud Marine!
I never served but I've known a lot of Marines. Everyone said that Sergeant (E-5) is the backbone of the Corps. It also makes sense as that rank is the most concerned with directly leading the Marines that do the fighting. Every rank is important though. You need the generals to plan the battle, but the enlisted men and women carry it out.
How about spelling Sergeant correctly, since it’s literally spelled out at @2:11. I understand you never served, but you are somewhat correct… NCOs are the backbone of the Corps. Also Marines is spelled with a capital M
In infantry, no matter your rank- you normally handle responsibilities above your pay grade. I will say, as an E5, Sergeant- you are doing Staff NCO jobs without the pay but all the pressure. Having served in infantry, all NCO's make shit happen.
My father retired after 21 years of service as a Sergent Major in the Corps. He was in Intelligence and did 3 tours in Vietnam, his CO in Nam went on to become Comandante of the Marine Corps, and his Gunny in his final tour eventually became Sergent Major of the Marine Corps (she was a cool lady) He is an amazing Marine and will always be the man I look up to. SEMPER FI Marines! and God bless you all!
Marines have the least # of personell in all the services. And least budget for uniforms, hence, unchanged uniforms...maintained sharpness...crispness. and firm hold onto Traditions.
My reasoning to this is because of the generals changes in the Corps..Marines are leaving in droves, hence the request for civilian officers. Make them warrants, not coms. Many of the services are going to space force, because of higher pay, the USMC tank corps is gone, MANY of the USMC'S MOS' are GONE, so, y not? Yeah the corps #'s are down further.
The uniforms are not unchanged, the dress greens used to be made of wool with brown leather not black. We used to have gerberdin summer uniforms now only the shirt is left when you wear the dress greens or Blues with out jacket. Our dungeries used to be with hidden buttons for both shirt and pants and a much nicer green then the Army crap they went to to save a few bucks. Our boots were with brass eyelids and no shine just saddle soap them. The Corps is going to shit, glad I was in back in the early 6O''s, and not now.
You failed to mention that there is only 1 person at any one time holds the rank of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. That is, the rank is only given to one person out of the entire military branch. This is also the case in the other branches such as Sergeant Major of the Army, Air Force, and the Navy equivalent, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
Gunnery Sergeant is my answer after spending 5 years as a civilian contractor with the Corp. Made every FOB in the Anbar province, plus the few big bases they had. I received a few awards from the Marines, which I cherish, as they don't give you anything you ain't earned. I'm X Air Force - Aircraft weapons loader 65 to 69, but I do Love My Marines. They helped me Restore the Roar in my service to this country, which wasn't appreciated when I came home.
Been in for 18 years and being a gunny was the best rank to date because when you get pinned on you are issued the "gunny wand" that somehow gets almost anything done. NCO's are definitely the workhorses of the ranks while lieutenants have a "good idea" that usually gets someone NJP'd.
GySgt and Lcpl. The Gunnies are the long schooled professionals knowing just about all the knowledge a warrior can know while young enough to stay in the field. Lcpl, a Marine trained, experienced and at a point of deciding if he going career or leaving the corps.
I'm surprised there are so many comments saying which rank is best. As a daughter of a military family, I was always under the impression that Marines all worked together and the part of excellence was that it was a joint effort, no one sought single recognition. Thank you all who have served and protected me each day & night!
Never served in the military do to medical reasons but I have a lot of friends and family that have. They've all said the same thing. Without 1st sargent nothing would get done. I don't know how true that really is but it kind of makes sense to me.
I was in the Marine Corp from 1969 to 1973, took me a year and half to make Cpl, spent 2 years as a Cpl before making Sgt. I enjoyed being a Cpl. the most, but yes, I think Sgt. is the best enlisted rank, you are in a leadership role and trainer of Marines at the same time and SNCO's will listen to your opinion, at least in my case
My dad was a seabee in ww2, he was in the 121st battalion but was attached to the marines and were the 20th marines. He was a 2d class petty officer and he said it was a staff sergeant., he said it was a high rank and he was in charge of a lot of men, not sure the details but he said he was temporary chief , seems if you take the responsibility you are temporarily chief but you need time in service. So he was a marine with navy ranks .. A one off carpenters mate marine. However he always said seabee.. They had marine training, marine officers, marine uniforms and went on beaches with marines... Because they were attached directly to the 4th they recieved the presidential unit citation of which he was most proud of.
As a Marine, I served for 4 years in concert with the Navy aboard Aircraft carriers, subs and tincan (oldWW2) destroyers. I obtained the rank of Sgt. for approximately 2weeks before being busted (I broke a drunk, of duty, Army Captains jaw in a bar fight. Fuck him, he deserved it)back to Lance Corporal. I was eventually made Corporal again and left service soon afterward. Best time of my young life. Thanks for the video post and best of luck 🍀👍🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸
Not to worry someday someone is gonna break yours or your maybe son's and they'll be saying da same thing but regardless of him being a capt. Where he was from What does that have to do with anything.. ( i can tell he hit u on da head cus u ain't to bright )
My grandfather was a survivor of the Chosin Resavior in Operation Tootsie Roll... As well as 2 tours in Vietnam.... Retired as a Gunnery Sergeant 💪... Most gentle man there was 🙏.... Yet my favorite memory of him was at 16 years old I made the mistake of sneaking up on him while he was vacuuming... Poked him in is side .. ONLY to be met with a fist to my nose 😂😭😂... All he said was "GD boy don't you EVER MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN"😂😂😂 Sir yes sir! 😂
Any Marine who fought at Chosin deserves the highest respect! God bless him... LOL I had a similar incident with my dad. I learned when I was 4, if daddy is asleep on the couch, don't sneak up to him and try to scare him. Before I could finish the word "BOO!" I was suddenly dangling off the ground with a hand wrapped around my neck, screaming, and a fist pulled back ready to pummel my face, suddenly my dad realized it was me and started crying, and told me never to do that again.I never did. It wasn't till about 20 years later that he finally could talk about what he did in his 3 tours in Nam and I totally understand his reaction. He was a lifer and retired as a Sergent Major, I grew up in the Corps. and it was the absolute best.
You missed one: Marine Gunner. This is actually the formal rank name and like a Captain is called a Captain a Marine Gunner is formally addressed as Marine Gunner and casually addressed as "Gunner." While technically a WO-2 or higher, the Marine Gunner wears a distinctive Bursting Bomb insignia in place of one of the WO insignias. To become a Marine Gunner one needs to have 16 years of service and have achieved the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. The Marine Corp has gone through periods where they do not appoint the rank, and over the hundred years or so that the rank has existed, it has been billeted on and off, but the crop has probably only made a 300 or so Marine Gunners in its entire history. (A note. In my day, it was typical for the troops to call any WO by the casual name "Gunner" and while most WO-s would not correct this mistake, it is not technically correct. The correct address is "Warrant Officer **********.)
@@markmeade8502 Indeed. Unlike the standard WO which is commissioned Staff Sergeant to W01, the Gunner is commissioned from a Gunnery Sergeant directly to W02. They also have to have 16 years in service vs about 12 for the Staff Sergeant going two WO1. Also, the Marine Corp does not keep the rank billet open on a constant basis. Typically the MOS is closed except in times of war, where the Corp will mint a few to help ensure troops a field weapons' expert. They are typically used to evaluate conditions in real time and guild senior officers an commanders. If you get a Gunner in your line of sight and he says something has to be done differently, everyone listens to him. That is what he is there to do. After they are needed, they are often commissioned into the regular officer ranks. That is why they are pretty rare. The billet often closed and most at some point near their retirement go for a full commission. Some people don't consider the Marine Gunner to be a separate rank to W02, but most of the Corp personnel think of them that way.
E-4 and E-5 are the backbone of the Corps. Gunny E-7 keep the backbone straight and Captains O-3 make sure the mission gets done. Field Officers and Generals decide the mission, the other NCOs and others Commissioned Officers are the support to make one unstoppable Team!
Lance Corporal: They make up the most of the corps, and still they get dealt the shittiest end of the stick. Been there done that, Lance Corporal is our backbone.
Peter My dad was a Marine 36-66. US Embassy Gaurd Peking 36, on a Navel vessel when the Graf Spee came into Montevideo Harbor, 5th Marines Guadalcanal, Tulagi, New Britain, Korea. Run a Rifle range at Camp Pendleton. When he found too many Marines were failing to gualify he studied his men and realized they were being taken out of training to do other work. He instituted the "miss more than 4 hours of training, repeat the entire course" soon the men were qualifying w higher scores. My son in law said that mandate still persists at CP. He received 2 letters of rcommendation for this. Which is a funny story in itself. Sergeant of the Gaurd at NAD Fallbrook. Once he caught me playing tic tack toe w a very young Marine at the gaurd shack instead of being on my way to the elementary school in Fallbrook. I often wonder what happened to that young man. He retired from active duty Jan 1 58. Wrote a letter to the Commandant requesting he be returned to active duty during the Cuban missile crisis. Took his GI bill and MC GED to Corvallis, go his BS in Wildlife Management and worked for the Forest Service for 15 years. Thank you for your service!
I think it depends on your trade upon qualification I knew several people that trained as red caps (Army military police) and they got promoted to Lance corporal upon their conclusion of trade training I also have friends that are British army EOD guys and one of them went from private to acting Sargent with the EOD teams in around 4 years during the time of Afghanistan and Iraq wars he remained an acting Sargent for another 4 years before leaving the army to become a teacher then had a change of heart and joined the police as special constable got an award for bravery and then became a traffic cop in the metropolitan police
I think it would have been a good idea to put all the ranks in ascending order at the end to visualize it overall. Just my 2cents. Awesome video though !
Pop was a Mustang… started enlisted up through the warrant rank… then up to officer rank was a F4 Pilot during Viet Nam till retiring a Major… he was a Marines’ Marine…. After retired staid with civilian contractors for training. What a life.. crisscross from Cherry Point to El Toro back to Cherry Point then down to NAS Glynco… then on to Yuma… I went on and joined Army… lol he wasn’t to happy with that. Then he was off to Beaufort ending his time in NAS Oceana
I served in the USMC. I never heard of a WO 5 or a SEAC. It's also very common for an E-5 (Sgt) to serve as a Drill Instructor or Recruiter. Those positions are not solely limited to SSgt or GySgt ranks. Your SSgt is usually the SDI of a training platoon of recruits while the GySgt is normally the CDI in charge of the entire series of recruits in the battalion.
My 11-year-old son is really into this and he believes the Brigadier General is the back bone to the Marine Corps! This was very interesting and I actually learned a lot of information and thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.
It depends on the individual GYSGT. When I was with 1/8 my GYSGT. Was called gunny by squared away Marines, but if a shitbird called him gunny he went off on them, usually with, Am I sleeping with you? Who the fuck told you to call me by my first name? Being allowed to call them gunny is a sign of mutual respect.
Gomer Pyle Private First Class. Jim Nabors, perhaps best known as his loveable, often-bumbling character Gomer Pyle from the hit CBS television show “Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.,” was promoted to Honorary Corporal in a sunset ceremony held at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki Sept. 25. Nabors was made an Honorary Marine and promoted to Honorary Lance Corporal Aug. 9, 2001 by then-Commandant Gen. James Jones, after nearly 38 years as a private first class.
Just a minor point, but ALL Staff NCO ranks are "leadership" assignments, not just the 1st Sergeant-Sgt Major career path. As a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant (air winger), you don't serve in a MSGT/MGySgt billet without leadership skills and utilization thereof. In fact we often fill in for Sergeants Major sometimes.
What is going to happen to our Corps when they start bringing in those without going to boot camp and awarding them staff ranks? Guess we are not all grunts to start with any more..What a shame
I think it might be for those who went to Military school or to a Military Youth Program that can join up without going through basic training. Both Military School and Military Youth Programs do the same thing as normal Military basic training. For an example. I was in the Young Marines as a kid and did the same training the Marines do and we also took the ASVAB test as well in the beginning when you first join the Young Marines and once you become a Sgt you get shipped to a Fort and start training on how to become a Leader and do the basic training even more. Marine Military Academy is just like Military School. Marine JROTC is another group that does the same as Marine Military Academy and Military School. Devil Pup mainly teaches you how to become a better person and does basic training as well. All these youth programs teaches you the same thing and does the same thing but each program is different. Young Marines start out with 6 year olds all the way to graduation that takes both Males and Female recruits. Marine Military Academy is all boys only and takes 7 year olds all the way to graduation as well. Marines JROTC takes both males and female recruits just like the Young Marines and starts out as 6 or 8 or 8 years old all the way to graduation. Devil Pup is an all male recruit program that takes in teens only to teach them how to be proper teens until graduation. And for the Military School I am not sure what age they are allowed to recruit. Not many people know about these Programs at all. The only reason why I have heard of these is because I did some deep digging to see what other programs that are out there that is simuler to Military but for kids and teens.
There is no substitute for Marine Boot Camp. It's an experience we all can relate to. It also weeds out all non hackers. Boot shows you have what it takes to be a Marine. It show you deserve to wear the uniform.
All respect goes out to those who served in Vietnam. A bloody war we should have never gotten into. The politicians at the time should have been given a rifle and dropped into the DMZ to face malaria , VC and agent orange . All love to our soldiers who have fought for this country especially those who were drafted. Shame on those who called these men baby killers and spit on them. Those folks had no honor or morals. Shalom my brothers.
Those that disrespected our military during the Vietnam War were cowards and worthless pieces of sht. With Hanoi Jane Fonda leading the pack, what worthless Cnt.
WWII, my grandfather was a sergeant. started in 1942, he joined the marines, went to join 1st marine division, 1st Marine Regiment. after being promoted from Private to Corporal. Around 1947 he then was promoted to Sergeant. 1948 that when my grandfater was born. he wasn't in the military. around 1981 that's when my father was born. he joined the military in 1999. He was Lance Corporal in 2001 when he was deployed to Afghanistan. then my brother my was born in 2003, joined the marines in 2020. my dad retired when he was a sergeant due to critical hit back in 2012.
Which rank do you think is the backbone of the Marine Corps?
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As with all the other military branches, it is the NCOs who are the backbone of the Marine Corps. They are the ones who make sure things get done.
Sgts
Nice John thanks
Nice Sroevuka
The general
I served 27 years in the Corps, with five tours of combat as a 0311, 0321, 0369 and 9999. I retired as the First Sergeant of Golf 2/4. The NCOs (E-4 & E-5) are the back bone of the Marine Corps, they are the ones that get the job done.
Thanks for sharing Ralph, much appreciated
I'm in the DEP, while waiting for Boot Camp we are memorizing Marine Corps knowledge, general orders, and ranks. Our Staff Sergeant always reminds us when we talk of the Sergeant rank, to additionally refer to it as the "backbone of the Marine Corps"
@@BrigadierVo the Sergeants coordinate abs set up everything the junior marines (pvt- lcpl) are the ones to get it done, we do all the fuckin work
Semper Fi. I served in 3/6 and 1/6. I know what 0311 and 0369 are, but what's 0321? Have you ever seen an 0313?
Thank you for your service 1SGT
I spent 7 years in the Marine Corps from 1983-1989 as a 2111. I participated in Operation Urgent Fury and then time in beautiful Beruit Lebanon. I retired as an E5.
My son is an E4 and has 10 months left of a 5 year commitment. I am very proud of him.
Semper Fidelis 🇺🇸
Is it hard getting to the marines I’m 15 years old in a sophomore in high school I want to become a marine physically I’m strong but I’m worried about the education part of getting to the marines is it tuff to pass the asvab ?
@@brodysoflyrodriguez maybe watch some marine corp boot camp videos
Semper Fi Marine!
@@brodysoflyrodriguez It is not difficult to get into the Marine Corps or Army. You need to be able to run 1.5 miles in 14 minutes for the Marines today, do a few pull ups and so on, very easy. The difficulty will come physically if you are in poor or fair condition. I suggest that you start entering some extra school activities, especially running track and football, if you do both you will have no problem with boot camp. At the least I suggest you begin running and be able to complete 3 miles in less than 21 minutes. Further I suggest you be able to run at least 6 miles, do 70 push ups and 50 pull ups. Targeting a healthy body is very important. As to school, concentrate on English and higher mathematics such as algebra and geometry, if you can accomplish this you will have no problems with education. If you think you would like a specific skill set while in the marines think about what you like to do as you progress in age, for example if you like to tinker with things you might want to learn about how to be a mechanic, if you like the idea of flying, purchase a ground school package [King Schools & Sporty's Pilot Shop offer great schooling you can perform at home] then save up some money and get at least 20 hours of flight time then try to get into one of the flight schools either fixed wing or rotor wing as a warrant officer, and the list goes on. Think about what you want to do then study that field in addition to the subjects I listed above. Don't worry about anything, rather become determined to do what you want then work to get it, even if you require help along the way.
@@darickhassell9793 I know this isn't relevant but here's a full metal jacket quote for you:
"Do we love our beloved corps ladies?!"
"Semper Fi, do or die! Gung ho! Gung ho! Gung ho!"
"What makes the grass grow?!"
"Blood! Blood! Blood!"
"What do we do for a living, ladies?!"
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
"I can't hear you!"
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
"Bull**** I still can't hear you!"
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
My dad retired as a Master Sargent and served for 25 years, 20 in active duty and 5 in the reserve. He joined in July 1946. He was named after his uncle who served with the Marines in WW1 attached to the Army's 2nd Division. I was very proud of him!
He lived the motto "Once a Marine ... Always a Marine"!
Nice job🎖.
IKR!! That’s what Daddy always said! He was so proud to be a Marine.
Sergeant, E-5 is the most important, we make sure all tasks are done and accountability is enforced. We taught our young lieutenants much of what it means to lead. Without good sergeants, there would be nothing.
Thanks Rich
No one is "most important". Anyone who says they are "most important" needs to get their fucking head checked.
Lieutenants. No apostrophe.
@@alastairgreen2077 oops, I didn’t spell check the spell checker.
@@danielrn133 my head is fucking fine.
I had an uncle on my mother's side who served in WW2, as well as during Korea and Vietnam. He was also in charge of a contingent of Marines aboard a ship leading up to the Seven Day War in the Persian Gulf in 1967, although they never had to deploy due to the de-escalation of that conflict. I remember he was stationed at Da Nang from Sept '68 to Oct '69. He retired as a Full Colonel (O-6) in 1974. He passed on in 1991. Thank you for your service to our country, Uncle Don Keller.
I'll have 2 family members that served in WWII. Always loved hearing their war stories. My grandfather was ranked as a technical sergeant in his time.
Thanks for sharing Mayo
E-4 and E-5 are definitely the backbone’s of the marine corps.
I grew up with my uncle, a USMC gunnery sgt. To me he seemed like the toughest man on the planet and I'm sure others thought the same. Yet he was good humored and I never heard him raise his voice or say an unkind word about or to anyone. That was the example he set of how a MAN conducts himself.
I'm a Marine vet. I spent 4 years as an avionics tech. In civilian life, I often held positions as a hiring manager. Anytime I had a candidate that had been a Marine NCO, top of the interview pile! The Marine Corps cultivates and develops the best leaders in the world!
My dad was a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. I miss him so much🇺🇸😥
Am proud to have been a Sergeant in the Corps. I served from 1964 to 1968. Semper Fi.
Respect! Thank you for your service. I am old enough to remember how Viet Nam vets were treated when they came back. You can hate a conflict and the politics around it, but you should always, ALWAYS respect and admire those who served.
On one of my overseas deployments while in the Navy I was assigned to a Marine Corps air station for about 6 months. I wound up working in an office and interacting pretty much exclusively with Marines. I totally agree with those here who consider the E-4 and E-5 (NCOs) as the backbone of the Marine Corps. Perhaps it's because of the smaller size of the Marines compared with the Navy, but junior enlisted take on more responsibility in the Marines than pretty much any other service.
My younger son. A Corporal.
I thank him for his commitment.
Semper Fi.
I just wanna say THANK YOU to every single one of our amazing veterans out there for ur service and sacrifices you've made no words can really describe my appreciation, gratitude, RESPECT for u all to me the brave men and women of our military will always be my TRUE HEROS God bless u all 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
My father highest rank was Master Gunnery Sergeant (E9) of the United States Marine Corp 🇺🇸...his duties was being a Communications Officer. He fought in Vietnam twice and Commander of Communications in Desert Storm.
I only saw one WO5 he was an old man with 35 to 40 years. Many higher ranked officers saluted him first. And no he did not have the MOH.
Hollywood Marine here, I started as a E-1 and retired after 33yrs as a O-3. Semper Fi .
As a Marine from 1973-79, most of the LCpls, Cpl’s, and Sgt’s were in a leadership position as least one rank higher than their actual rank would hold. Also, Marine rifle squads are based on 13 Marines. Not 8
I believe that mistake was made because US Army squads typically have 9 personnel. Removing the SL makes 8.
I served in those days too and they don't know how hard was to get rank .semper fi
Sorry, a Marine Squad is 3 squads, 9 complete for a platoon, Each Squad has a leader which is usually a Corporal, You have a platoon Sergeant, Usually a Sergeant or a Staff Sergeant, Your platoon commander is a Lieutenant, 3 platoons makes one company, The Gunnery Sergeant leads the company, Then the First Sergeant infos the Company and the Company commander is a Second Lieutenant or a Captain.
I was in the Corp about the same time and I remember squad compliment as being 3 fireteam comprised of 4 Marines and a squad leader. a total of 13 Marines in a squad. then after that you had 3 squads in a platoon, 4 platoons in a company. after that no one really cared unless they had butterbars or higher on their collar.
Roger that Joe Robo; when deployed there’s a forth squad, which may include any combination of weapons, Corpsmen, Combat Engineers, communications, etc. depending on mission.73/93 Semper Fi 🦅🌎⚓️🇺🇸✝️
I became a Cpl in 1964. I became squad leader of 1st squad, 3d platoon of G Co, 2/2. Back then a squad consisted of a squad leader and 3 fire teams of 4 men each, so a total of 13 men. Then, the squad became 14 men, after a grenadier was added. There were 3 squads per platoon. When I was in, gunnery sergeants were addressed as "gunny." 1st sergeants through the rank of master sergeant were usually called "top." WOs could be addressed as "gunner" (not the same as "gunny") or "Mr." 1st and 2d Lts could be addressed as "Mr."
having never served anything except time, im smart enough to not make a stupid comment about something i hold the highest respect for!... but i WILL say to each and every one of you that have served..THANK YOU!!!
nothing but respect n admiration!
Twenty-four years an active duty Marine; now, a Retired Marine; still a Marine. Retired a couple of ranks beyond Captain.
Marine Corps Non-Commissioned officers.....and Captains...are the backbone of the Marine Corps. I leaned heavily on the Corporals and Sergeants and Captains throughout my career to "make it happen". They excelled with "mission orders" and I was constantly in awe of their resourcefulness, ingenuity and attention to detail. Their ideas and solutions often exceeded my expectations.
NCOs and Captains. THEY make the Marine Corps what it is. Semper Fi.
Thank you for your service Major General.
@@juanfigueroa-serville2465 two ranks beyond Captain would be a Lieutenant Colonel.
Yes, I was sent to the Quantico Tailors towards the end of OCC in 1958. There were three shops, choose one, and take out a loan. Complete uniforms cost about $950.00. (Lt. pay was $222.70/month) I wore my Blues at Quantico but wore, and loved, the tropical whites while overseas in the Pacific for many years. Semper Fidelis.
Being a former Jarhead going to boot camp at Parris Island the first voice I heard every day was from gunny Wentworth senior drill instructor I can still hear his voice so I'm going with the gunny. Gunnery sergeant.
What year did you go to boot camp?
@@marineguy4eva 1980
I served from 1975-2007 during Peace time and wartime era, private - GySgt-WO1-CWO4, Commander, Brig Company. Love the Corps, President GW Bush signed my retirement. Its all commitment and duty.
I entered the USMCR in 1963, after high school, went to boot camp at Parris Island, SC. Went home to Long Island, attended college for awhile, than transferred into the active Marine Corps from 1966-70. Went to Vietnam in 1967-68. I was a Sgt E-5 from 1967 until I was discharged in Jan 1970. I think that the backbone of the NCO ranks is an individual thing, as we had both effective and useless staff NCO’s during my tours. In fact, there were some smart Lance Corporals and Corporals that had more on the ball than their superiors. But overall, I found many Gunnery Sergeants I met were proficient. If I had stayed in the Corps, I would have wanted to be in the Warrant Officer ranks instead of going to Lieutenant and through the staff Officer ranks. But I wanted to go back to civilian life anyway. It was a good experience overall. The Marines taught me a lot. Semper Fi
The Class of 1968 was the only class at the US Naval Academy to fall short of their commissioned Marine Corps officer quota. In Bancroft Hall is a plaque with the names of all fallen Midshipmen in battle. There were so many former recent classmates of the class of '68 memorialized on that wall from the war in Vietnam, that many mothers and girlfriends pleaded and cried for them to not select a Marine Corps commission.
Thank you so much, all our service men and women....I never had what it took but I always admired those who did. God bless you all, you are true heroes.
I served in the Corps for 5 years, worst mistake of my life was getting out. Both my son's were born at Camp Lejune, NC. I think the Sgt , Ssgt and Funny are the back bone of the corps, I got out as a Cpl. You could also say that they are part of the back bone depending on what their MOS is. Semper Fi from an old Marine
Some of my most memorable moments in life were in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era. Receiving PFC upon graduating at Parris Island and finally Sergeant were great memories. I miss a lot of those "brothers," as many of them contracted Parkinson's disease, and cancers among other ailments from the water contamination at New River Air Station. SEMPER Fi!
NCO's are the backbone in my opinion. For example, during the Vietnam Conflict, 1st Lts relied on their sergeants. Heavily.
My ScoutMaster just recently retired from the Marines as a 1st Sergeant. He was an MP in the majority of his time, and was in the reserves for the final leg of his time. I respect the hell out of you Vince.
Edit: I know he was in the reserves when he finished, but I am not too sure about the MP, and there might have been a third MOS
MSgt=E8 (field) 1Sgt=E8 (admin)
MP = Military Police
I was in the Scouting program prior to the USMC (grad Nov 1983). I knew the compass better than the instructors. The 1 wk FTW was a joke to me. I got thrown into a meat wagon thinking I quit sweating; I never started. I was used to 1500 elevation and 100 heat. Boot camp was sea level and maybe 70* at night.
@@MNpolarbear 1stSgt is not an administrative position. It is a leadership position, senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer. There is an admin Chief responsible for administration. The 1stSgt does assist the CO with NJP, ProCon marks, officers with fitness reports, and other leadership duties.
I EAS'ed as a Terminal Lance. I learned that our NCO'S and SNCO's were the backbone of the Corps, but we, the Non-Rates, were the hands. Our SSNCO's were the dick and the balls. God bless you, Seargent Bryant, Staff Seargent Tucker, Gunnery Seargent Allison, First Seargent Delaughter, and Seargent Major Bradley.
I did 6 years in the late 80s and early 90s. I reached the rank of Sergeant in just under 4 years. I would have to say Corporals are the backbone of the Corps. Once I reached E-5 the increased administrative duties required I spend less time with junior Marines. Junior Marines led by Corporals is where it's at. Sempr Fi
I was in the Corps from '72 - '76. I never one time ever laid eyes on a Marine Corps Gunner. I heard about them, but never saw one.
I was raised by a retired Master Guns who lived and bleed for the corps , if it didn't have something to do with the Corps it had something to do with Ireland, music was either Irish folk or recording of cadence. His trucks break lights had his rank so when he pressed the break it lit up red. Lic plate was MstGnySgt or close to. The man fought in WW2 , Korea and one tour in Nam 65' . I used to think he was a superhero when he had his dress uniform on so naturally I joined in 03/07. Craziest thing is he isn't the longest one to serve in my fam. I can trace my history to the civil war , I have a uncles uniform from WW1 who was kia with the " lost battalion " 77th infantry NY, pvt Thomas James Lyons. Anyways enough bragging.
E4 up to E7.
Brag anytime, that was amazing! Anymore stories? You should definitely share them. I’m following you so I don’t miss one!
E-8 cross rifles: field. Diamond: Office.
E-9 Bursting bomb: field. Star: office
Warrant officer is picked by Congress.
Every level of warrant officer is as the same rank of every 2 ranks of Commissioned officer.
What do you mean by warrant officers are the same as every two officer ranks? Arent all warrant officers outranked by a second lieutenant/ensign?
@@BrigadierVo Technically, a commissioned officer of any grade is senior to any warrant officer. In reality, warrant officers are generally very experienced in their field and a boot lieutenant is playing with fire if he/she tries to play Know-it-all with a WO. Same if they try to play games with a first sergeant or sergeant major.
@@christophertipton2318 Or Master Sergeant and Master Gunnery Sergeant.
@@BrigadierVo "do not confuse your rank with my experience"
The officer always outranks the enlisted, but try to pull rank on an SNCO as a boot officer and it won't go very well, If you're in the wrong the CO will let them teach you a lesson
WO Is not picked by congress. WO-1 promotion is approved usually by Sgt Maj of Marine Corps . To seek a WO, the candidate has to have 12 years of service and minimum of Staff Sergeant. The exception is the Marine Gunner, who has to have achieved a rank of Gunnery Sergeant with 16 years of service and is commissioned directly to the Rank of Marine Gunner, which is equivalent to WO-2. I believe this promotion is done by CMC.
My father and his brother's came home from the pearl harbor war with 4 stars and more than 1 purple heart and my 2 brother was in the war in 1972 and 1973 and I am very grateful and proud of my family and the man I have a man that is in the military as a marine for over 20 years now thank you God.
I always thought it was really, really stupid that an infantry Marine of 15+ years would be immediately outranked by a college art major, who is the newest butterbar in the fleet.
On paper yes, but any second LT will keep his or her mouth shut and learn. SNCO’s train Officer candidates in the basic school before they’re commissioned.
As a Marine, there's nothing complicated about Marine Corps rank. The only bit that might be a little tricky is the spotting the difference between Master Seargent and First Seargent, and Master Gunnery Seargent and Seargent Major. You better be able to spot it, though. Air Force Enlisted rank is a bit funny. Try wading through Navy and Coast Guard rates.
@Keenan Alessi Damn autocorrect. I'm dyslexic and swap letters without noticing. Thank you for noticing. I went to Paris Island Aug 16th, 1994, graduated Nov 4th, 1994, 2nd Bn, F Co, Plt 2021, 1st Squad, SDI Ssgt Ferril Chatman, arrived at Camp Geiger, SOI, Nov 15th, 1994, went to ITB, B Co, 2nd Plt, 1st Squad, graduated 0311, Feb 10th, 1995. I was supposed to go to 2/2, but my orders were changed at the JRC, on main-side Camp Lejeune, and I was sent to 3/6, wound up in L Co, 1st Plt, 3rd Squad. Did a CAX, UDP to Oki, month in S. Korea, month in Panama, had major surgery on my right knee, had become an alcoholic and wound up getting sober on the morning of March 3rd, 1997, went to rehab right on Lejeune, did my last 18 months in the Corps sober, still sober. Spent my last year with 1/6 B Co. My awards were National Defense Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and my French Fourragere for serving with the 6th Reg. Thank you. How's that? I hope you have a nice day, sir.
Never found that hard. It's quite easy to see the difference, unless you have absolutely no idea what you're looking at. But for those of us that are a little bit studied: it's no problem!
@Keenan Alessi so someone that spells something wrong can't be a Marine? That's some flawed logic there!
@@drydogg Don't sweat the small stuff Marine, you don't have to convince anyone (I serve from 74 to 76)because you know, the people that Love you know, and I know ,oo-rah
Couldn’t have said it better. Semper Fi!
I entered the Marines a poor bewildered young man, I left the Marines with a motivation that I still carry today @ 64. Oorah.
One of My Older Brother was in the Marines and He Retired after 26 Years as an E9(Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps)Idc what Branch anyone serves in..,I just Salute and Got a lot of LOVE for People who Serve their Country!!!!!
Did you meant that he is "a" SgtMaj in the Marine Corps? SgtMaj is an E-9. The actual Sargent Major "of" the Marine Corps (SMMC) is the highest enlisted Marine in the Corps, and there's only one SMMC at any one time.
I served as a Sergeant major
Warrant Officer is probably the most important on getting there because you are a critical importance to the Corp because of there experience !
Thanks Tim
Yes, Warrant Officer the conduit between the officers and men
Worked as a Division Manager for a CEO who was a 3rd Marine WW2 Grunt. Went in @
Bougainville was a PFC, when relived @ Iwo Jima was the Company Gunny @ 20 yrs old, all Field Promotions. One hell of a great Leader and Proud Marine!
Recruits and Drill instructors are the backbone of every fighting force
Nice one Matt
They're mostly Sgt's and 1st sgt's, which are NCO's
I think a Gunnery Sgt. is the backbone of the Marines......you can't get any Marines if they aren't trained great by a tough Drill Instructor!!!!
Recruits are just civilians until after boot camp, That's when they earned the name Marine but there is still a lot more to do after that.
I never served but I've known a lot of Marines. Everyone said that Sergeant (E-5) is the backbone of the Corps. It also makes sense as that rank is the most concerned with directly leading the Marines that do the fighting.
Every rank is important though. You need the generals to plan the battle, but the enlisted men and women carry it out.
How about spelling Sergeant correctly, since it’s literally spelled out at @2:11. I understand you never served, but you are somewhat correct… NCOs are the backbone of the Corps. Also Marines is spelled with a capital M
@@a9653192
You certainly have your priorities correct. Spelling is by far the most important thing.
@@EtzEchad Spelling for Marines! Damn right
In infantry, no matter your rank- you normally handle responsibilities above your pay grade. I will say, as an E5, Sergeant- you are doing Staff NCO jobs without the pay but all the pressure. Having served in infantry, all NCO's make shit happen.
Thanks Buck
My father retired after 21 years of service as a Sergent Major in the Corps. He was in Intelligence and did 3 tours in Vietnam, his CO in Nam went on to become Comandante of the Marine Corps, and his Gunny in his final tour eventually became Sergent Major of the Marine Corps (she was a cool lady) He is an amazing Marine and will always be the man I look up to. SEMPER FI Marines! and God bless you all!
Marines have the least # of personell in all the services. And least budget for uniforms, hence, unchanged uniforms...maintained sharpness...crispness. and firm hold onto Traditions.
Thanks Reagan
The space force actually has the least now.. by far
My reasoning to this is because of the generals changes in the Corps..Marines are leaving in droves, hence the request for civilian officers. Make them warrants, not coms.
Many of the services are going to space force, because of higher pay, the USMC tank corps is gone, MANY of the USMC'S MOS' are GONE, so, y not?
Yeah the corps #'s are down further.
The uniforms are not unchanged, the dress greens used to be made of wool with brown leather not black. We used to have gerberdin summer uniforms now only the shirt is left when you wear the dress greens or Blues with out jacket. Our dungeries used to be with hidden buttons for both shirt and pants and a much nicer green then the Army crap they went to to save a few bucks. Our boots were with brass eyelids and no shine just saddle soap them.
The Corps is going to shit, glad I was in back in the early 6O''s, and not now.
Tradition?? I've got stuff in my fridge older than your marine impersonators
You failed to mention that there is only 1 person at any one time holds the rank of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. That is, the rank is only given to one person out of the entire military branch. This is also the case in the other branches such as Sergeant Major of the Army, Air Force, and the Navy equivalent, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
E-4, E-5 and Captain. In that order. It's what makes the Corps move.
Gunnery Sergeant is my answer after spending 5 years as a civilian contractor with the Corp. Made every FOB in the Anbar province, plus the few big bases they had. I received a few awards from the Marines, which I cherish, as they don't give you anything you ain't earned. I'm X Air Force - Aircraft weapons loader 65 to 69, but I do Love My Marines. They helped me Restore the Roar in my service to this country, which wasn't appreciated when I came home.
Been in for 18 years and being a gunny was the best rank to date because when you get pinned on you are issued the "gunny wand" that somehow gets almost anything done. NCO's are definitely the workhorses of the ranks while lieutenants have a "good idea" that usually gets someone NJP'd.
Thank you sir, for your service. God bless you.
GySgt and Lcpl. The Gunnies are the long schooled professionals knowing just about all the knowledge a warrior can know while young enough to stay in the field. Lcpl, a Marine trained, experienced and at a point of deciding if he going career or leaving the corps.
I'm surprised there are so many comments saying which rank is best. As a daughter of a military family, I was always under the impression that Marines all worked together and the part of excellence was that it was a joint effort, no one sought single recognition.
Thank you all who have served and protected me each day & night!
They asked the question and people are answering. Stop being such a goodie-goodie.
I met a few Marines in Australia really funny guys love the core
Never served in the military do to medical reasons but I have a lot of friends and family that have. They've all said the same thing. Without 1st sargent nothing would get done. I don't know how true that really is but it kind of makes sense to me.
I was in the Marine Corp from 1969 to 1973, took me a year and half to make Cpl, spent 2 years as a Cpl before making Sgt. I enjoyed being a Cpl. the most, but yes, I think Sgt. is the best enlisted rank, you are in a leadership role and trainer of Marines at the same time and SNCO's will listen to your opinion, at least in my case
I think they all special no matter what they’re doing thank you for the information🙏♥️🙏
I found that 3 ranks were the backbone of the Corps. E3 , E4 , And E5 . Lance Corporals were great at performing duties as E4, and E5 ranks.
My dad was a seabee in ww2, he was in the 121st battalion but was attached to the marines and were the 20th marines. He was a 2d class petty officer and he said it was a staff sergeant., he said it was a high rank and he was in charge of a lot of men, not sure the details but he said he was temporary chief , seems if you take the responsibility you are temporarily chief but you need time in service.
So he was a marine with navy ranks ..
A one off carpenters mate marine.
However he always said seabee..
They had marine training, marine officers, marine uniforms and went on beaches with marines...
Because they were attached directly to the 4th they recieved the presidential unit citation of which he was most proud of.
A navy PO2 is an E-5 same as a Sgt. Staff Sgt is an E-6
In WWII a Navy PO3 was equivalent to a Marine Sgt and a PO2 was equivalent to Staff Sgt.
Marine, never lower case 'm' always 'M', Semper Fi, Marines, SeaBees, Corpsmen.
As a Marine, I served for 4 years in concert with the Navy aboard Aircraft carriers, subs and tincan (oldWW2) destroyers.
I obtained the rank of Sgt. for approximately 2weeks before being busted (I broke a drunk, of duty, Army Captains jaw in a bar fight. Fuck him, he deserved it)back to Lance Corporal. I was eventually made Corporal again and left service soon afterward. Best time of my young life. Thanks for the video post and best of luck 🍀👍🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸
Not to worry someday someone is gonna break yours or your maybe son's and they'll be saying da same thing but regardless of him being a capt. Where he was from What does that have to do with anything.. ( i can tell he hit u on da head cus u ain't to bright )
Damm u was a Major Payne
@@user-nh6vu3qr7b HUUURAAH
@@williamjones7851 I doubt that. I don’t have issues, I have volumes. I wrote books on how to punk people like you.
@@bairong9 What's your point?
My grandfather was a survivor of the Chosin Resavior in Operation Tootsie Roll... As well as 2 tours in Vietnam.... Retired as a Gunnery Sergeant 💪... Most gentle man there was 🙏.... Yet my favorite memory of him was at 16 years old I made the mistake of sneaking up on him while he was vacuuming... Poked him in is side .. ONLY to be met with a fist to my nose 😂😭😂... All he said was "GD boy don't you EVER MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN"😂😂😂 Sir yes sir! 😂
Great story Keegan! Thanks for sharing that memory
Any Marine who fought at Chosin deserves the highest respect! God bless him... LOL I had a similar incident with my dad. I learned when I was 4, if daddy is asleep on the couch, don't sneak up to him and try to scare him. Before I could finish the word "BOO!" I was suddenly dangling off the ground with a hand wrapped around my neck, screaming, and a fist pulled back ready to pummel my face, suddenly my dad realized it was me and started crying, and told me never to do that again.I never did. It wasn't till about 20 years later that he finally could talk about what he did in his 3 tours in Nam and I totally understand his reaction. He was a lifer and retired as a Sergent Major, I grew up in the Corps. and it was the absolute best.
I’m going join the Marines when I’m old enough because My great grandfather was a Marine General and I want to make him proud, Wish me luck.
Good luck Devil Pup.
Effort, Dedication, Perseverance, Determination, start now
Is that a good enough reason in itself?
You missed one: Marine Gunner. This is actually the formal rank name and like a Captain is called a Captain a Marine Gunner is formally addressed as Marine Gunner and casually addressed as "Gunner." While technically a WO-2 or higher, the Marine Gunner wears a distinctive Bursting Bomb insignia in place of one of the WO insignias. To become a Marine Gunner one needs to have 16 years of service and have achieved the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. The Marine Corp has gone through periods where they do not appoint the rank, and over the hundred years or so that the rank has existed, it has been billeted on and off, but the crop has probably only made a 300 or so Marine Gunners in its entire history.
(A note. In my day, it was typical for the troops to call any WO by the casual name "Gunner" and while most WO-s would not correct this mistake, it is not technically correct. The correct address is "Warrant Officer **********.)
A Marine W/O is something very good to be
As an FMF Doc, I can remember seeing a Marine Gunner insignia twice in my career. Both Marines commanded respect and some awe.
@@markmeade8502 Indeed. Unlike the standard WO which is commissioned Staff Sergeant to W01, the Gunner is commissioned from a Gunnery Sergeant directly to W02. They also have to have 16 years in service vs about 12 for the Staff Sergeant going two WO1. Also, the Marine Corp does not keep the rank billet open on a constant basis. Typically the MOS is closed except in times of war, where the Corp will mint a few to help ensure troops a field weapons' expert. They are typically used to evaluate conditions in real time and guild senior officers an commanders. If you get a Gunner in your line of sight and he says something has to be done differently, everyone listens to him. That is what he is there to do. After they are needed, they are often commissioned into the regular officer ranks. That is why they are pretty rare. The billet often closed and most at some point near their retirement go for a full commission. Some people don't consider the Marine Gunner to be a separate rank to W02, but most of the Corp personnel think of them that way.
@@shenmisheshou7002 on paper its equivalent to a WO2. In the field, even a full bird Colonel will heed a Gunner's advice.
After 54 years, I now know why my Captain in Vietnam call a WO that we had "gunner", thanks for the info
E-4 and E-5 are the backbone of the Corps. Gunny E-7 keep the backbone straight and Captains O-3 make sure the mission gets done. Field Officers and Generals decide the mission, the other NCOs and others Commissioned Officers are the support to make one unstoppable Team!
You Get dude, I was in so was my dad , Hoorah USMC
I served as a Sergeant E-5. I like Master Gunnery Sergeant. They typically know their stuff, however the E-5 may be the backbone.
Lance Corporal: They make up the most of the corps, and still they get dealt the shittiest end of the stick. Been there done that, Lance Corporal is our backbone.
Cpls n Sgts are the back bone on the Corps 🦅🌎⚓️🇺🇸
Nice one Jimmy
Applies to every army.
My father served from 68-77 and he is currently living in NC with my sister, SSgt Sidney Baggett
CZcams allows you to select speed to 1.75 speed.. You will thank me later..
Thank you all for your service! My boyfriend is a Marine veteran was 0311 & 6541
Sergeant is the backbone on the corps
Nice Jackson
I was with 2/5 as a 0331 and got out in 1988 after serving 4 years. I got promoted to Corporal in Okinawa one month before I got out of the Corps.
I served 31 years. O311, 0317. Master Gunnry Sgt. E-9
Thanks for sharing Peter
I respect that
Badass as fuck. Master guns in infantry? Those fuckers are scary as hell
Peter
My dad was a Marine 36-66.
US Embassy Gaurd Peking 36, on a Navel vessel when the Graf Spee came into Montevideo Harbor, 5th Marines Guadalcanal, Tulagi, New Britain, Korea. Run a Rifle range at Camp Pendleton. When he found too many Marines were failing to gualify he studied his men and realized they were being taken out of training to do other work. He instituted the "miss more than 4 hours of training, repeat the entire course" soon the men were qualifying w higher scores. My son in law said that mandate still persists at CP. He received 2 letters of rcommendation for this. Which is a funny story in itself.
Sergeant of the Gaurd at NAD Fallbrook. Once he caught me playing tic tack toe w a very young Marine at the gaurd shack instead of being on my way to the elementary school in Fallbrook. I often wonder what happened to that young man.
He retired from active duty Jan 1 58. Wrote a letter to the Commandant requesting he be returned to active duty during the Cuban missile crisis.
Took his GI bill and MC GED to Corvallis, go his BS in Wildlife Management and worked for the Forest Service for 15 years.
Thank you for your service!
In the british army it can take around 4 years for someone to be promoted to a lance-corporal.
I think it depends on your trade upon qualification I knew several people that trained as red caps (Army military police) and they got promoted to Lance corporal upon their conclusion of trade training I also have friends that are British army EOD guys and one of them went from private to acting Sargent with the EOD teams in around 4 years during the time of Afghanistan and Iraq wars he remained an acting Sargent for another 4 years before leaving the army to become a teacher then had a change of heart and joined the police as special constable got an award for bravery and then became a traffic cop in the metropolitan police
British army really
I think it would have been a good idea to put all the ranks in ascending order at the end to visualize it overall. Just my 2cents. Awesome video though !
Missed Gunner and Commandant. Otherwise not too bad.
Gunner is an MOS (0306) and not a rank.
Gunners are CWO2 - CWO5.
Commandant 4 star General billet
Pop was a Mustang… started enlisted up through the warrant rank… then up to officer rank was a F4 Pilot during Viet Nam till retiring a Major… he was a Marines’ Marine…. After retired staid with civilian contractors for training. What a life.. crisscross from Cherry Point to El Toro back to Cherry Point then down to NAS Glynco… then on to Yuma… I went on and joined Army… lol he wasn’t to happy with that. Then he was off to Beaufort ending his time in NAS Oceana
I served in the USMC. I never heard of a WO 5 or a SEAC. It's also very common for an E-5 (Sgt) to serve as a Drill Instructor or Recruiter. Those positions are not solely limited to SSgt or GySgt ranks. Your SSgt is usually the SDI of a training platoon of recruits while the GySgt is normally the CDI in charge of the entire series of recruits in the battalion.
My 11-year-old son is really into this and he believes the Brigadier General is the back bone to the Marine Corps! This was very interesting and I actually learned a lot of information and thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.
Is it true that a Gunnery Sergeant often called "Gunny" ?
Yes
Yes lot of time. And Master Gunnery Sergeant called Master Guns.
Pineapple man
It depends on the individual GYSGT. When I was with 1/8 my GYSGT. Was called gunny by squared away Marines, but if a shitbird called him gunny he went off on them, usually with, Am I sleeping with you? Who the fuck told you to call me by my first name? Being allowed to call them gunny is a sign of mutual respect.
Gomer Pyle Private First Class. Jim Nabors, perhaps best known as his loveable, often-bumbling character Gomer Pyle from the hit CBS television show “Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.,” was promoted to Honorary Corporal in a sunset ceremony held at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki Sept. 25.
Nabors was made an Honorary Marine and promoted to Honorary Lance Corporal Aug. 9, 2001 by then-Commandant Gen. James Jones, after nearly 38 years as a private first class.
GySgt, best rank in the Corps!
my brother was a master gunnery sergeant in Iraq. Michael Gonzalez dude wants to go back to the marines in any way. love him for that.
Anyway whatever your rank " God bless our troops" 🙏
Well said Mary
Just a minor point, but ALL Staff NCO ranks are "leadership" assignments, not just the 1st Sergeant-Sgt Major career path. As a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant (air winger), you don't serve in a MSGT/MGySgt billet without leadership skills and utilization thereof. In fact we often fill in for Sergeants Major sometimes.
What is going to happen to our Corps when they start bringing in those without going to boot camp and awarding them staff ranks? Guess we are not all grunts to start with any more..What a shame
I think it might be for those who went to Military school or to a Military Youth Program that can join up without going through basic training. Both Military School and Military Youth Programs do the same thing as normal Military basic training. For an example. I was in the Young Marines as a kid and did the same training the Marines do and we also took the ASVAB test as well in the beginning when you first join the Young Marines and once you become a Sgt you get shipped to a Fort and start training on how to become a Leader and do the basic training even more. Marine Military Academy is just like Military School. Marine JROTC is another group that does the same as Marine Military Academy and Military School. Devil Pup mainly teaches you how to become a better person and does basic training as well. All these youth programs teaches you the same thing and does the same thing but each program is different. Young Marines start out with 6 year olds all the way to graduation that takes both Males and Female recruits. Marine Military Academy is all boys only and takes 7 year olds all the way to graduation as well. Marines JROTC takes both males and female recruits just like the Young Marines and starts out as 6 or 8 or 8 years old all the way to graduation. Devil Pup is an all male recruit program that takes in teens only to teach them how to be proper teens until graduation. And for the Military School I am not sure what age they are allowed to recruit. Not many people know about these Programs at all. The only reason why I have heard of these is because I did some deep digging to see what other programs that are out there that is simuler to Military but for kids and teens.
There is no substitute for Marine Boot Camp. It's an experience we all can relate to. It also weeds out all non hackers. Boot shows you have what it takes to be a Marine. It show you deserve to wear the uniform.
First time I've heard of this. Some commie must have come up with the idea.
The gign seen and showed the commitment.to say what does give the tank in one .for the time being.
All respect goes out to those who served in Vietnam. A bloody war we should have never gotten into. The politicians at the time should have been given a rifle and dropped into the DMZ to face malaria , VC and agent orange . All love to our soldiers who have fought for this country especially those who were drafted. Shame on those who called these men baby killers and spit on them. Those folks had no honor or morals. Shalom my brothers.
Those that disrespected our military during the Vietnam War were cowards and worthless pieces of sht. With Hanoi Jane Fonda leading the pack, what worthless Cnt.
שלום אחי
I’m 35 and regret not joining the Marines.. man, i wish i could go back..
You normally see SSgt at 6-8 years, not 10
WWII, my grandfather was a sergeant. started in 1942, he joined the marines, went to join 1st marine division, 1st Marine Regiment. after being promoted from Private to Corporal. Around 1947 he then was promoted to Sergeant. 1948 that when my grandfater was born. he wasn't in the military. around 1981 that's when my father was born. he joined the military in 1999. He was Lance Corporal in 2001 when he was deployed to Afghanistan. then my brother my was born in 2003, joined the marines in 2020. my dad retired when he was a sergeant due to critical hit back in 2012.
I believe;....L/CPL, CPL, & SGT is the BACKBONE of the U.S. Marine Corps....They get the most done.....Period !!!!
I served. I believe E-5 and below are the backbone of the Corps! I never understood Warrant Officer ranks they were a waste in my opinion!
There's more ranks in the Navy and Air Force & Sister force, Space Force.those are more confusing.
NCO's are the back bone of the Corps. My father in law was in the 4th Marine Division during WWII. His son in Vietnam got out as Gunny after 12 years.
Thank you Premier history
No problems at all Derek
@@PremierHistory I might have a good video. Maybe military police origin would be a good video
0311 PFC's and LCpl's. They did most of the fighting and dying in Nam!
G/2/5 An Hoa/Arizona Territory 68-69 PFC!