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Education Program
8013A
MILITARY STUDIES (8013A)
Course Introduction
Scope An outstanding Marine NCO must have the ability to train and advise
Marines on many different subjects. You must be technically and tactically
proficient in these subjects to accomplish this task.
This course discusses a variety of subjects that will enhance your ability to
assist junior Marines in their quest to be better Marine leaders. Though the
subjects are considerably larger than this course can handle, this is merely a
starting point in responding to inquiries from your junior Marines who are
striving to become Marine leaders.
References The following references were used in the writing of this course:
Estimated You will spend about 12 hours and 30 minutes completing this course. This
Study Time includes the time to study the text, complete the exercises, and take the final
exam.
Reserve You will earn four retirement credits after you complete this course. You can
Retirement earn reserve retirement credits at the rate of one credit for each 3 hours of
Credits estimated study time.
Note: If you are awarded credits for drill attendance during drill periods,
reserve retirement credits are not awarded for MCI study time.
Unit Scope This unit addresses the use of information required in the professional
development of a senior NCO. This unit of study will enhance knowledge,
benefit training, and help maintain discipline within a unit. The premise of
this unit is every Marine should have a basic understanding of the Uniform
Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and non-judicial punishment (NJP).
Estimated 20 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson will provide background information critical to understanding
non-judicial punishment (NJP) and will identify the two basic elements of
Article 31 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Multiple The system of military justice gets its authority from many sources. Just as a
Sources Marine must follow his or her chain of command, you must also research
information from all the military justice sources.
References of The table below lists various sources of information for military justice:
Information
Source Information
Constitution of the · Basic source that authorizes a separate system
United States of America of criminal law in the military
References of
Information,
continued
Source Information
Manual for Courts-Martial · A regulatory supplement that explains
(MCM) UCMJ provisions
Source The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States grants the
Authority privilege against self-incrimination.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete the exercise items 1 through 3 by performing the action required.
Check your answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 Congress enacted which of the NJP references listed below in 1950?
Item 2 Which of the following is a major reference source that explains NJP?
a. Third
b. Fourth
c. Fifth
d. Sixth
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 25 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson explains Article 31 of the UCMJ in detail. This article ensures
that protection from self-incrimination is provided to military members
suspected of committing a crime.
Protection The contents of Article 31, UCMJ by paragraph are quoted in the table below:
From
Incriminating
Yourself
Protection
From
Incriminating
Yourself,
continued
· Warning
· Waiver
· Any statement you make can be used as evidence against you in a trial by
court-martial.
· You have the right to consult with a lawyer, to have a lawyer with you
during all questioning, and to seek the lawyer's advice before you answer
any questions.
· If you desire, you may obtain a civilian lawyer at your own expense.
· If you decide to answer questions now without a lawyer present, you will
have the right to stop answering at any time. You also have the right to
stop answering questions at any time in order to obtain a lawyer.
Waiver After the warning has been given, make sure the suspect or accused
understands his or her rights by asking the three questions listed below:
Once the suspect understands their rights, then he or she can freely,
knowingly, and intelligently waive them if so desired.
Who Warns Article 31(b), UCMJ imposes the duty to warn on only those persons subject
Suspects to this code. However, by necessary implication, the duty is also imposed on
any person acting as an agent of the military authorities for the purpose of
furthering a military investigation.
When to Warn Give the accused suspect Article 31 rights before any interrogation begins or
Suspects whenever an act constitutes a statement of admission.
Verbatim A verbatim (word for word) reading of Article 31 rights is the method to use
Reading to advise the suspect of his or her rights. The two elements (warning and
waiver) of Article 31 should be stated exactly as published in Article 31
without error to the suspect or accused.
· Read the Article 31 Warning Card verbatim without error to the suspect.
· Requests a lawyer
Procedural · Document the suspect’s Article 31 advisement on the Suspects Rights and
Recommend- Acknowledgement/Statement Form.
ations,
continued
· Instruct the suspect to read and sign the Suspects Rights and
Acknowledgement/Statement Form.
Of course, no one can know what the accused did or did not understand. If
the defense contends the accused did not understand his or her rights, that
burden of proof rests with the defense and not the trial counsel.
Written Advice If a written advice and waiver of the suspect's rights is available, it may be
and Waiver introduced to show what the accused saw, possibly read, and signed. This
evidence does no more than show the circumstances from which the court
could conclude the pretrial statement of the accused was in compliance with
Article 31 and was voluntary.
Visual Visual inspection of the person of an accused or suspect does not violate any
Inspection right provided by the Constitution or by any provision of the UCMJ. An
accused or suspect can be compelled to submit to
· Fingerprinting
· Be photographed
· Write or speak for identification
· Assume a stance
· Make a particular gesture
Problem The problem is deciding when a situation requires the Article 31 rights to be
read, understood, and waived, and when it is not required.
Examples The impact of Article 31 rights on admissibility in court for specific situations
is cited in the table below:
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete the exercise items 1 through 9 by performing the action required.
Check your answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 Which paragraph under Article 31 states: No statement obtained from any
person in violation of this article or obtained through the use of coercion,
unlawful influence, or unlawful inducement, may be received in evidence
against him in a trial by court-martial?
a. Paragraph a
b. Paragraph b
c. Paragraph c
d. Paragraph d
(2) _________________________________________________________
Item 3 How many questions are in the waiver element of Article 31?
a. Three
b. Four
c. Five
d. Six
Item 4 When must Article 31 warning and waiver be administered to the accused
suspect?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Item 5 Who is responsible for advising an accused suspect of the Article 31 rights?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Item 6 How must the Article 31 rights be read to the accused suspect?
a. Verbatim
b. Slowly
c. Whether or not the individual understands, he or she is guilty.
d. Suspects are not required to have their rights read.
Item 9 Which of the following situations requires Article 31 warning and waiver to
be administered?
a. Visual inspection
b. Asking simple questions
c. Examining the hands of a suspect for residue from an item handled during
a crime
d. Requiring a suspect to write or speak for identification, to assume a
stance, or to make a particular gesture
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson provides the information you will need to charge someone of an
UCMJ violation. As a Marine sergeant, you will be required to document an
offense of the UCMJ. Once you have identified the violation, you will be
able to submit a charge sheet for processing.
Reference The offenses are listed in the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) as punitive
articles 77 through 134.
The MCM contains the UCMJ (Appendix 2) and explanatory material needed
to implement the code. Of particular importance is Part IV, which contains a
discussion of military offenses and a listing of their elements.
Components The six components of a punitive article are discussed in the MCM in the
following sequence:
Example Article 86, unauthorized absence consists of five offenses that in turn are
composed of separate elements. The offenses are
Determining From any given set of facts, which crime has been committed, you will
Article Violated determine the nature of the offense the accused has allegedly committed. It is
critical that you avoid erroneous determination. Follow the four steps listed
in the table below:
Step Action
1 Get all the facts about the incident:
· An informal investigation
· A formal investigation
· A report from an investigative agency
· Criminal Investigation Division (CID)
· Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS)
· Local civilian law enforcement agencies
· Witnessing the events yourself
If one or more elements are absent, the Marine did not commit
that offense.
Reference An individual may be charged with more than one offense, but each offense
must have its own specification. Part IV, MCM references the language for
almost every charge and specification.
The Rules for Court-Martial (R.C.M.) 307(c) of the MCM discusses in detail
how to prepare the charge and specification once the offense has been
identified.
· Covers every case not provided for elsewhere in which any member of the
Armed Forces is, through the member's own fault, not at the place where
the member is required to be at a prescribed time. It is not necessary that
the person be absent entirely from military jurisdiction and control.
For purposes of this course, only the first offense will be discussed in detail.
In actual practice, you would have to read through all five offenses of Article
86 to determine which offenses were violated.
Element Discussion
(a) That a certain The ultimate offense. An oral or written order is
authority appointed sufficient to appoint a time and place of duty.
a certain time and
place of duty for · Violations of written orders that appoint a time and
the accused. place of duty can be charged; however, the accused
will only be punished for his unauthorized absence
(for which a lesser punishment is permitted). The
ultimate offense is not the violation of the order,
but the absence that violated the order.
· Generally, violation of an oral order that appoints a
time and place of duty can only be prosecuted as
UA.
(b) That the Knowledge of the order. The accused knew or should
accused knew of have known of that time and place of duty. This
that time and element may be proven by either
place…
· Direct Evidence
· A witness testifies that at 1410 he heard the
accused say, “Oh, oh – I’m in trouble now. The
Gunny told me to report to the CO at 1400.”
· Evidence that tends to prove or disprove a fact
in issue. In this example, the fact in issue is
knowledge of the order.
· Circumstantial Evidence
· Evidence such as the Plan of the Day (POD)
was properly posted and included an
announcement stating the time and place of
duty.
Offense,
continued
Element Discussion
(c) That the · Completion of the Offense. The accused failed to
accused, without go to his or her appointed place of duty. The
authority, failed to offense is complete at the moment the accused fails
go to the appointed to appear at the appointed place of duty at the
place of duty at the prescribed time. The fact that the accused later
time prescribed. went to his or her appointed place of duty is not a
defense. That the accused finally made an
appearance may lessen the severity of the sentence
that may be awarded. However, the Marine is still
in violation of this article by failing to appear at the
prescribed time.
Who Can Before an NJP may be imposed, the offense must be identified and a charge
Charge the and specification(s) determined. Once that is done, anyone may initially
Offense? prepare a charge sheet. This sheet is to be forwarded to a unit’s local legal
support section or law center.
DD Form 458 When the offense has been identified, a Charge Sheet, DD Form 458 is
prepared. This form must be prepared before any punitive action can be
taken.
· Charge: a one-sentence statement that lists the number and title of the
alleged offense.
A single charge sheet can have multiple charges and specifications on it. The
charge and the specification's purpose is to inform the accused of the offenses
alleged against him or her so that he or she will have an opportunity to plan a
defense against those charges.
The Front The front view of the Charge Sheet, DD Form 458 is identified in the diagram
View of below:
DD Form 458
The Back The back view of Charge Sheet, DD Form 458 is identified in the diagram
View of below:
DD Form 458
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete the exercise items 1 through 7 by performing the action required.
Check your answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 What are the numbered punitive articles found in the Manual for
Courts-Martial (MCM)?
a. 17 through 34
b. 31 through 76
c. 77 through 134
d. 177 through 234
(1) _________________________________________________________
(2) _________________________________________________________
(3) _________________________________________________________
(4) _________________________________________________________
(5) _________________________________________________________
(6) _________________________________________________________
Item 3 Who can prepare a charge sheet and forward it to the unit’s local legal support
section or law center?
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Unit Scope Ancient wars were characterized by total and unrestrained violence. Defeated
forces and civilians were subjected to wholesale extermination, torture, and
slavery. During the Middle Ages, war was studied from both a philosophical
and technical perspective, military and political leaders recognized that
unlimited war was counterproductive to their objectives. Today, the Laws of
War regulates combat.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope Following World War II, the Nuremburg Tribunal, which tried the major
German war criminals, declared:
International Law is not the product of an international legislature. The law of warfare is to
be found not only in treaties, but in the customs and practices of states which gradually
obtain universal recognition from the general principles of justice.
This lesson will discuss the purpose for the laws of war. The key to
understanding the laws of war is to know the overall objective of war as
viewed by the United States. This lesson will show how the laws of war
benefit the overall accomplishment of the military mission assigned to
achieve that objective.
· Identify the nine Marine Corps principles for the laws of war.
Main Sources There are two main sources for the laws of war:
Customary The customary international law is a body of rules that civilized nations
International recognize as binding them in their conduct towards one another. This body of
Law rules is established by the custom and practice of a country:
· International Custom
· Codified International Laws
Codified The codified international laws (Geneva Convention) can become so widely
International accepted that it is considered customary, even for nations that are not yet a
Laws party to a particular international agreement.
Customary acts that have become internationally accepted practices are listed
below:
Ratified Treaties are formal agreements that are made between two or more countries.
Treaties Sources for the laws of war are in treaties and international customs, which
have been practiced over a long period of time by a large number of countries
in the belief that it is required by law. Treaties that establish laws of war and
have been ratified by the U.S. Senate are part of the U.S. law. The two main
treaties that deal with laws of war are
A Marine in violation of the laws of war would be punished under the UCMJ.
Other There are numerous references for the law of land warfare. A few of them are
References listed below:
Objective of The objective of war is to destroy the enemy’s will to resist or change their
War will until it agrees with the objective set forth by higher authorities. Obeying
the laws of war will help accomplish this objective with the least amount of
suffering and destruction of personnel and property.
Constitutional The Nation’s law requires that we afford certain rights to persons captured on
Obligations the battlefield. Every disciplined Marine needs to be aware of this basic
philosophy. As the defenders of our Constitution, we have an obligation to
enforce its provisions. However, affording this legal protection to captured
persons also is of military value.
Prisoner Warriors developed the general rules on how to treat enemy prisoners of war
Treatment (EPWs). Lawyers only wrote down what the commanders practiced. We also
Effects Military comply with these rules because it helps us on the battlefield. If the enemy
Objective knows that we will treat him with dignity and respect and not harm him, he is
more likely to surrender. We also hope these basic rights will be afforded to
our Marines if they become prisoners of war.
Handling Once a person has surrendered or comes into your custody, it is your duty to
Prisoners ensure they are treated humanely. You must account for each and every EPW
from capture until you turn him over to higher headquarters.
· Search
· Silence
· Segregate
· Safeguard
· Speed to the rear
Four Basic The four basic concepts underlying the laws of war are listed below:
Concepts
· Military necessity
· Proportionality
· Unnecessary suffering
· Discrimination
Military The principle of military necessity justifies the employment of that degree or
Necessity kind of violence, not forbidden by international law, required to secure the
timely submission of the enemy.
Unnecessary Although suffering cannot be eliminated in war, you must exercise a degree
Suffering of restraint in combat. Destruction must be limited to that which is necessary,
relevant, and proportionate to the accomplishment of legitimate military
missions.
Source of The list of acts covered under various treaties and conventions are extensive.
Reference Every leader must review FM 27-10, The Law of Land Warfare, to enhance
their knowledge on this subject.
The time to teach the Marines in your unit the laws of war is now, not when
you are in harms way. The nine basic principles of the laws of war are listed
in the table below:
Number Principle
1 Marines fight only enemy combatants. While it is perfectly
lawful to kill an enemy combatant, it is not legal to intentionally
target a civilian who is not taking part in the hostilities.
2 Marines do not harm enemies who surrender. They must
disarm them and turn them over to their superior. Giving good
treatment of EPWs will encourage more enemies to surrender
and shorten the time to achieve victory. It will also encourage
the enemy to give better treatment to U.S. prisoners.
3 Marines do not kill or torture prisoners. Killing or torturing an
enemy prisoner is a violation of the UCMJ and will be punished
harshly.
4 Marines collect and care for the wounded whether friend or foe.
Wounded enemy troops will not be left on the battlefield after
the engagement is over to suffer a slow and lingering death.
5 Marines do not attack medical personnel, facilities, or
equipment. Both friendly and enemy medical personnel are to
be encouraged to come to the battlefield in safety to care for the
wounded combatants.
6 Marines destroy no more than the mission requires. While it is
legal to destroy properties to accomplish the military mission,
unnecessary destruction of civilian property wastes resources
and detracts from mission accomplishment.
7 Marines treat all civilians humanely. Civilians who are not
taking part in the hostilities are to be treated with respect.
Source of
Reference,
continued
Number Principle
8 Marines do not steal. Marines respect private property and
possessions. A thief is a thief whether in peace or war and will
be prosecuted under the UCMJ.
9 Marines should do their best to prevent violations. They must
report all violations of the laws of war to their superior. It is not
sufficient for the individual Marine to only obey the laws of war,
but Marines must use their authority to prevent others from
violating the law. Where they cannot prevent a violation, they
must report the offense up their chain of command. If the
Marine believes his superior is partially responsible for the
violation, this report may be made to any other officer in a
position of authority. It may also be made to the provost
marshal, judge advocate, or even the chaplain.
Definition A war crime is the intentional harming of civilians not taking part in the
hostilities, enemy prisoners of war, medical personnel, or other non-
combatants. While any violation of the laws of war may be considered a war
crime, the violations that are directed at these particular protected persons are
most likely to be prosecuted harshly.
Examples In all cases of armed conflict (whether or not there is a declaration of war)
acts that violate the Geneva Convention are war crimes. Some examples of
war crimes are
· Torture
· Rape
· Murder
· Reprisals against EPWs or civilians
· Mutilation
· Unnecessary destruction of cultural sites
· Attacks on medical facilities
· Faking surrender only to attack
· Attacking while dressed in enemy uniforms
Morale Marines must step forward and use moral courage to halt atrocities. The
Courage bottom line is if you know in your gut that what is happening is wrong, tell
the perpetrators to cease their actions immediately.
Correct Pattern A review of war crime cases reveals that a pattern of lack of training,
boredom, and poor leadership usually occurs just before acts of misconduct
toward EPWs, the sick and wounded, and civilians. You should look for this
pattern and take affirmative steps to prevent war crimes:
Conduct In all tactical training before deploying, teach the procedures for dealing with
Tactical situations that can easily become laws of war violations, such as how to
Training
· Handle troublesome EPWs properly.
· Select a lawful military target in the middle of the civilian community.
· Respond properly when a white flag is shown, using careful tactical
responses.
Under the stress of combat, Marines will respond the way they were trained.
Remind Marines that they are authorized to use deadly force and to destroy
property only because of military necessity. Tactical situations will dictate
confrontation with the enemy. Criminal conduct during a deployment is
intolerable, distracts from accomplishment of the military mission, and will
be dealt with swiftly.
Stress Normal Most laws of war violations result from the constant change of combat stress
Military and then long periods of boredom. Good leadership should emphasize normal
Behavior behavior and positive activity. Constantly remind Marines of normal military
behavior standards:
Identify Illegal Orders are presumed to be legal. Remember training is aimed at preventing
Orders the issuance of illegal orders. Illegal orders are regarded as a war crime
violation. Examples of illegal orders are to
Report The first way you should report the order is by following the chain of
the Order command, bypassing the superior who issued the order. The commanding
officer has the responsibility and the authority to immediately correct and
discipline any misconduct.
A second option is to report the order to the military police, if a report cannot
be made up the chain of command.
If neither the chain of command nor military police are available, report the
order to a judge advocate or chaplain.
Procedure To report an illegal order, follow the steps listed in the table below:
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Item 1 List the two main sources for the laws of war.
(1) ________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________
Item 2 Which two treaties deal specifically with laws of war issues?
(1) ________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________
(1) ________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________
Item 4 What are the three purposes for the laws of war?
(1) ________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________________________
Item 5 List the four basic concepts underlying the laws of war.
(1) ________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________________________
(4) ________________________________________________________
Item 6 Following the basic principles of the laws of war, what are the proper
procedures for handling a wounded foe discovered on the battlefield?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Item 8 What three procedures are included in tactical training for preventing war
crimes?
(1) ________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________________________
(1) ________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________________________
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 25 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope Although the laws of war provide the basic foundation for all military
operations, individual Marines should receive detailed rules of engagement
(ROE) for each particular exercise. This lesson explains the general
principles that apply to rules of engagement.
Rules of The Joint Pub 1-02, DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms
Engagement defines rules of engagement (ROE) as…directives issued by competent
Definition military authority which delineate the circumstances and limitations under
which United States forces will initiate and/or continue combat engagement
with other forces encountered.
Purposes The three main purposes for ROE are listed below:
for ROE
· Provides implementation guidance on the application of force for mission
accomplishment
Standing ROE The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Instruction 3121.01A dated 15 January
2000 provides the standing rules of engagement (Standing ROE) for U.S.
forces. In the absence of superseding guidance, the Standing ROE (SROE)
establishes fundamental policies and procedures governing the actions to be
taken by U.S. force commanders. The SROE will apply in the event of a
military attack against the United States and during all military operations,
contingencies, terrorist attacks, or prolonged conflicts outside the territorial
jurisdiction of the United States.
The SROE was established far in advance of any current deployment. The
Chairman’s instruction recognizes that each particular mission will have
different levels of threat, different objectives, and different weapons mix.
Competent military authorities draft more specific ROE to accomplish a
particular mission. The SROE provides guidelines for incorporating ROE
development into the crisis action planning and deliberate planning processes
by commanders and staffs at all levels.
Mission ROE The responsibility of the mission specific ROE is listed below:
ROE are more restrictive than what the LOW allows. Targeting rules are
usually incorporated within the ROE.
Of Whom Marines are authorized by ROE to use deadly force to defend three classes of
persons. Those three classes are identified in the table below:
Against What U.S. forces need not be attacked before they can respond in self-defense. The
use of force in peacekeeping, and even in peace enforcement, is normally a
measure of last resort. Under those circumstances, attempts should be made
to control the situation without the use of force.
If force is necessary, the nature, duration, and scope of the force should not
exceed the amount required to decisively counter the hostile act or intent.
Self-defense force used against a hostile situation is identified in the table
below:
Situation Explanation
Act An attack or use of force against U.S. forces and,
when national and or collective self-defense has been
implemented, against those persons and assets
protected by those definitions.
Intent The threat of imminent use of force, including the
threat of force used to impede or preclude the
mission or duties of U.S. forces. Hostile intent is fact
specific.
Request for The SROE expects the threat assessment will likely change throughout the
Changes course of a single mission and the mission specific ROE will have to change
to stay current. During any deployment, you should expect routine changes to
the mission specific ROE based upon better intelligence on the threat
assessment and or the scope of the mission changes.
Example: A unit that has received CINC ROE approval serial 005 should
ensure that they possess approval serials 001 through 004, unless
the latest message is a total restatement of all previously approved
ROE.
Training During the stress of combat, Marines will react the way they are trained. In
developing tactical unit training, ROE should be written for unit commanders
and individual Marines to practice making judgment calls with regard to a
possible threat.
ROE will seldom, if ever, state in explicit detail when force may be utilized.
Such a decision is subject to many factors that the person responsible for
facing the threat must determine. Therefore, ROE should not be regarded as a
comprehensive checklist of events that must occur before force can be used.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
(1) ________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________________________
Item 3 What three classes of persons does ROE authorize the use of deadly force to
defend?
(1) ________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________________________
Item 4 List the three types of hostile situations that justify self-defense.
(1) ________________________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________________________
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Unit Scope This study unit will discuss the historic development of the noncommissioned
officer (NCO), significant NCOs, and battles in Marine Corps history. As an
NCO, you should realize the enormous burden of your responsibilities as well
as the joys and success that come from those responsibilities.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope Try to imagine a Marine Corps without noncommissioned officers (NCOs).
Boot camp would not exist because drill instructors would not exist. Think of
the hundreds of platoons in a Marine division, a lieutenant just out of the
basic school would head each platoon with no NCO standing in. The dignity
of a command, which is essential to discipline, would be lost without NCOs.
Middle Ages During the Middle Ages after the fall of Rome, no organized armies, as the
Romans knew them or as we know them today, existed. However, as soon as
the first rudiments of modern military organization appeared during the
fourteenth century, the NCO reappeared.
The 1400’s The Condottieri, the first modern military units, consisted of mercenary
French, Swiss, and Italian soldiers. They were professionals who served
under the colors of any state that paid and fed them. The Condottieri units
initiated the ranks of sergeants and corporals. Sergeant, dating from 1425, is
the older rank.
Baron von In 1778 Baron von Steuben, a Prussian adviser, was forging the continental
Steuben Army into a professional force and wrote the Regulations for the Order and
Discipline of the Troops of the United States:
The Blue Book Baron von Steuben also aided the NCO’s growth as an instructor of soldiers
by writing the Blue Book—name derived from the color of the first edition.
This manual covered all aspects of infantry service and stressed NCO
responsibilities for the care, discipline, and training of the men in garrison and
in the field.
Attributes for Von Steuben’s six attributes for an NCO are as valid today as they were at
an NCO Valley Forge:
· Character
· Attention to duty
· Loyalty
· Command presence
· Professional skill
· Ability to instruct
Shared NCOs have always shared leadership responsibilities with their commissioned
Leadership superiors. For more than 200 years, NCOs have served as leaders in the U.S.
Marine Corps during peace and war. NCOs are key to unit morale and esprit
de corps, as well as the mainstay of discipline and efficiency.
Role of Tactics Because both the American and European armies generally fought standing in
lines facing the enemy (linear tactics), the NCOs had to keep the long ranks
steady to maintain volley fire discipline.
A fundamental problem in the Civil War was that the linear tactics still being
used were designed for men carrying smoothbore muskets. During the Civil
War, soldiers were armed with rifled muskets, which had greater accuracy.
Unless tactics were changed, casualties were certain to be horrendous with the
increased killing power of even newer weapons introduced late in the war.
Technological Breech loading rifles, cavalry carbines, and the gatling guns underscored the
Changes need for more open tactical formations. Various unit commanders gradually
introduced such formations to reduce the vulnerability of their men to the
increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire.
Maintain Order The gradual elimination of linear tactics after the Civil War redefined the
NCO’s combat leadership role. The change in technological advances and
tactics emphasized and increased the role of the small unit leaders, the NCOs,
to maintain order on a more complex battlefield.
Essential Link The NCO provides the essential link between the unit’s commanders and
in Command enlisted Marines. To serve successfully as the link between commanders and
unit members, the NCO has always had to perform several important
functions simultaneously.
· Provide links between commanders (as well as officers in general) and the
troops.
· Afford avenues for advancement whereby enlisted men and women may
realize their full potential as leaders. (Not every Marine can become a
general, but with application and attitude, every Marine can win chevrons
and, in so doing, demonstrate that the road to the top is always open.)
To Yourself As an NCO, you owe it to yourself to enjoy the burden of your leadership
position. If you do not, your Marines will know it and you will be ineffective.
Just as enthusiasm is contagious, so is lack of it.
Providing your unit with positive leadership, you will reap the greatest returns
from the Marines entrusted to your care:
Trust Among As an NCO, you must create trust among Marines from vastly different social
Marines backgrounds and cultural experiences:
You can build on that trust by eliminating the ignorance of prejudice while at
the same time, educating Marines on the value of diversity. This mutual trust
is too easily destroyed if you tolerate racist overtures, sexual harassment,
fraternization, or hazing. If you encourage or turn your head to any of these
evils, you will immediately lose credibility and will destroy unit cohesion.
Unit Leader Successful leadership demands excellence. To be a good unit leader, practice
the six traits listed below:
Trainer You are a trainer ready to teach troops everything they must know, from the
proper wearing of the uniform and the observance of military customs and
traditions to marksmanship and physical training. Above all, you must fully
understand military professionalism and be able to pass along to others
whatever knowledge is required to accomplish the mission.
Guardian of Historically, the setting of standards has been the responsibility of officers.
Standards However, the teaching and enforcing of standards, both of soldier discipline
and soldier skills, has been the NCO’s responsibility. Thus, you must enforce
standards of conduct.
Backbone of NCOs are the backbone of the Marine Corps. From the recruiting process,
the Corps through recruit training, and into the operation forces, the Marine Corps holds
the NCOs responsible for the care and development of the nation’s most
precious resource, the individual Marine. No other service in the world fully
entrusts its NCOs to the extent that the Marine Corps does.
Disciplinarian Subordinates have always watched NCOs. Therefore, you must discipline
yourself first to present a positive example at all times. You must remain
thoroughly prepared in tactics and techniques of your field. If you present a
negative example for any reason, you encourage your subordinates to violate
accepted standards of conduct. Serious discipline problems will soon
develop.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete the exercise items 1 through 12 by performing the action required.
Check your answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Items 1 Matching: For items 1 through 4, match the letter of the period of time in
Through 4 column 2 to the NCO development in column 1. Place your response in the
spaces provided. The answers in column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Item 5 What are the three major tasks that summarize the NCO’s responsibilities?
(1) _______________________________________________________
(2) _______________________________________________________
(3) _______________________________________________________
Items 6 Matching: For items 6 through 10, match the letter of the type of obligation
Through 10 in column 2 to the action in column 1. Place your response in the spaces
provided. The answers in column 2 may be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Action Obligation
Item 11 As an NCO, what are four of the six tasks to be a good unit leader?
(1) _______________________________________________________
(2) _______________________________________________________
(3) _______________________________________________________
(4) _______________________________________________________
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 20 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope NCOs must combine history and tradition with skill and ability to prepare for
combat. The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the highest award for valor in action
against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the
armed services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by
the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress, it is
often called the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Purpose The purpose of the MOH is to recognize deeds of gallantry and heroism in
times of war and of peace. It is given for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above the call of duty. The act or
execution of duty must be performed while
· Serving with friendly foreign forces (such as the case with the United
Nations’ forces in Korea) engaged in an armed conflict against an
opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party
The MOH is the highest award given for bravery in the United States.
· The deed must be the type that if not done, it will not subject the
individual to any justified criticism.
Birth of the The idea for the MOH was born during the Civil War as men fought gallantly
MOH and often displayed great heroism:
· Instituted only for the enlisted men of the Navy with officers being
permitted to receive the award later
· Authorized by Congress
· Approved on 21 December 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln
First Marine In May 1862, Corporal John F. Mackie was the first Marine to receive the
Recipient MOH. During the attack on Fort Darling at Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia, he
fearlessly maintained his musket fire against the rifle pits on shore, and when
ordered to fill vacancies at guns caused by men wounded and killed in action,
manned the weapon with skill and courage. Currently, 294 Marines have
received the MOH since 1862.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete the exercise items 1 through 6 by performing the action required.
Check your answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
____________________________________________________________
Items 2 List three of the four criteria for receiving the MOH.
(1) _________________________________________________________
(2) _________________________________________________________
(3) _________________________________________________________
Item 3 The MOH is the highest award given in the United States for
a. leadership.
b. bravery.
c. judgment.
d. initiative.
____________________________________________________________
a. 1775.
b. 1862.
c. 1881.
d. 1941.
a. 20 September 1805
b. 21 December 1862
c. 20 September 1841
d. 21 December 1861
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope The history of the Marine Corps is rife with tales of the Marine NCO.
Today’s corporals and sergeants carry on one of the strongest and longest
unbroken traditions of duty, honor, courage, and commitment within our
Corps.
· Cite specific examples of NCO behavior that exemplified the NCO creed.
Neatness and In the early days of American Revolution, little standardization of NCO
Sanitation duties or responsibilities existed. Sergeants and corporals were expected to
instruct recruits in all matters of military training, especially with regard to
their neatness and sanitation.
Weapons and World War I required the first massive training of men that the United States
Daytime had seen. NCOs trained hundreds of Marines who would be sent overseas.
Maneuvers NCOs were the primary instructors during this period with lessons
emphasizing weapons and daytime maneuvers.
Basic Training With the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States found itself at war.
This attack forced basic training to be centered around hands-on experience
instead of the classroom instruction. NCOs conducted all of the training.
After basic training, Marines were sent to their units where training
continued.
Battle Leaders, During the Korean War, NCOs emerged more prominently as battle leaders
Integrated than they had in World War II. The deeply eroded hills, ridges, narrow
Squads valleys, and deep gorges forced many units to advance as squads.
The Korean War was the first war the United States entered with an integrated
force. Black and white Marines fought side by side on the battlefield against
a common foe.
Junior Leaders, In 1965, the first American ground troops were committed to Vietnam. The
Decentralized American policy of containment of communism was severely challenged.
Control The Vietnamese communists fought a long, drawn out war that eventually
wore down the American forces. At times, there were no clear battle lines
and often it was hard to tell friend from foe. This battle proved to be a junior
leaders’ war with decentralized control. Much of the burden of combat
leadership fell on the NCOs.
NCO Education In recent years, the emphasis on NCO education was stressed to all units in
the Marine Corps. In 1981, the NCO Basic Course was established. The
basic course was designed to educate NCOs on subjects and skills needed to
enhance their performance and abilities on and off the battlefield.
Live by the Memorize and try to live by the NCO creed as follows:
NCO Creed
I am an NCO dedicated to training new Marines and influencing the old.
I am forever conscious of each Marine under my charge, and by example I
will inspire him (or her) to the highest standards possible.
I will strive to be patient, understanding, just and firm.
I will commend the deserving and encourage the wayward.
NCO History has shown that proficient NCOs utilize the NCO creed as words to
Contributions live by in all facets of life. During many of the battles in which the Marine
Corps has participated, NCOs have exemplified the NCO creed. These NCOs
were always winners on the battlefield and subsequently earned numerous
prestigious awards for their distinguished and noteworthy contributions.
Summary The Marine Corps owes its existence to the accomplishments of generations
of NCOs who have served under its colors and have made history. That
history is an integral part of the sense of pride and tradition that pervades the
present day Marine Corps.
Exemplify From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, Marines continue to
fight and die in war and peace to secure the liberties and freedom of
democracy and humanitarianism worldwide.
Special Special recognition is given to four NCOs and their actions on duty:
Recognition
· Sergeant J.E. Johnson
· Sergeant J.I. Poynter
· Corporal R.E. O’Malley
· Sergeant Daniel P. Matthews
Sergeant Sergeant Johnson was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry
J.E. Johnson and intrepidity at the risk of his life while serving in Korea as a squad leader
for 3/7 1st Marine Division in December 1950. Sergeant Johnson and his
squad were vastly outnumbered when a well-entrenched and cleverly
concealed enemy force wearing the uniforms of friendly troops attacked the
platoon’s open and unconcealed positions.
Sergeant Sergeant Poynter was awarded the MOH for conspicuous gallantry and
J.I. Poynter intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a squad leader in a rifle platoon of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th
Marines, 1st Marine Division. In action against enemy aggressor forces
during the defense of Hill 532, south of Sudong, Korea on 4 November 1950.
Sergeant Poynter gallantly gave his life for his country.
Corporal Corporal O’Malley was honored for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
R.E. O’Malley action against the communist (Viet Cong) forces at the risk of his own life
above and beyond the call of duty.
While leading his squad in the assault against a strongly entrenched enemy
force, his unit came under intense small arms fire. With complete disregard
for his personal safety, Corporal O’Malley raced across an open rice paddy to
a trench line where the enemy forces were located. Jumping into the trench,
he attacked the Viet Cong with his rifle and grenades and single-handedly
killed eight of the enemy. He then led his squad to the assistance of an
adjacent Marine unit that was suffering heavy casualties.
Continuing to press forward, he reloaded his weapon and fired, with telling
effect, into the enemy emplacement. Corporal O’Malley personally assisted
in the evacuation of several wounded Marines, and again regrouping the
remnants of his squad, he returned to the point of the heaviest fighting.
Ordered to an evacuation point by an officer, Corporal O’Malley gathered his
besieged and badly wounded squad and led them under fire to a helicopter for
withdrawal.
Although three times wounded in his encounter, and facing imminent death
from a fanatic and determined enemy, he steadfastly refused evacuation. He
continued to cover his squad’s boarding of the helicopters while, from an
exposed position, he delivered fire against the enemy until his wounded men
were evacuated. Only then, with his last mission accomplished, did he permit
himself to be removed from the battlefield. By his valor, leadership, and
courageous efforts on behalf of his comrades, he served as an inspiration to
all who observed him.
Sergeant Daniel During the Vietnam conflict, Sergeant Matthews was assigned to F Company,
P. Matthews 2/7, 1st Marine Division as a squad leader. Sergeant Matthews was
participating in a counterattack against a firmly entrenched and well-
concealed hostile force that had repelled six previous assaults on a vital
enemy-held outpost far forward of the main line.
During the attack, Sergeant Matthews observed the deadly fire preventing a
corpsman from removing a wounded man lying in an open area. Without
much thought for his own safety, Sergeant Matthews leaped into the
machinegun nest, taking the enemy by complete surprise. He continued his
one-man assault until he had succeeded in destroying the machinegun nest
that enabled his comrades to evacuate the stricken Marine to safety.
Invasion of The first Marine landing took place during the Revolutionary War. Marines
Bahamas invaded New Providence Island in the Bahamas and seized guns and supplies.
The uniform of the day had a stiff stock worn around the neck to protect from
sword slashes, thus earning Marines the nickname Leather Neck.
Civil War Despite the Marines’ readiness and prompt action at Harpers Ferry, the
Marine Corps played only a small part during the Civil War. Even so, during
this conflict, 16 Marines were awarded the MOH.
Foreign Duty After the USS flagship Colorado was fired upon 10 June 1871 on the Han
in Korea River in west Korea, Captain McLane Tilton led his squad in an assault
against the Korean forts. After taking two of the forts without much
difficulty, Captain Tilton then led his Marines against a heavily fortified
Citadel.
Landing in On 11 June 1881 after the Marines landed and established its first beachhead
Cuba on Cuban soil, they attacked. On the morning of 15 June 1881, Lieutenant
Magill was ordered to bypass the objective and cut off any enemy retreat. As
Lieutenant Magill led his men to the crest, a nearby ship opened fire upon the
squad.
As the shells began falling, Lieutenant Magill realized he and his men were in
the ship’s line of fire. Without hesitation, Sergeant John Quick stood up in
plain sight of the enemy and began waving an improvised flag in a cease-fire
fashion. With the enemy bullets whistling through the air, Sergeant Quick
remained exposed and continued to signal until the firing stopped.
China’s Boxer During the summer of 1900, prior to the extensive Marine buildup in the
Rebellion Philippines, the Boxer Rebellion broke out in China. On the following day,
the Boxers destroyed railways and shops. With violent mobs screaming for
the death of all Westerners, an alarm had been sent for military assistance. Of
course, the Marines responded.
Belleau Woods During June of 1918, Marines attacked well-entrenched Germans at Belleau
Woods and defeated them with tenacious, courageous, and gallant fighting
styles. Due to the Marines’ dogged fighting style, the Germans gave the
name Devil Dogs to the Marines.
French As a result of the Marines’ outstanding service in World War I, the French
Fourragere awarded the French Fourragere to the 5th and 6th Regiments for their
outstanding service.
The French Fourragere is a yellow braided cord that is worn around the arm
of the dress uniform at the shoulder.
Pearl Harbor On the morning of 7 December 1941, Japan launched a devastating attack on
the American Pacific Fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor. As a result, Marines
defended against attacks throughout the Pacific during the opening stages of
the war.
During the war, the Marine Corps was the principal ground force the Allies
used in a strategy of island hopping campaign. This major role led to the
strength of the Marine Corps reaching nearly 500,000 during the war.
Provisional Conflict in Korea tested the Marine Corps’ combat readiness. The Marines
Brigade responded to the North Korean attack by quickly assembling the first Marine
Provisional Brigade from the under-strength of 1st Marine Division.
The 1st Marine Provisional Brigade acted as a fire brigade to defend the
Pusan perimeter. The Marines fulfilled other roles in the Korean War:
Vietnam In February 1965, shortly after the celebration of Tet (a Vietnamese holiday),
the Viet Cong attacked two U.S. military installations, injuring and killing a
large number of U.S. Army advisors and maintenance personnel.
Beirut, In the summer of 1982, at the request of the Lebanese government, the United
Lebanon States agreed to establish a U.S. military presence in that country to serve as a
peacekeeping force.
On 24 March 1983, the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) left America in
support of that mission. On 23 October 1983, a suicide-truck bomb attack on
the headquarters building killed 241 Americans and wounded 70 others.
Operation In 1983 following the assassination of the Prime Minister and the overthrow
Urgent Fury of the government of Grenada, Marines participated in Operation Urgent
Fury. It was a joint military operation in response to a request from
neighboring Caribbean nations. The Marines’ rapid response secured the
island and safeguarded hundreds of American citizens living on the island.
Operation Just During 1989 in response to increasing unrest in Panama, the President
Cause ordered the joint military Operation Just Cause. The United States forces,
including the Marines, overthrew the military government of General Manuel
Noriega and installed a civilian government.
Under indictment in the United States for drug trafficking and racketeering,
Noriega was arrested and sent to the United States for trial.
Operation In 1990 following the Iraq invasion of Kuwait, Operation Desert Shield was
Desert Shield launched. This military operation was designed to halt the advance of Iraqi
forces and to position multinational forces assembled for possible offensive
action to dispel the invading force.
Operation During 1991, Operation Desert Storm was launched after the Iraqi
Desert Storm government refused to comply with the United Nations’ resolutions. Marine
aviation conducted combat operations when the air phase commenced in
January 1991. After massive bombing, Marine ground forces participated in
the sweep into Kuwait to help liberate the country and damage the Iraqi
military capability.
Operation In 1992 as part of the joint military Operation Restore Hope, Marine forces
Restore Hope landed in war-torn Somalia. United States forces provided security for the
distribution of humanitarian aid. The U.S. forces were later incorporated in
the United Nations’ peacekeeping forces and were sent to stabilize the
situation in the country.
Operation During 1994, joint military Operation Uphold Democracy was ordered by the
Uphold President to restore the civilian government in Haiti. Marines landed in the
Democracy northern part of Haiti to stabilize the situation and provide security for the
orderly transfer of power from the military to the democratically elected
government of President Jean Bertrand Aristide.
Estimated 15 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete the exercise items 1 through 12 by performing the action required.
Check your answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 Sergeants and corporals in the early 19th century instructed recruits, especially
with regard to
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Items 4 and 5 Matching: For items 4 and 5, match the letter of the NCO in column 2 to the
action in column 1. Place your response in the spaces provided. The answers
in column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Action NCO
Items 6 Matching: For items 6 through 9, match the letter of the time period in
Through 9 column 2 to the historic event in column 1. Place your response in the spaces
provided. The answers in column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Items 10 Matching: For items 10 through 12, match the letter of the time period in
Through 12 column 2 to the historic event in column 1. Place your response in the spaces
provided. The answers in column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Unit Scope As a Marine NCO, you are expected to know how and when to conduct drill
with your Marines. Troop movement and simple formations are the
responsibility of the Marine NCO. This study unit will cover the basics of
· Troop movement
· Conduct with the NCO sword
· Flags and guidons
· Display the different flags and guidons the Marine Corps uses.
Estimated 40 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope Drill accustoms the individual to working as a member of a team- a team
moving confidently together in unison and to a measured cadence. Marines
are famous for their ability to march in step, keep straight lines and perform
the manual of arms with precision. The scope of this lesson includes the basic
fundamentals of platoon drill.
Organization The platoon is the basic drill unit. The organization consists of
· A platoon headquarters
· A platoon commander (PC)
· One or more assistants
· Two or more squads that are numbered
· Front to rear while on line
· Left to right while in column
Symbols The different symbols used for drill are identified below:
Definitions The common terms used for close order drill are defined in the table below:
Term Definition
Alignment A straight line on which several elements are formed.
Base The element on which a movement is regulated.
Cadence The uniform step and rhythm in marching.
Center The middle point or element of a unit or left-center element
for an even number of elements.
Column A formation in which the elements are placed one behind the
other.
Depth Space from head to rear of a formation or position. The
graphic below depicts the direction of depth, as well as the
direction of the front.
Definitions,
continued
Term Definition
Flank · The right or left extremity of a unit, either in line or in
column.
· The element on the extreme right or left of the line.
Formation Arrangement of elements of a unit in line, in a column, or any
other prescribed manner.
Front · The space occupied by an element measured from one
flank to the other.
· The front of a man is accepted as 22 inches.
· See Depth for an illustration of front.
Guide · The individual upon whom a formation or elements
thereof regulates its march.
· To regulate interval, direction, or alignment.
Interval · The lateral space between elements on the same line.
· The two intervals used in drill are normal and close
interval as depicted in the graphic below:
Definitions,
continued
Term Definition
Line A formation in which the elements are abreast.
Mass The arrangement of a company or larger unit in which its
Formation elements are in column and abreast at close interval.
Pace The length of a full step in quick time, 30 inches.
Piece An individual firearm, such as a rifle.
Point of The point toward which all elements of a unit establish their
Rest dress or alignment.
Quick Cadence is 120 steps per minute.
Time
Rank A line of men or vehicles side by side.
Slow Time Cadence at 60 steps per minute; used for funerals only.
Snap · In commands or signals, the quality that inspires
immediate response.
· In drill, the immediate execution of movements.
Step The distance from heel to heel between the feet of a marching
man.
Purpose The purpose for forming the platoon falls back into the purpose for drill,
which is used to
· Move the unit from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner.
Commands Forming the platoon is done by giving the command "FALL IN." After this
command, the platoon is ordered to
· "REPORT"
· "INSPECTION ARMS"
· "PORT ARMS"
· "ORDER ARMS"
· Takes post three paces in front of the point where the center of the platoon
will be positioned
· Faces that point
· Draws sword, if armed with one
· Commands, “FALL IN” or “AT CLOSE INTERVAL, FALL IN”
· A combined command
· Given without rise or inflection of the voice
After the command “FALL IN” is given, the platoon will fall in on line.
Fall In The procedures that occur at the command “FALL IN” are listed in the table
Procedures below:
Who Action
Guide Takes post so the first rank, when aligned, will be
centered on and three paces from the platoon sergeant
1st Squad Leader Falls in at normal interval (or close interval if so ordered)
to the left of the guide
Other Squad Falls in directly behind the first squad leader with 40
Leaders inches of distance between them
st
1 Squad · Falls in on their squad leader at normal interval (or
close interval if so ordered)
Note: All personnel will fall in at the position of attention and if armed with
weapons, will fall in at order arms.
Receive The To receive the report after all personnel have been formed, the procedures are
Report listed in the table below:
Who Action
Platoon Commands
Sergeant
“REPORT.”
Squad Leaders In succession from front to rear, salute and report
“ALL PRESENT” or “(Number) MARINES ABSENT.”
Platoon Commands when the Marines are armed with rifles,
Sergeant
· “INSPECTION, ARMS.”
· “PORT, ARMS.”
· “ORDER, ARMS.”
Give The To give the report when the platoon commander is present, the procedures are
Report listed in the table below:
Who Action
Platoon Faces about after receiving the report and ordering
Sergeant inspection arms and order arms
Platoon Positions himself six paces to the front and centered on
Commander the platoon
Platoon Salutes and reports, “SIR, ALL PRESENT AND
Sergeant ACCOUNTED FOR” or “SIR, (Number) MARINES
ABSENT.”
· Initial command
· Dressing the ranks
· Resuming line formation
Initial The PC gives the command, “DRESS RIGHT (LEFT), DRESS.” The
Command procedures for the command of execution, “DRESS are listed in the table
below:
Who Action
Platoon · Execute the arm and head movements as in falling in at
Members normal interval and obtain their alignment.
Dressing The When dressing the ranks, the PC should follow the substeps listed in the table
Ranks below:
Step Action
1 Aligns the front rank by commanding those Marines in advance
or rear of the line to move backward or forward
2 Addresses the Marines by either name or number in rank
3 Those commanded to move will move the designated number of
steps or will continue to move until given the command,
“STEADY.”
4 Executes a short series of side steps to the right or left to identify
a Marine, but must be in line with the rank when commanding a
Marine to move.
5 After verifying the alignment of the first rank
Resuming Line The platoon commander gives the command, “READY, FRONT; COVER.”
Formation On the command of execution, “FRONT” all platoon members immediately
assume the position of attention by lowering their left arm and simultaneously
turning their heads to the front.
The procedures for the command of execution, “COVER” are listed in the
table below:
Who Action
Front Rank Stands fast
Remaining Ranks Covers on the Marine to their front
Platoon March by the most direct route and take post six
Commander paces in front and center of the platoon
Align In To align a platoon in column while marching, the PC gives the command
Column “COVER.” The procedures for the command, “COVER” are listed in the
table below:
Who Action
Base Squad Leader Obtains a 40-inch distance from the guide
Other Squad Obtain proper interval and align on the base squad
Leaders leader
Base Squad Obtains a 40-inch distance from the Marine to the
front
Remaining Marines Align on the base squad and cover on their squad
leaders
Purpose The purpose of open ranks is to increase the interval between squads on line.
Open Ranks The procedures for opening ranks are similar to the procedures for aligning a
“MARCH” platoon in column. The PC gives the command, “OPEN RANKS, MARCH.”
Procedures
The procedures that occurs at the command of execution “MARCH” are
listed in the table below:
Who Action
First Squad Members · Take two steps forward.
· Halt.
· Execute the movements for dress right.
Second Squad Members · Take one step forward.
· Halt.
· Execute the movements for dress right.
Third Squad Members · Stand fast.
· Execute the movements for dress right.
Platoon Commander · Checks the alignment of the squads
Close Ranks The platoon commander gives the command, “CLOSE RANKS, MARCH.”
“MARCH”
Procedures The procedures that occurs at the command of execution “MARCH” are
listed in the table below:
Member Action
First Squad Members Stand fast.
Second Squad Members Take one step forward and halt.
Third Squad Members Take two steps forward and halt.
Initial To form for inspection, the platoon executes open ranks. After the PC gives
Commands the commands, “READY, FRONT, COVER,” he will
· The inspecting officer returns the salute and asks the PC to precede or
follow him through the inspection.
Completing When the inspecting officer has finished inspecting the platoon,
The Inspection
· The PC takes post three paces in front of the right file of the first rank.
· The PC
· Salutes
· Replies, “AYE, AYE, SIR”
· Faces left
· Gives the command, “CLOSE RANKS, MARCH”
· Assumes his or her post six paces in front centered on the platoon
Overview After forming the platoon, you need to become familiar with the different
movements of the platoon. The halted movements of a platoon drill are
· Facing movements
· Side step
· Back step
· Hand salute
Facing Facing movements allow you to face in a different direction while halted at
Movements the position of attention. They are executed in the cadence of quick time
(120 steps per minute). While facing, your arms should not swing out from
your sides, but remain at the position of attention. The facing movements
covered in this lesson are
· Right face
· Left face
· About face
Right Face Right face is a two-count movement. The actions for each count are listed in
the table below:
Count Action
1 At the command, “FACE”
Left Face Left face is also a two-count movement. The actions for each count are listed
in the table below:
Count Action
1 At the command, “FACE”
About Face About face is a two-count movement. The actions for each count are listed in
the table below:
Count Action
1 At the command, “FACE”
· Make turn on the left heel and ball of the right foot.
· Feet will be at attention when the turn is completed, if
your right toe was placed properly in the beginning.
Side Step The purpose of side step is to move the unit a short distance to the right or
left. The command, “RIGHT (LEFT) STEP, MARCH,” is given only while
halted at the position of attention. At the command, “MARCH”
Back Step The purpose of side back is to move the unit a short distance to the rear. The
command, “BACKWARD, MARCH,” is given only while halted at the
position of attention. At the command, “MARCH”
Hand Salute The purpose of the hand salute is to render appropriate honors. The command
“HAND, SALUTE” is performed in two counts, each with its own command.
· “HAND, SALUTE.”
· “READY, TWO.”
Hand Salute The procedures that occur on the commands of execution are listed in the
Procedures table below:
Command Action
SALUTE · Raise your right hand smartly in the most direct manner
until the tip of your forefinger touches the lower part of
the headdress, above and slightly to the right of your
right eye.
· “PARADE, REST”
· “AT EASE”
· “REST”
· “FALL OUT”
With the exception of parade rest, all commands are combined commands.
Parade rest is the only one with a preparatory and command of execution.
Parade Rest The purpose of parade rest is to give relief from the position of attention. The
command, “PARADE, REST” is given only while halted and at the position
of attention and is a one-count movement. At the command, “REST”
· Move your left foot smartly 12 inches to the left. Both legs should be
straight with your weight resting equally on each foot.
· At the same time, join your hands behind your back with your right hand
inside your left, palms to the rear just below the belt.
· Loosely hold your left thumb with your right hand. Fingers are extended
and joined.
· Do not move.
· Do not talk.
· Hold your head and eyes in the same position as you would if at attention.
At Ease The purpose of at ease is to give further relief from the position of attention.
The command, “AT EASE” is given while halted and at the position of
attention or when not in ranks. It is a one-count movement. At the command,
“AT EASE”
Rest The purpose of rest is to give further relief from the position of attention. The
command, “REST” is given while halted and at the position of attention. It is
a one-count movement. At the command, “REST”
Fall Out The purpose of fall out is to give further relief from the position of attention
for extended periods of time. The command, “FALL OUT” is given while
halted and at the position of attention. It is a one-count movement. At the
command, “FALL OUT” leave your position in ranks, but remain nearby.
When “FALL IN” is given, return to your position in ranks at the position of
attention.
Common Once you have your platoon facing in the right direction, you should be ready
Platoon to step off. The most common platoon movements on the march are
Movements
· Mark time
· Half step
· Change step
· Change direction on the march
· March to the flank
· March to the rear
· March to the oblique
Mark Time The purpose of mark time is to stop the forward movement of the platoon
while still maintaining a rhythmic cadence. The command, “MARK TIME,
MARCH” may be given at the halt or while marching forward at quick time,
half step, or double time as either foot strikes the deck. On the command of
execution, “MARCH,” all platoon members will
· Bring your heels together then begin marking time without loss of
cadence with the opposite foot.
· Raise each foot so the ball of the foot is approximately 2 inches and the
heel approximately 4 inches from the deck at a cadence of 120 steps per
minute.
Resuming The purpose of resuming march is to resume the forward march at a quick
Forward time cadence. The command, “FORWARD, MARCH” may be given as
March either foot strikes the deck.
On the command, “MARCH,” take one more step in place, then step off with
a 30-inch step.
Half Step The purpose of a half step is to slow the forward movement of the platoon
while still maintaining a rhythmic cadence by reducing the size of the step to
15 inches. The command, “HALF STEP, MARCH” may be given at the halt
or while marching forward at quick time as either foot strikes the deck. On
the command of execution, “MARCH,” all platoon members will
Resuming The purpose of resuming forward march is to resume the forward march at a
Forward quick time cadence. The command, “FORWARD, MARCH” may be given
March as either foot strikes the deck.
On the command, “MARCH,” take one more 15-inch step, then step off with
a 30-inch step.
Change Step The purpose of change step is to change the step of cadence while on the
march. The command, “CHANGE STEP, MARCH” may be given while
marching at quick time or double time, marking time, or double time in place
as the right foot strikes the deck.
Change Step The procedures that all platoon members take on the command of execution,
Procedures “MARCH” are listed in the table below:
From Action
Quick Time or · Take one more step, 30-inch or 36-inch as
Double Time appropriate.
Change The procedures to change the direction of a column while marching are listed
Direction in the table below:
Who Action
Platoon · Commands, “COLUMN RIGHT (left, half right,
Commander half left), MARCH.
· Half steps
· Resumes the full step when the other Marines of his
rank are abreast
Other Marines of On the command of execution, “MARCH”
the Leading Rank
· Twice oblique to the right (left) without changing
interval
· Execute the first oblique at the command of
execution.
· Execute the second oblique when opposite their
new line of march. When the oblique is
completed, they will be marching the new front
with proper interval.
· Come abreast of the pivot Marine and conform to
his or her step.
Ranks in the Rear On the command of execution, “MARCH,” execute the
of the Leading movement on the same ground and in the same way as
Rank the leading rank.
Note: The base element during the turn is the squad on the flank in the
direction of the turn. The pivot Marine is the first Marine in the base
squad, excluding the PC and the guide.
March to the The purpose of march to the flank is to march a platoon to either flank. The
Flank command is “BY THE RIGHT (LEFT) FLANK, MARCH.” This movement
may be executed while marching forward at quick time. The command of
execution will come as the foot in the direction of travel strikes the deck. Do
not give this command when a platoon is halted. On the command of
execution, “MARCH,” all platoon members
When this movement is executed from a column at close interval, the squad to
the rear of the squad that becomes the leading squad after making the turn
takes up the half step after turning until a 40-inch distance is obtained
between the squads. After such a movement, the platoon maintains normal
interval until ordered otherwise.
March to the The purpose of march to the rear is to march a platoon to the opposite
Rear direction of travel. The command, “TO THE REAR, MARCH” is given so
the command of execution will come as the right foot strikes the deck. On the
command of execution, “MARCH,” all platoon members
· Take one more step with the left foot in the direction of march.
· Pivot 180 degrees on both feet.
· Step off with the left foot in the new direction of march.
Note: Use this movement to march to the rear for a short distance. Do not
give the platoon column movements while marching to the rear.
March in the To march a platoon in the oblique, the PC gives the command, “RIGHT
Oblique (LEFT) OBLIQUE, MARCH.” On the command of execution, “MARCH,”
all platoon members
Only The only commands you can give while marching in the oblique are
Commands
· “FORWARD, MARCH.”
· “PLATOON, HALT.”
· “IN PLACE, HALT.”
· “MARK TIME, MARCH.”
· “RESUME, MARCH.”
“FORWARD, Give the command, “FORWARD, MARCH” to resume the original direction
MARCH” of march. Give the command of execution, “MARCH” as the foot toward the
original direction of march strikes the deck. On the command of execution,
“MARCH,” all members of the platoon will
“PLATOON, Give this command, “PLATOON, HALT” to halt the platoon in the original
HALT” direction of march. Give the command of execution, “HALT” as the left
(right) foot strikes the deck when halting from the right (left) oblique. On the
command of execution, “HALT,” all members of the platoon will
“IN PLACE, Give the command, “IN PLACE, HALT” to temporarily halt the platoon in
HALT” the oblique to correct errors. The command of execution, “HALT” is given
as either foot strikes the deck. On the command of execution “HALT,” all
members of the platoon will
“MARK TIME, The command, “MARK TIME, MARCH” is executed the same as while on
MARCH” the march. To resume marching in the oblique after marking time, give the
command “RESUME, MARCH.”
“RESUME, The only command you can give after halting in place is “RESUME,
MARCH” MARCH.” On the command of execution, “MARCH,” all members of the
platoon will
Purpose Pass in review is conducted to give honors to a reviewing officer. March the
platoon past the reviewing officer and render the appropriate salute as you
pass. Conduct a pass in review with the platoon in column at either close or
normal interval with weapons at right shoulder arms.
Procedure The steps to pass the platoon in review are listed in the table below:
Step Action
1 The PC marches the platoon to a position where they will pass
in front of the reviewing stand.
2 · The PC gives the command, “EYES, RIGHT.”
Armed Platoon Dismiss a platoon from line formation with the Marines at attention. To
dismiss a platoon when the troops are armed, give the following commands:
· “INSPECTION, ARMS.”
· “PORT, ARMS.”
· “DISMISSED.”
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
a. 60
b. 100
c. 120
d. 180
a. Fall in, order arms, report, port arms, and give the report.
b. Fall in, report, inspection arms, port arms, and order arms.
c. Fall in, inspection arms, report, port arms, and order arms.
d. Fall in, port arms, order arms, report, and inspection arms.
Item 3 In which cadence (steps per minute) are all facing movements executed when
in a halted position?
a. 60
b. 100
c. 120
d. 180
Item 4 What is the only command that may be given after halting in place in the
oblique?
a. “FORWARD”
b. “TO THE REAR”
c. “MARK TIME”
d. “RESUME MARCH”
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson includes the commands and movements of platoon drill using the
sword.
Marine NCO Of all the active duty services in our country, the only NCOs authorized to
Honor carry a sword are Marine NCOs. In recognition of their leadership and
contributions, Marine NCOs have been entrusted with this proud symbol of
authority and leadership. With this trust comes the responsibility of properly
executing the Marine NCO sword manual.
History The Marine NCO sword is almost identical to the Army officer’s sword of
1850. In the mid-1800’s, Marine officers used this sword. When the
Mameluke hilt sword was reintroduced for Marine officers in 1875, the Army
officer’s sword of 1850 was prescribed for Marine NCOs.
Sizing the The sword comes in various lengths in increments of 2 inches (28, 30, 32, etc.
Sword inches). Determine the proper size of the sword while at the position of carry
sword. The tip of the blade should be on line with the center of the opening
of your ear.
Wearing the Wear the sword on the left side of the body with the knuckle bow to the front.
Sword The frog will ensure the scabbard and sword remain in place.
Draw and Draw your sword whenever you are with armed troops or in command of a
Return Sword unit.
Draw and return sword is done without command. Unless you are members
of the commander’s staff, all other movements of the sword manual are
executed at the commander’s command to the unit.
The commander and his staff execute all other movements of the sword
manual at the commander’s separate command to his staff, given either before
or after his command to the unit.
· Giving commands
· Changing position in formation at quick time
· Addressing of being addressed by a senior
· Receiving the preparatory command for and while marching at quick time
· Any manual of arms movement has been ordered, except
· Parade rest
· At ease
· Rest
· Present arms
· Order arms
· Eyes right (left)
Marching With When marching with the sword at the carry, swing your arms naturally. Do
the Sword not hold the scabbard with your left hand.
When you march at double time, hold the sword diagonally across your chest
with the sharp edge towards the front. Hold the scabbard with your left hand
just below the frog.
Reading When you call roll, read documents, or publish orders to a formation
Documents
· Slip the fingers of your left hand between the sword grip and the guard.
· Allow the sword to hang across your knuckles with the grip to the front.
· Keep your left elbow against your side.
· Hold the document with both hands.
Out of When not in formation, keep your sword in your scabbard. Salute by
Formation executing a hand salute.
Three-Count When at attention with the sword in the scabbard, draw your sword when you
Movement hear the command, “DRAW SWORD.” Draw sword is a three-count
movement. Draw sword only when halted and at attention.
Procedures The procedures for each count of draw sword is listed in the table below:
Count Action
1 On the preparatory command, “DRAW”
· Grip the scabbard just below the frog with your left hand.
Tilt the scabbard forward to form an angle of 45 degrees
with the deck.
· Take the grip in your right hand and raise it about 10
inches from the scabbard. Your right forearm is parallel
to the deck with your left hand holding the scabbard
against your side.
2 On the command of execution, “SWORD”
· Draw the sword smartly from the scabbard, raising your
right arm to its full extent and directly to the front at an
angle of 45 degrees. Your arm and the sword, with the
true edge down, form a straight line.
· At the same time, drop your left hand to your side.
3 Then
· Bring the back of the blade against the shoulder seam of
your coat or shirt with the blade vertical and the knuckle
bow to the front. When you make this movement, your
right arm remains straight and the sword is rotated into
position by manipulating your wrist and fingers.
· Your arm is vertical and nearly extended, but may contain
a slight bend at the elbow to hold the sword in position.
· Your thumb and first two fingers embrace the lower part
of the grip with the thumb against the trouser seam.
· Your remaining fingers are joined behind the end of the
hilt.
This is the position of carry sword.
· The sword slants down to the front with the point 3 inches from the deck.
· The true edge of the blade is turned down.
· Your right arm hangs naturally to the side with the thumb along the
trouser seam.
Carry Sword to To move from carry sword to order sword position, rotate the sword down
Order Sword into position using your wrist and fingers.
Two-Count To present the sword from carry or order sword, the command is “PRESENT,
Movement SWORD” or “PRESENT, ARMS.” Give these commands only when halted
at order or carry sword. Present sword is a two-count movement.
Procedures The procedures for each count of present sword are listed in the table below:
Count Action
1 On the preparatory command, “PRESENT”
· Keep your thumb on the left side of the grip and keep your
wrist straight.
· The blade is inclined down and forward with the true edge
to the left.
Order Sword To move to order sword from present sword, the command is “ORDER
from Present SWORD (ARMS).” Order sword is a one-count movement.
Sword
On the command of execution, “SWORD (ARMS),” turn the true edge down
by rotating the sword with your fingers to the position prescribed for order
sword.
Two-Count Execute eyes right (left) only when halted at order sword or marching at carry
Movement sword. Eyes right (left) is a two-count movement. The command is “EYES,
RIGHT (LEFT).” When marching, give both commands on the right (left)
foot.
Procedures The procedures for each count of eyes right (left) are listed in the table below:
Count Action
1 On the preparatory command, “EYES,” execute the first
count of present sword.
2 On the command of execution, “RIGHT (LEFT)”
Returning to The procedures to return to the front are listed in the table below:
the Front
While Action
Halted · Follow the reviewing officer with your head and eyes
until he is in front of you.
Three-Count To return the sword to the scabbard, the command is “RETURN, SWORD.”
Movement Return sword is a three-count movement and is executed from order or carry
sword.
Procedures The procedures for each count of return sword are listed in the table below:
Count Action
1 On the preparatory command, “RETURN”
· At the same time, grasp the scabbard with your left hand
just below the frog and tilt it forward at an angle of 30
degrees.
2 Then
· Turn the sword down and guide the point into the
opening until the hilt is 10 inches above the throat of the
scabbard.
Command Execute parade rest from order sword. The command is “PARADE, REST.”
If you are at carry sword when the command is given, come to order sword on
the preparatory command “PARADE.”
Order Sword The command to return to the position of order sword from parade rest is
from Parade “ATTENTION.” On this command, simultaneously
Rest
· Raise the point of the sword 3 inches off the deck.
· Move your left arm and foot back to the position of attention.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Items 1 Identify the nomenclature for the sword as indicated in the diagram below:
Through 4
(1) ___________________________________________________________
(2) ___________________________________________________________
(3) ___________________________________________________________
(4) ___________________________________________________________
Item 5 What position determines the proper size for the NCO sword?
a. Parade rest
b. Order sword
c. Present sword
d. Carry sword
a. one-count
b. two-count
c. three-count
d. four-count
Item 7 After the third count of draw sword, what position are you in?
a. Carry sword
b. Order sword
c. Raised sword
d. Present sword
Item 8 In the order sword position, which direction is the true edge of the sword
turned in?
a. Down
b. Up
c. Inboard
d. Outboard
Item 9 Present sword or present arms may only be given from what positions?
Item 10 On the first count of return sword, raise the sword up as in the first count of
present sword and
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 40 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson mainly deals with a guidon—usually rectangular, of distinctive
color and design, and used as a symbol, a standard, a signal, or an emblem.
This lesson will cover the common definitions, history, and etiquette of the
flags used in the United States Marine Corps.
Two Basic The two flags commonly used by the Marine Corps today are known by many
Types different names. However, they still represent either the
Definitions The different flag related terms are defined in the table below:
Term Definition
Battle Standard The distinguishing organizational flag authorized for and
(Battle Color) bearing the title of a designated unit of the Fleet Marine
Force.
Cased Colors covered with a canvas or leather type shell.
Colors Flags are colors when
Nicknames The national flag is a representation of our country. Our flag is a symbol
around which we all unite. Old Glory and Stars and Stripes are just a couple
of nicknames used to reference our national flag.
Initial Adoption The Continental Congress adopted the American flag, according to tradition
made by Betsy Ross, on 14 June 1777. Representing the 13 original colonies,
the flag was adorned with a circle of 13 white stars on a blue background
(known as the union) and 13 red and white stripes.
Inspiration for As the American frontier expanded, two new states were added to the Union
National and were incorporated into the flag. Two stars and two stripes were added to
Anthem the design—making a total of 15 each. This flag withstood enemy
bombardment at Fort McHenry, Maryland from 13 to 14 September 1814,
which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner.
Law About Captain Samuel C. Reid, U.S. Navy, suggested to Congress that the stripes
Stars and remain 13 in number to represent the 13 original colonies and that a star be
Stripes added to the blue field for each new state coming into the Union.
The resulting law of 4 April 1818 requires that a star be added for each new
state on the 4th of July after its admission. Today’s American flag remains
virtually unchanged with the exception of the number of stars in the union.
Now 50 states are represented in the union.
Storm The national ensign comes in three sizes. The smallest size measures 5 feet
by 9½ feet. This flag is
Post The post flag measures 10 feet by 19 feet. The post flag is
Garrison The garrison flag is the largest, measuring 20 feet by 38 feet. The garrison
flag is
Always Right The national flag represents the living country and is considered a living
thing. The union is the honor point. The right arm is the sword arm and
therefore the point of danger. Hence, the right is the place of honor.
The edge of the flag that is toward the staff is the heraldic dexter or right
edge. The union of the flag and the flag itself, when in company with other
flags, is always given the honor point. That means the national flag is always
given the marching right, the flag's own right, or an observer's left.
Customary The universal custom is to display the flag from sunrise to sunset. However,
Display when a patriotic effect is desired for special occasions, the flag may be
displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Hoisting and Colors, also known as the ceremonial hoisting and lowering of the national
Lowering ensign, is performed daily. Hoisting the colors (morning colors) is performed
at 0800. Lowering the colors (evening colors) occurs at sunset.
Half Mast Colors will be flown from the peak or truck of the mast, except when directed
to be flown at half-mast. Colors at half-mast means it is flown at the middle
point of the mast. The middle point of a
· Guyed mast is midway between the truck of the mast and the point of
attachment of the guys.
· Mast with a yardarm is midway between the truck of the mast and the
yardarm.
Technically, an ensign flown at any position other than the truck of the mast
is considered to be half-masted.
Executive Never permit any form of disrespect to the national flag. Obey the cautions
Order set forth in the Executive order by President Taft, dated 29 October 1912:
· Display the national flag with the union down, except as a distress signal.
· Place any other flag or pennant above, on the same level, or to the right of
the national flag.
· Let the national flag touch the ground or the floor or trail in the water.
· Place any object or emblem of any kind on or above the national flag.
· Fasten the national flag in any manner that will permit it to be easily torn.
· Drape the national flag over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle,
train, or boat. Fix the national flag firmly to the vehicle.
· Carry the national flag flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
· Use the national flag in any form of advertising or fasten advertising signs
to a pole from which you fly the national flag.
· Display, use, or store the national flag so that it can be easily soiled or
damaged.
Note: During divine services on board a ship out to sea, the church pennant
is flown above the national ensign.
Folding The procedures for folding the national ensign are identified in the table
below.
Step Action
1 Fold the flag in half lengthwise, so the crease parallels the red
and white stripes.
2 Fold the flag in half again, so the new crease also parallels the
red and white stripes and the union is to the outside.
3 Fold the fly end (the end away from the union) of the flag to the
top, so the single edge lies perpendicularly across the stripes.
Funerals The national flag is used to cover the casket at the military funeral of any
· Persons on the retired list of the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps
Reserve
On the Casket Place the national flag on the casket the reverse of that prescribed for
displaying it vertically against a wall. The flag shall be placed
Present the The interment flag is furnished at government expense for the nearest kin at
Flag the conclusion of the interment. When presented, the flag is
Precursors to Very little information is available regarding the flags carried by early
the Standard American Marines, although indications are the Grand Union flag was carried
ashore by the battalion led by Captain Samuel Nicholas on New Providence
Island, 3 March 1776. It is quite possible the Rattlesnake flag was also
carried on this expedition.
During the 1830s and 1840s, the standard consisted of a white field with gold
fringe and bore an elaborate design of an anchor and eagle in the center.
Before the Mexican War, this flag bore the legend, To the Shores of Tripoli
across the top. Later it was revised to read, From Tripoli to the Halls of the
Montezumas.
Standards of During the Mexican and Civil Wars, Marines in the field carried a flag similar
Early Battles to the national flag, comprised of red and white stripes and a union. The
union, however, contained an eagle perched on a shield of the United States
and a half-wreath beneath the shield, with 29 stars encircling the entire
design. Beginning in 1876, Marines carried the national colors (the Stars and
Stripes) with U.S. Marine Corps embroidered in yellow on the middle red
stripe.
At the time of the Vera Cruz landing in 1914, Marines carried a more
distinctive standard. The design consisted of a blue field with a laurel wreath
encircling the Marine Corps emblem in the center. A scarlet ribbon above the
emblem carried the words U.S. Marine Corps while another scarlet ribbon
below the emblem carried the motto Semper Fidelis.
Orders Orders were issued on 2 April 1921, which directed all national colors be
manufactured without the
· Yellow fringe
· Words U.S. Marine Corps embroidered on the red stripe
An order dated 14 March 1922 retired all national colors still in use with
yellow fringe or wording on the flag. Following World War I, the Army
practice of attaching silver bands carrying inscriptions enumerating specific
decorations and battles was adopted. This practice was discontinued on
23 January 1961.
Modern Marine Corps Order No. 4 of 18 April 1925 designated gold and scarlet as the
Standard official colors of the U.S. Marine Corps. These colors, however, were not
reflected in the official Marine Corps standard until 18 January 1939 when a
new design incorporating the new colors was approved. The design was
essentially that of today's Marine Corps standard.
Marine Corps On the outer side of each ply will be appliqued machine embroidered
Insignia components of the Marine Corps insignia, consisting of
· Hand knotted
· 2½ inches wide
· Golden-yellow color
· Trimmed on three sides of the standard
Cord Except when streamers are authorized, each standard shall have attached
below the spearhead of the staff a cord of scarlet and yellow threads
approximately
Authority Marine Corps colors or standards will be carried by the organization to which
issue is authorized on the same occasions as the national colors.
Colors Gold and scarlet are the official colors of the Marine Corps. All guidons,
banners, athletic ribbons, pennants, and other articles ordinarily designed to
represent the Marine Corps will use these colors. The gold will conform as
nearly as possible to that in the dress chevrons for enlisted personnel.
Three Classes A joint service specification designates Marine Corps flags as Type III flags.
The three classes of organizational standards are identified as
· Class 1
· Class 2
· Class 3
Type III Type III Class 1 standards are the command battle and organizational
Class 1 standards authorized for
Type III Type III Class 2 organizational standards are authorized for
Class 2
· Active non-Fleet Marine Force activities are not authorized the Type III
Class 1 standard
· The words, United States Marine Corps are on the scroll.
Type III Type III Class 3 organizational standards are authorized for
Class 3
· General officers of the Marine Corps Reserve in an active status
· Reserve units that are not authorized the battle standard
· The words, United States Marine Corps Reserve are on the scroll.
Guidons The guidon shall be made of red wool bunting upon which insignia, letters,
Description and numbers, as required, of gold wool bunting shall be sewn on each side.
This guidon shall measuring 1.83 feet on the hoist and 2.33 feet on the fly.
Guidons will always have regimental letters and numbers and will be
consistent in size:
Marine Corps A Marine Corps emblem (eagle, globe, and anchor) is placed in the center of
Emblem each side of the guidon. The emblem shall measure approximately
Display and In garrison, the guidon may be displayed at company headquarters between
Carrying morning and evening colors, except during inclement weather and when
carried in formation. The guidon is carried at ceremonies and any other time
the commander prescribes. The guidon bearer is considered under arms and
will not carry a weapon.
Types There are three types of organization guidons. The requirement for each
organizational guidon is listed in the table below:
· Order guidon
· Carry guidon
· Present guidon
· Ready guidon
· Guidon salute
· Parade rest with the guidon
· Fall out with the guidon
· Ferrule rests on the deck touching the right shoe to the right of the toe.
· Staff is held in the “V” formed by the thumb and fingers.
· Thumb and fingers should be straight with fingers touching.
· Right arm is kept behind the staff and slightly bent.
· Upper staff rests in the hollow of the right shoulder.
· Staff points straight up with the flat side of the spearhead facing front.
· Guidon bearer is at the position of attention with the exception of the right
hand.
Carry Guidon Carry guidon, the normal position of the guidon while marching, is the same
position as order guidon except the ferrule is 6 inches above the deck. The
steps to carry guidon are listed in the table below:
Step Action
Executed on a preparatory command, such as “FORWARD,”
1
which requires moving to a new position.
2 Place the left hand on the staff 2 inches above the right hand.
3 · Loosen the grip of the right hand.
· Pull the staff up with the left hand until the ferrule is 6
inches above the deck.
· Hold the staff straight with the right hand.
4 Move the left hand smartly back to the side.
To return to the order guidon position, on “ARMS,” allow the staff to slip
through the right hand until the ferrule touches the deck.
Present Guidon Present guidon can be reached from three different positions. The commands
to present and return are listed in the table below:
From Position Command
Order guidon at “PRESENT, ARMS” and “ORDER, ARMS.”
the halt
Carry guidon on “EYES, RIGHT” and “READY, FRONT.”
the march
Note: Eyes right is executed in the same manner except
the head turns to the right as the staff is lowered.
At officers Executed at a halt, from carry, without command.
center
Present guidon is executed in one count. On the command, “ARMS”
· Lower the guidon straight to the front until the staff is horizontal and rests
in the pit of the right arm.
· Turn the staff to the right so the sharp edge of the spearhead faces down.
· Hold your right elbow firmly against the body.
The commands to return to order or carry are listed in the table below:
Command Action
Preparatory Smartly and audibly grasp the staff with the left hand with
“ORDER or the palm up at a point forward of the right hand.
READY”
Execution With the left hand, carry the guidon up and back to the
“ARMS or position of carry guidon. At the same time, return to
FRONT” · Order
· Let the staff slide straight downward through the
right hand until the ferrule rests on the deck, the left
hand will steady the staff as it slides downward.
· Once the staff is returned to the deck, cut the left
hand smartly back to its normal position at the left
side.
· Carry
· Return your head and eyes to the front
· Once the staff is back into the shoulder, cut the left
hand smartly away.
Ready Guidon Ready guidon is used as a signal for aiding troops in the execution of
commands where hearing verbal commands is difficult. The guidon is
brought to ready guidon on the preparatory command and is smartly lowered
to order or carry on the command of execution.
Ready guidon may be used as a signal for the execution of any command
except present arms and eyes right (left), at which times the guidon also
renders honors.
Guidon Salute The purpose of guidon salute is to render honors as in hand salute.
“GUIDON, SALUTE” is executed in two counts.
Count Action
1 On the command of execution “SALUTE”
Parade Rest “PARADE, REST” is executed in one count and may be given only when
halted at the position of attention. On the command, “REST”
· Place your left hand behind you, just below the belt.
· Keep your fingers straight and touching with your palm flat and facing to
the rear.
· Straighten your right arm forward and grasp the staff so the guidon tilts
forward at 30 degrees.
· The ferrule and the spearhead remain in the same position as order
guidon.
Fall Out Fall out is only given from order guidon. On the command, “FALL OUT”
Estimated 15 minutes
Study Time
Item 1 The two flags commonly used by the Marine Corps today are
Item 2 When mounted on a staff and carried by an individual on foot, the national
and organizational flags are called
a. colors.
b. standards.
c. ensigns.
d. ceremonial markers.
a. 4 July 1776.
b. 14 June 1777.
c. 14 September 1814.
d. 4 April 1818.
Item 4 When in the company of other flags, the national flag is always given point of
honor. The point of honor is the
Item 5 The Executive order outlining cautions pertaining to the flag of the United
States of America was drafted by President
a. Truman.
b. Washington.
c. Eisenhower.
d. Taft.
Item 6 Marine Corps Order No. 4 of 18 April 1925 designated the official colors of
the U.S. Marine Corps as
Item 7 The Marine Corps organizational flag shall measure ______ inches on the
hoist by ______ inches on the fly.
a. 50; 60
b. 52; 66
c. 54; 68
d. 60; 74
Item 8 The distinguishing organizational flags authorized for and bearing the title of
a designated unit of the Fleet Marine Force are
a. guidons.
b. streamers.
c. battle standards.
d. colors.
a. guidon.
b. marker.
c. pennant.
d. streamer.
a. one
b. two
c. three
d. four
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Unit Scope Marines have long been known for their military appearance, smartness, and
distinctive uniforms. What has maintained that reputation has been an
unceasing emphasis on the correct wearing of the uniform, careful
supervision (by noncommissioned officers especially), and the pride of
individual Marines.
It is up to you as a noncommissioned officer, 24 hours a day, on duty and off,
to help uphold the Marine Corps reputation.
Marine NCOs are often called on to inspect their troops. Before formations,
the squad or section leader inspects the troops to make sure they present a
professional military appearance. When preparing for formal inspections,
NCOs are usually the first level inspectors for the unit. Therefore, you must
know how to conduct an inspection and be familiar with uniform regulations.
· Conduct an inspection.
Estimated 25 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope MCO P1020.34F Marine Corps Uniform Regulations is the bible on
uniforms, insignia, and grooming. Uniform regulations list the articles of
uniform that every enlisted Marine must maintain at all times. This lesson
describes the two basic types of inspections that the regulation covers and the
guidelines for conducting each type.
Clothing and Clothing and equipment inspections are conducted to make sure each Marine
Equipment has all the prescribed clothing and equipment, his or her own gear, and all
gear is clean and serviceable.
Additionally, the barracks are inspected to make sure they are clean and well
maintained.
Detail and A clothing and equipment inspection takes much more time than personnel
Sequence inspections. You must inspect in detail and in sequence for
· Proper display
· Serviceability
· Cleanliness
· Irish pennants
Bunks When inspecting bunks, start in sequence at the head of the bunk and work
down.
Wall Lockers When inspecting a uniform display in a wall locker, inspect from left to right
and top to bottom for
· Proper display
· Serviceability
· Cleanliness
· Proper name marking
· Fit (have the Marine try on one or two items)
· Respect the display. Do not tear up the display. Replace each item as you
inspect it. The Marine has worked long and hard on the display. Treat it
with the same respect that you would want yours to be shown.
Personal Inspect the overall personal hygiene and grooming standards of the Marine:
Hygiene
· Haircut
· Mustache
· Nose hair
· Shave
· Breath odor
· Fingernails (including nail polish and length)
Blouse and Inspect the upper uniform appearance for the following items:
Coat Area
· Tie or necktab
· Collar stays
· Lapel
· Ribbons
· Badges
· Buttons
· Fit of blouse or shirt
· Tie clasp
· Rank insignia
· Emblems
· Service stripes
Trouser and Inspect the lower uniform for the following items:
Shoe Area
· Belt and buckle
· Fit and length of trousers or skirt
· Brass and leather items (shiny with no marks or scratches)
· Serviceability and cleanliness of shoes or boots
· Proper press (double creases)
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete the exercise items 1 through 9 by performing the action required.
Check your answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
a. MCO P1020.34F
b. MCO P1000.00
c. MCO 1500.01
d. MCO 3000.01
a. make sure each Marine has all the prescribed clothing and equipment, his
or her own gear, and all gear is clean and serviceable.
b. develop discipline and attention to detail in your Marines by having them
spend many hours preparing uniforms and equipment.
c. support requisitions for additional equipment by showing how much is
missing or inoperable.
d. establish teamwork and responsibility in the unit by having NCOs
supervise Marines in their preparations.
a. identify Marines who need extra supervision and those who are ready for
additional responsibilities.
b. make sure your Marines are present and meet personal appearance
standards.
c. make sure your Marines present a professional military appearance,
appear in good health, and communicate intelligently in military subjects.
d. establish standard procedures in a unit for formations, dress, and
organization.
Items 5 Matching: For items 5 through 7, match the letter of the guideline for
Through 7 clothing and equipment inspections in column 2 to the inspection statement in
column 1. Place your response in the spaces provided. The answers in
column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Item 8 List four of the six personal hygiene and grooming standards in a personnel
inspection.
(1) ___________________________________________________________
(2) ___________________________________________________________
(3) ___________________________________________________________
(4) ___________________________________________________________
Item 9 List three of the five items to inspect on the lower uniform.
(1) ___________________________________________________________
(2) ___________________________________________________________
(3) ___________________________________________________________
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 25 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope To establish a time for an inspection, the inspector must be given the
requirements and commander’s intent. The commander’s guidance should
include
· Type of inspection
· Time of inspection
· Location for inspection
· List of uniforms and equipment to be inspected
· Format or diagram of how items are to be displayed
From this information, you can use reverse planning and conduct a
preliminary inspection.
Definition The reverse planning process begins long before the actual inspection.
Reverse planning starts with the inspector who formulates the plans from the
top to the lowest level of the organization. Regardless of the type of
inspection, reverse planning is a procedure designed to
· Keep all key players in the chain of command informed so they can plan
accordingly.
Guidelines When using reverse planning, follow the guidelines listed in the table below:
Guideline Action
Receive the · Identify the type of inspection to be conducted.
Commander’s Intent
· Check the time, date, and location.
Guidelines,
continued
Guideline Action
Inspect · Wear the same uniform as the Marines being
inspected.
Guidelines You must know the time, location, type of inspection, uniform, and
equipment requirements. With that information, you should adapt the
guidelines to the specific circumstances of the inspection and develop your
own style of inspecting based on the guidelines listed in the table below:
Guideline Action
Preparation · Allow sufficient time for the unit to prepare for
the inspection.
Guidelines,
continued
Guideline Actions
Details · Pay close attention to detail.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Items 2 Matching: For items 2 through 4, match the letter of the guideline for reverse
Through 4 planning in column 2 to the action listed in column 1. Place your response in
the spaces provided. The answers in column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Action Guideline
a. see that each Marine has all the prescribed clothing and equipment, his or
her own gear, and all their gear is clean and serviceable.
b. develop discipline and attention to detail in your Marines by having them
spend many hours preparing their uniforms and equipment.
c. support requisitions for additional equipment by showing how much is
missing.
d. conduct it far enough in advance so your Marines will have time to
correct discrepancies before the scheduled inspection.
Items 6 Matching: For items 6 through 8, match the letter of the guideline for
Through 8 preliminary inspection in column 2 to the action listed in column 1. Place
your response in the spaces provided. The answers in column 2 may be used
only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Action Guideline
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope The purpose of conducting a preliminary inspection is to identify the proper
fit, wearing of uniforms, and grooming standards far in advance to allow
enough time to correct discrepancies before the scheduled inspection.
Wearing the uniform is a matter of personal pride for all Marines. Your
uniform must be properly fitted according to the TM 10120-15/1, Marine
Corps Fitting and Alterations Manul, and the MCO P1020.34F Marine Corps
Uniform Regulations to set an example of professional appearance and strict
conformity. Every sergeant must know the proper fit of uniforms to ensure
the traditions and standards of the Marine Corps are properly displayed.
Shirts If the shirt is manufactured from polyester cotton, it will probably show a
maximum shrinkage of 2 percent in the collar, chest, back length, and sleeve
length.
Shirt The guidelines for the proper fit of shirts are listed in the table below:
Guidelines
Fit Guideline
Overall · Allow ample room around the chest and shoulders
to permit free use of the arms without binding.
· Collar
· Cuff (buttoned)
Trousers Trousers have a numeric sizing system and are labeled according to waist and
inseam measurements. Waist measurement is secondary to proper seat fit,
since the waist can be altered. Fit trousers over undergarments while wearing
a dress shirt, dress shoes, and web belt. Trousers are worn so the lower edge
of the waistband is placed squarely on top of the hipbones. Trousers are
furnished with unfinished leg bottoms, but with the intended 3-inch hem that
is included in the inseam measurement. Measuring the waist is the final
consideration. If the seat fits well, the waist can be altered accordingly.
Trouser The guidelines for the proper fit of trousers are listed in the table below:
Guidelines
Fit Guideline
Overall Trousers are sized numerically according to the waist
measurement and are supplied in waist sizes 26, 28, 29,
30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44. They are
designed to fit smoothly, but not tightly around the
hips, seat, and waist with a slight fullness for comfort:
Trouser
Guidelines,
continued
Fit Guideline
Length (After · Hem should have a 2½- to 3-inch turn up.
Hemming)
· Legs of trousers must hang straight from the seat
Service and The guidelines for the proper fit of the service and dress coat are listed in the
Dress Coat table below:
Guidelines
Note: Unless otherwise indicated below, all fitting checks and tolerances for
the dress coat are the same as those for the service coat.
Service and
Dress Coat
Guidelines,
continued
· Insufficient – creates an
excessive front overlap.
Service and
Dress Coat
Guidelines,
continued
· A gathering of up to 1 inch
of material on both of the
side seams of the flare is
allowable
Back Vent The left side of the back vent Same as service coat
shall overlap the right side
approximately 3 to 4 inches. In
some cases, the profile of the
individual precludes obtaining
the minimum overlap. In those
cases, a minimum of 1½ inch
overlap is permissible, provided
the vertical edge of the vent
closure is straight.
All-Weather The all-weather coat (AWC) is provided in a numeric size including length.
Coat The AWC fits over the service coat with the liner zipped in the coat.
AWC The guidelines for the proper fit of the AWC are listed in the table below:
Guidelines
Fit Guideline
Sleeves Extend beyond the undergarment sleeve by ½ inch,
plus or minus ¼ inch.
Length Extend midway between the knee and the mid-calf.
Chest and Shoulders Fit smoothly across the chest and shoulder blades
Waist · Noticeably full on the back waist to provide a
pleated effect of the material under the belt.
Utility Uniform The guidelines for the proper fit of the utility uniform are listed in the table
Guidelines below:
Fit Guidelines
Coat · Size for camouflage coat is based on the neck and
sleeve measurements
Caps, Frame, The frame and garrison caps, provided in numeric sizing, are best fitted using
Garrison, and the try on method. The size of the garrison cap should be the same as that of
Utility the frame cap. The utility cap is provided in five alpha sizes—extra-small
through extra-large. All caps should
· Fit snugly and comfortable around the largest part of the head
· Have lower band of the frame rest high enough on the head to preclude
the top of the head from forcing the cover above its natural tautness
· Have bottom of the visor slightly above (½ inch) the eye level of the
wearer
The garrison cap should fit around the head so that neither the top, front, or
rear contour of the cap breaks.
Footwear The foot is held securely in the shoe from the lacing at the instep to the heel,
but with sufficient room in the toe for the foot to be free from restriction.
Fitted over the appropriate socks, the wearer should experience maximum
comfort.
Footwear The guidelines for the proper fit of shoes or boots are listed in the table
Guidelines below:
Step Action
1 Place the heels well into the back.
2 Lace dress shoes completely.
3 Tie at least five eyelets on boots.
4 Check the widest part of the footwear, the widest point (ball
joint) of the foot.
5 Foot fills the footwear without excessive tightness.
6 Length is sufficient to allow at least ½ inch between the end of
the longest toe and the end of the footwear
7 Do a full knee bend with the heel off the deck. Recheck the
ball joint, width, and length:
Footwear
Guidelines,
continued
Step Action
8 Walk around as a final check for comfort. The wearer has the
final approval of the proper fit of the footwear.
9 Check the overall appearance:
· Short sleeve—Colors come in khaki and white. The white is worn with
no rank insignia and never worn without the blue coat.
Shirt The guidelines for the proper fit of shirts are listed in the table below:
Guidelines
Fit Guideline
Bust Measurement Fits smoothly over the bust without strain.
Shoulders Seam should not extend beyond natural shoulder line.
Long Sleeves Bottom edge of cuff covers wrist bone and extends to
a point of 2 inches above the second joint from the
end of the thumb.
Collar · Fits smoothly and closely to the neck
· Allow insertion of one finger between neck and
collar with collar closed.
Waist · Fits smoothly over the hips
· Does not ride up
· Green—will be worn when long sleeve khaki shirts are worn with the
service “A” and “B” uniforms and when the short sleeve shirt is worn with
the service “A” uniform.
· Black—will be worn by enlisted Marines with the blue dress “A”, “B”,
and “C” or blue-white dress “A” and “B” uniforms.
· Scarlet—will be worn with the blue dress blue-white “A” and “B”
uniform.
No necktab will be worn with service “C” uniform or when the service
sweater is worn.
Skirts The service green and dress blue skirts are designed from the same basic
pattern. The fitting and alteration requirements are the same for both skirts.
Skirts must be fitted over the appropriate undergarments according to
· Hip measurement
· Waist measurement
Skirt The guidelines for the proper fit of the skirt are listed in the table below:
Guidelines
Fit Guideline
Hip · Fits smoothly over the hips
Waist · Fits easily, not tightly
Service and The service green and dress blue slacks are designed from the same basic
Dress Slacks pattern and share the same fitting requirements. They are furnished with
unfinished leg bottoms with the intended 3-inch hem included in the inseam
measurement. Slacks must be fitted over the appropriate undergarment
according to
· Hip measurement
· Waist measurement
Service and The guidelines for the proper fit of the service and dress slacks are listed
Dress Slack below:
Guidelines
· Must fit smoothly around hips and waist
· Legs must be long enough to reach the juncture of the welt of the shoe in
the rear
· After hemming, the front should be ¾ inch to 1 inch shorter than the back.
Blood Stripe Corporals and above have blood stripes on their slacks. The blood stripe
Placement
· Positioned on the front panel with the back edge of the stripe aligned with
the outseam and the edge of the pocket.
· The top of stripe is to finish at or in the waist seam and the bottom end of
the stripe is to be turned up in the hem
Service and Both the service and dress coats are formed fitted, available in a range of
Dress Coats sizes, and come in three lengths—short, regular, and long. Bust, shoulder,
and sleeve fit are the same for both coats. However, the dress coat is
designed to be slightly longer then the service coat.
Service and The guidelines for the proper fit of the service and dress coats are listed in the
Dress Coat table below:
Guidelines
Fit Guideline
Bust · Use the fit that most closely corresponds to bust
measurement.
Caps Caps are available in a range of sizes that correspond to the head size,
measured in inches around the head midway on the forehead above the ears.
There are three types of caps:
· Garrison service
· Dress and service
· Utility
Cap Guidelines The guidelines for the proper fit of caps are listed below:
Footwear Choice of appropriate footwear for females depends on the uniform being
worn. There are four types of footwear authorized for females:
· Boots
· Oxford shoes
· Pumps
· Flats
Oxford Shoe Guidelines for the female’s oxford shoes are similar as for males. Oxfords
Guidelines can only be purchased from a Marine Corps authorized source (Marine Corps
Exchange, clothing sales facility, or approved commercial source). Oxfords
should fit to ensure maximum comfort when fitted over hosiery.
Fit The fit for pumps is the same as for oxfords. When trying on shoes or boots,
be sure to follow the same guidelines presented in Proper Fit of Uniforms for
Males in this lesson. In addition, check the fit when the foot is
Types The three types of authorized uniforms for enlisted Marines are
· Dress
· Service
· Utility
Special Dress The blue-white dress “A” and “B” uniforms are the same as the blue dress
Uniforms “A” and “B” uniforms, except the trousers, skirt, or slacks are white. This
uniform can only be worn by SNCO’s during the summer. It can be
prescribed for NCO’s and below by the Commanding Officer for official
parades, ceremonies, and reviews.
Dress Uniforms The types of blue dress uniforms and their description are listed in the table
below:
· Solemnities
Dress
Uniforms,
continued
Service The types of service uniform and their description are listed in table below:
Uniforms
Service
Uniforms,
continued
Note: The service sweater can be worn at the individual's option as part of
the service “B” or “C” uniform.
The utility uniform is not authorized for leave or liberty. Marines can wear
the utility uniform to and from their domicile, unless their commander
prohibits doing so. Commanders can authorize the wear of the utility uniform
for brief and appropriate stops off base during duty hours or while
commuting.
Maternity When the local commander determines that a pregnant woman can no longer
Uniform wear the service uniform, she must wear the maternity uniform as the uniform
of the day. The maternity uniform consists of
· Slacks or skirts
· Long or short sleeve maternity shirts with or without the tunic top
· The tunic top must be worn when the service coat is prescribed for
wear.
· Always wear the green necktab when the tunic top or the long sleeve
maternity shirt is worn.
· Wear the short sleeve maternity shirt with an open collar and no
necktab when it is worn without the tunic.
· Maternity utilities
Maternity Guidelines for proper wearing of the maternity uniform are listed below:
Uniform
Guidelines · Place and wear the insignia of grade on the maternity shirts as you would
on regular khaki shirts.
· Wear all other uniform items of the maternity uniform the same as for the
service uniform.
Female Hosiery and handbags are two specific uniform items for females. Wear full-
Accessories length nylon hose with the service and dress uniforms when wearing a skirt.
Hosiery must harmonize with the natural skin tone of the individual.
The black handbag is issued or sold through the Marine Corps Supply System
and Marine Corps Exchange. It can be carried with the service and dress
uniforms, except when in formation, over the left shoulder and arm.
General Articles of religious apparel that are not visible or apparent when worn with
Guidelines the uniform are authorized.
Unauthorized Unless authorized by CMC or higher authority, the items listed below may
Items not be exposed with the uniform:
· Pencils
· Pens
· Watch chains
· Pins
· Handkerchiefs
· Combs
· Cigarettes
· Pipes
· Barrettes
· Hair ribbons
· Flowers
Face The face will be clean, unless the male Marine chooses to wear a mustache.
However, the mustache must be
· Neatly trimmed
· Between the margin of the upper lip and bottom of the nose
· Within the corners of the mouth
· Hair cannot exceed ½ inch fully extended
Hair The female’s hair can touch the collar, but cannot fall below the collar's edge.
Any artificial coloring must harmonize with the individual’s complexion tone
and eye color. Wigs must look natural and conform to all the above listed
regulations.
· Lipstick must harmonize with the scarlet shade used in that uniform:
· Worn with the service, dress, or maternity uniform
· Can wear red or pink shades with the utility uniform
· Nail polish must either harmonize with lipstick or be colorless.
Purpose Clothing and equipment displays are the usual method of inspecting an
individual’s clothing and combat equipment (782 gear). Displayed in the
appropriate area, an inspector will inspect the required items for the
· Number
· Marking
· Condition
· Wall locker
· Junk on the bunk (JOB)
The Marine must stand a wall locker and JOB inspection to meet the
requirements of the commander’s guidance that initiated the inspection. A
commander may require a combination of bunk and wall locker displays to
achieve his or her inspection purposes.
Wall Locker Wall locker displays should follow the model illustrated in the diagram below
Display to promote uniformity throughout the Marine Corps. Though the commander
may prescribe displays that vary from this model, the commander’s guidance
is the key to the display.
Diagram The wardrobe display and instructions are identified in the diagram below:
Junk On The Junk on the bunk (JOB) displays should follow the model illustrated in the
Bunk Display diagram below to promote uniformity throughout the Marine Corps. Though
the commander may prescribe displays that vary from this model, the
commander’s guidance is the key to the display.
Estimated 15 minutes
Study Time
Item 1 Where can you find instructions for the proper fit of uniform clothing?
Item 2 How long is the sleeve on the male’s long sleeve shirt?
Item 3 After hemming, what is the length of the hem on the trouser legs?
a. 1 to 2 inches
b. 1½ to 2½ inches
c. 2½ to 3 inches
d. 3½ inches
Item 4 The male’s service coat should be loose enough to pinch _____ of material in
the chest.
a. 1 inch
b. 2 inches
c. 3 inches
d. 4 inches
Item 6 What is the priority of fitting for the female’s long sleeve shirt?
Item 8 What is the maximum authorized hem for the service and dress slacks?
a. 1 inch
b. 2 inches
c. 3 inches
d. 4 inches
Item 9 What is the proper length of the sleeves on the female’s service coat?
Item 10 What are the four types of authorized uniforms for enlisted Marines?
Item 11 What is the maximum authorized length of hair on the upper portion of a male
Marine's head?
a. 2 inches
b. 3 inches
c. 4 inches
d. 5 inches
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Introduction The purpose of the review lesson examination is to prepare you for the final
examination. We recommend that you try to complete your review lesson
examination without referring to the text, but for those items (questions) you
are unsure of, restudy the text. When you finish your review lesson and are
satisfied with your responses, check your responses against the answers
provided at the end of this review lesson examination.
Directions Select the ONE answer that BEST completes the statement or that answers
the item. For multiple choice items, circle your response. For matching
items, place the letter of your response in the space provided.
Item 3 No person subject to the chapter may interrogate or request any statement
from an accused or a person suspected of an offense without first informing
him of the accusation and advising him that he does not have to make any
statement regarding the offense of which he is accused or suspected. He is
also informed that any statement made by him may be used as evidence
against him in a trial by court-martial composes the contents of paragraph
______ of Article 31 of the UCMJ.
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
Item 4 No person subject to this chapter may compel any person to incriminate
himself, or to answer any question that may tend to incriminate him composes
the contents of paragraph ______ of Article 31 of the UCMJ.
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
Item 5 No person subject to this chapter may compel any person to make a statement
or to produce evidence before any military tribunal if the statement or
evidence is not material to the issue and may tend to degrade him composes
the contents of paragraph ______ of Article 31 of the UCMJ.
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
(1) Instruct the suspect to read and sign the Suspects Rights and
Acknowledgement/Statement Form.
(2) Identify yourself to the suspect.
(3) Ask the suspect three questions:
· Do you want a lawyer?
· Do you understand that if you should decide to answer questions, you
may stop answering questions at any time?
· Do you want to answer questions and make a statement?
(4) Read the Article 31 Warning Card verbatim without error to the suspect.
(5) Document the suspect’s Article 31 advisement on the Suspects Rights
and Acknowledgement/Statement Form.
(6) Terminate the reading if the suspect:
· Does not understand his or her rights
· Declines to answer questions or make a statement
· Requests a lawyer.
a. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
b. 2, 3, 4, 6, 5, 1
c. 2, 4, 3, 6, 5, 1
d. 3, 5, 2, 6, 1, 4
Item 14 An individual under the influence of alcohol, but understanding his or her
rights, is requested to identify his or her personal effects at a crime scene.
Item 16 The punitive articles are found in the ______ and are listed from
Item 18 The components of the punitive articles that lead to charging a suspect of an
offense are listed below in scrambled order:
a. 6, 1, 2, 4, 3, 5, 7
b. 6, 1, 5, 2, 4, 3, 7
c. 1, 6, 2, 3, 5, 4, 7
d. 1, 5, 2, 4, 3, 6, 7
a. First sergeant
b. Platoon commander
c. Squad leader
d. Any Marine
Item 21 What are the two primary sources for the laws of war?
Item 22 Destroying the enemy’s will to resist or change their will until it agrees with
the objective set forth by higher authorities is defined as the
Item 23 The three purposes for laws of war are identified in the list below:
Select the correct purposes for laws of war from the responses listed below.
a. 7, 2, 3
b. 4, 2, 6
c. 1, 4, 5
d. 1, 3, 5
Item 24 What are the four basic concepts underlying the laws of war?
Item 25 The nine Marine principles of war are identified in the list below:
Select the correct principles of war from the responses listed below.
a. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12
b. 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13
c. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12
d. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Item 28 The three steps required to report an illegal order are identified in the list
below:
Select the correct sequence of steps listed below to report an illegal order.
a. 1, 2, 6
b. 1, 5, 3
c. 3, 4, 5
d. 4, 5, 6
a. battle orders.
b. combat directives.
c. operations orders.
d. rules of engagement.
Item 30 The three purposes for rules of engagement (ROE) are identified in the list
below:
Select the correct purposes for ROE from the responses listed below.
a. 1, 3, 6
b. 2, 4, 3
c. 2, 4, 5
d. 3, 5, 6
Item 31 What are the classes of persons that are entitled to self-defense?
Item 32 What are the three types of actions that will justify self-defense?
Item 33 The origins of the noncommissioned officer are identified in the list below:
Select the correct origins of the noncommissioned officer from the responses
listed below.
a. 1 and 8
b. 2 and 7
c. 5 and 3
d. 6 and 4
Item 34 The responsibilities of the NCO are identified in the list below:
Select the correct responsibilities of the NCO from the responses listed below.
a. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
b. 2, 3, 7, 9, 10
c. 2, 4, 5, 6, 8
d. 3, 4, 6, 9, 10
Item 35 The NCO’s obligations for self and to the unit are identified in the list below:
Select the NCO’s correct obligations for self and to the unit from the
responses listed below.
a. 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9
b. 1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10
c. 2, 4, 5, 6 10, 11
d. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11
Item 36 The major roles the NCO fulfills are identified in the list below:
Select the correct roles the NCO fulfills from the responses listed below.
a. 2, 6, 8
b. 3, 4, 7
c. 1, 3, 5
d. 2, 4, 7
(1) The deed must be the type that if not done, it will not subject the
individual to any justified criticism.
(2) The deed must be in support of a unit involved in combat operations.
(3) The deed must be without detriment to the mission of the command or to
the command to which attached.
(4) The valor must include hand-to-hand combat and there must be at least
one enemy casualty using an entrenching tool.
(5) The unit must suffer high combat casualties, and with at least one of the
key personnel being replaced by the MOH recipient.
(6) No margin of doubt or possibility of error in awarding this honor.
(7) Service is rendered conspicuous above their comrades by an act so
outstanding that it clearly distinguishes their gallantry beyond the call of
duty from lesser forms of bravery.
(8) The deed must be executed while assigned to a combat arms unit or
during the execution phase of an expeditionary operation.
Select the correct criteria of the MOH from the responses listed below.
a. 1, 2, 5, 7
b. 1, 3, 6, 7
c. 2, 3, 4, 8
d. 3, 4, 5, 8
Item 40 The historical NCO duties are identified in the list below:
Select the historical NCO duties from the responses listed below.
a. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
b. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
c. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
d. 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10
Select the correct second paragraph of the NCO creed from the responses
listed below.
a. I will remember that I am responsible to the SNCO and NCO corps for the
discipline, focus, and combat effectiveness of my men.
b. I will never forget that I am responsible to my commanding officer for the
morale, discipline, and the efficiency of my men and their performance
will reflect an image of me.
c. I am responsible to the SgtMaj and SNCO’s for the management of my
Marines, their professional and personal discipline, combat effectiveness,
and attention to detail. Their performance reflects directly on my
personal performance standards and me.
d. I will never forget that I am responsible to my platoon commander and
platoon sergeant for the combat efficiency, morale, and good order of my
men and their overall performance.
Item 42 In 1983 following the assassination of the Prime Minister and the overthrow
of the government of Grenada, the Marines participated in an operation. It
was a joint military operation in response to a request from neighboring
Caribbean nations. The Marines’ rapid response secured the island and
safeguarded hundreds of American citizens living on the island. What is the
correct name of this descriptive deployment?
Item 44 This military operation was designed to halt the advance of Iraqi forces and to
position multinational forces assembled for possible offensive action to dispel
the invading force. This operation validated the Marine Corps’ maritime pre-
positioning force (MPF) concept and enacted the plan of tailoring units to
accomplish a mission as part of a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF).
What is the correct name of this descriptive deployment?
Item 45 During 1991, an operation was launched after the Iraqi government refused to
comply with the United Nations’ resolutions. Marine aviation conducted
combat operations when the air phase commenced in January 1991. After
massive bombing, Marine ground forces participated in the sweep into
Kuwait to help liberate the country and damage the Iraqi military capability.
What is the correct name of this descriptive deployment?
Item 46 In 1992 as part of a joint military operation, Marine forces landed in war-torn
Somalia. United States forces provided security for the distribution of
humanitarian aid. The U.S. forces were later incorporated in the United
Nations’ peacekeeping forces and were sent to stabilize the situation in the
country. What is the correct name of this descriptive deployment?
Item 47 During 1994, a joint military operation was ordered by the President to
restore the civilian government in Haiti. Marines landed in northern Haiti to
stabilize the situation and provide security for the orderly transfer of power
from the military to the democratically elected government of President Jean
Bertrand Aristide. What is the correct name of this descriptive deployment?
a. column.
b. file.
c. rank.
d. element.
Directions for Choose the answer that correctly describes the term identified by the
Items 49 corresponding number in the platoon diagram below:
Through 52
Item 49 a. Footstep
b. Ground distance
c. Distance
d. Right guide
Item 51 a. Baseline
b. Depth
c. Front
d. Line
Item 52 a. Front
b. Row
c. Squad
d. File
Item 54 The individual upon whom a formation or elements thereof regulates its
march is identified as the
a. platoon commander.
b. squad leader.
c. guide.
d. platoon sergeant.
Item 55 The lateral space between elements on the same line is defined as
a. interval.
b. a pace.
c. distance.
d. a step.
a. double
b. slow
c. normal
d. quick
Item 57 Select the correct procedures that a platoon sergeant must execute to form an
unarmed platoon.
Choice Step
a (1) Post himself or herself three paces in front of the point where
the center of the platoon will be and face that point.
(2) Command, “FALL IN” or “AT CLOSE INTERVAL, FALL
IN.”
(3) Command, “REPORT.”
(4) Receive the report.
(5) Salute and report, “SIR, ALL PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED
FOR” or “SIR, (Number) MARINES ABSENT.”
b (1) Post himself or herself six paces in front of the point where the
center of the platoon will be and face that point.
(2) Command, “FALL IN” or “AT CLOSE INTERVAL, FALL
IN.”
(3) Command, “REPORT.”
(4) Receive the report.
(5) Salute and report, “SIR, ALL PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED
FOR” or “SIR, (Number) MARINES ABSENT.”
c (1) Post himself or herself three paces in front of the point where
the center of the platoon will be and face that point.
(2) Draw sword.
(3) Command, “FALL IN” or “AT CLOSE INTERVAL, FALL
IN.”
(4) Command, “REPORT.”
(5) Receive the report.
(6) Command, “INSPECTION, ARMS.” “PORT, ARMS.”
“ORDER, ARMS
(7) Salute and report, “SIR, ALL PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED
FOR” or “SIR, (Number) MARINES ABSENT.”
d (1) Post himself or herself six paces in front of the point where the
center of the platoon will be and face that point.
(2) Command, “FALL IN” or “AT CLOSE INTERVAL, FALL
IN.”
(3) Command, “REPORT.”
(4) Receive the report.
(5) Command, “INSPECTION, ARMS.” “PORT, ARMS.”
“RIGHT SHOULDER, ARMS.” “ORDER, ARMS.”
(6) Salute and report, “SIR, ALL PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED
FOR” or “SIR, (Number) MARINES ABSENT.”
Item 59 Mark time, half step, change direction on the march, and march to the oblique
are common marching movements. What are the other three most common
marching movements?
a. Change step, march to open ranks, and march to the tactical column
b. Change step, march to the flank, and march to the rear
c. Change step, march to route step, and march to the rear
d. Chain step, march to the flank, and march to the rear
Item 60 Select the correct procedures to dismiss an armed platoon at attention in line
formation.
Directions for Using the diagram below, identify items 61 through 64 on the scabbard.
Items 61
Through 64
Item 63 a. Tip
b. Striking end
c. Lower end
d. Blade cover
Item 64 a. Drag
b. Foible
c. Casement tip
d. False edge
Directions for Using the diagram below, identify items 65 through 68 on the sword.
Items 65
Through 68
Item 65 a. Stud
b. Hilt
c. Grip
d. Pommel
Item 68 a. Picasso
b. Test approval star
c. Ricasso
d. Neck
Directions for Using the diagram below, identify items 69 through 72 on the sword.
Items 69
Through 72
Item 69 a. Foible
b. Blade edge
c. True edge
d. Wilkinson edge
Item 70 a. Foible
b. Cutting edge
c. Blade
d. Percussion point
Directions for Using the diagram below, identify items 73 through 77 on the sword.
Items 73
Through 77
Item 75 a. Quillion
b. Forte
c. Ricasso
d. Blade
Item 77 a. Hilt
b. Grips
c. Handle
d. Knuckle bow
Item 78 The sword is the correct size when the tip of the sword is
a. on the left side of the body in the scabbard placed inside the frog.
b. on the right side of the body at carry sword at all times.
c. on the left side of the body if the carrier is right-handed and opposite for
left handed carriers.
d. as dictated by local drill and ceremony regulations.
Item 80 The sword is drawn whenever you are with armed troops or you
Item 81 A Marine should assume carry sword when any manual of arms movement
has been ordered except: parade rest, at ease, rest, present arms, order arms,
eyes right (left), and changing position in formation at quick time. What are
the other two exceptions?
Item 82 When marching with the sword at the carry, you should swing your arms
naturally and
Item 83 Hold the sword ____________________ when you march at double time and
a. forward of the chest remembering to swing the arm; rotate the drag of the
scabbard forward.
b. diagonally across the chest with the sharp edge towards the front; hold the
scabbard with your left hand just below the frog.
c. both hands across the body at the port; have to be aware of the bouncing
scabbard.
d. by the grip under the right arm remembering to pinch the elbow to the
body; grasp the scabbard by the upper end.
Item 85 When the sword slants down to the front with the point 3 inches from the
deck and the true edge of the blade turned down best describes
a. present arms.
b. order sword.
c. parade rest when armed with a sword.
d. at ease when armed with a sword.
Item 86 When moving from order sword to carry sword, the sword should be
a. at a 45-degree angle across the chest and ready for double time.
b. ready for return sword at the bearer’s own unspoken command.
c. locked into the wrist when bringing it and in front of the face to give the
appropriate salutation or greeting.
d. locked into a vertical position when the blade reaches your shoulder seam.
a. straight out at a 45-degree angle, dropping it down and vertically with the
thumb along the shoulder seam.
b. raised up to the level of and 6 inches in front of your neck with the blade
at a 30-degree angle.
c. pulled from the scabbard when walking, brought out at a 45-degree angle
and up in front of the body.
d. retained in the scabbard and a hand salute will be rendered.
Item 88 When executing eyes right (left), when is the command “READY, FRONT”
given?
a. After the true edge of the sword is turned down in preparation for the
command of execution.
b. When the last man of the platoon passes by the reviewing officer.
c. When you are six paces passed the reviewing officer.
d. As you pass the second flag set up in the parade reviewing area.
Item 91 What are the two types of flags used by the Marine Corps?
Item 92 Which is the distinguishing organizational flag authorized for and bearing the
title of a designated unit of the Fleet Marine Force?
a. Organizational colors
b. Battle standard
c. Guidon
d. Battle pennant
Item 93 Colors covered with a canvas or leather type of shell defines the term
a. covered.
b. retired.
c. cased.
d. stowed.
a. standards.
b. streamer.
c. guidon.
d. national ensign.
Item 95 When did the Continental Congress adopt the American flag?
a. 4 July 1776
b. 14 June 1777
c. 4 July 1777
d. 14 June 1776
Item 96 Where is the national ensign displayed when in the company of other colors?
Item 98 The national flag is dipped in respect to heads of state and at war memorials.
a. Stated correctly
b. Stated incorrectly
Item 99 As a universal distress signal, the national flag can be displayed with the
union down.
a. Stated correctly
b. Stated incorrectly
Item 100 It is not appropriate to carry the national flag flat or horizontally, but always
aloft and free. Neither is it to be used as a covering for a ceiling.
a. Stated correctly
b. Stated incorrectly
Item 101 The national flag can be displayed where it can be easily soiled or damaged,
as long as you have a replacement.
a. Stated correctly
b. Stated incorrectly
Item 102 For storage after use, the national flag is folded into a rectangle and stowed.
a. Stated correctly
b. Stated incorrectly
Item 103 The national flag is used to cover the casket at a military funeral for any
member of the military forces on active service, in the Marine Corps Reserve,
on the retired lists of USMC and USMCR, or a former member of the military
service discharged under any kind of condition.
a. Stated correctly
b. Stated incorrectly
Item 104 The national flag is placed lengthwise with the union at the head and over the
left shoulder of the deceased, which is the reverse of that prescribed for
displaying it vertically against a wall.
a. Stated correctly
b. Stated incorrectly
Item 105 The flag may be lowered into the grave and committed to the deep for a burial
at sea.
a. Stated correctly
b. Stated incorrectly
Item 106 The interment flag is furnished at government expense for the nearest kin at
the conclusion of the interment.
a. Stated correctly
b. Stated incorrectly
Item 107 In 1876, Marines carried the national colors (the Stars and Stripes) with
________________ embroidered in yellow on the middle red stripe.
a. Don’t Tread on Me
b. U.S. Marine Corps
c. To the Shores of Tripoli
d. From Tripoli to the Halls of Montezuma
Item 108 At the time of the Vera Cruz landing in 1914, Marines carried a design of
____________ with a laurel wreath encircling the Marine Corps emblem in
the center. A ______ ribbon above the emblem carried the words U.S.
Marine Corps while another scarlet ribbon below the emblem carried the
motto,
Item 109 Marine Corps Order No. 4 of ____________ designated gold and scarlet as
the official colors of the U.S. Marine Corps, but was not incorporated until
_____________. This new design reflected what was essentially that of
Item 110 The Marine Corps organizational flag shall be constructed of one or two plies
of lightweight scarlet ________________, excluding the headings and fringe.
Item 112 A joint service specification designates Marine Corps flags as Type III flags.
The three types of organizational standards are
a. four
b. five
c. six
d. seven
a. across the chest of the bearer and slightly forward with the edge of the
spearhead facing down.
b. vertically with the left across the bearer’s chest and horizontal to the deck.
c. horizontal to the deck and resting in the pit of the right arm so the sharp
edge of the spearhead is face down.
d. at a 45-degree angle to the front and under the bearer’s right arm pit with
the spearhead down.
Item 116 The Marine Corps Uniform Regulations gives instructions on how to
Item 117 The two types of inspections conducted are clothing and equipment and
a. vehicles.
b. service record book.
c. hygiene.
d. personnel.
Item 118 What are the basic guidelines for the clothing and equipment inspections?
a. Make sure each Marine has all of their prescribed clothing and equipment,
his or her own gear, and all their gear is clean and serviceable.
b. Establish a routine on inspections and all the gear is displayed in the same
order.
c. Fill out a missing gear statement in a timely manner so supply can order
the prescribed gear.
d. Let Marines get a lesson on time lines in regards to how long it takes to
clean his or her gear and check for serviceable gear.
Item 119 When conducting a personnel inspection, what is the main guideline to
follow?
a. Letting the plan start at the lowest level in the chain of command for the
inspection
b. Giving the inspector an opportunity to plan for an inspection from the top
to bottom of the chain of command
c. Having small inspections before the big inspection
d. Letting the inspector see all the Marines and their gear
Item 121 What are the guidelines for reverse planning when determining the time
needed for an inspection?
a. Pre-inspections
b. Commanders involvement
c. Planning and preparation
d. Inspections
Item 123 When conducting a preliminary inspection, what is the main guideline to
follow?
Item 124 Where can you find proper fitting and authorized alterations for uniform
items?
Item 125 Grooming standards for both male and female hair
Answers The table below lists the answers to the review lesson items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Answers,
continued
Answers,
continued
Answers,
continued