The deadliest weapon in the world is a MARINE and his rifle!
— John J. Pershing
Scandalous United States Marine Corps quotations
Leadership is the sum of those qualities of intellect, human understanding, and moral character that enables a person to inspire and control a group of people successfully.
The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!
Why in hell can't the Army do it if the Marines can.
They are the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines.
The raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years.
...Since 1775 the United States Marines have upheld a fine tradition of service to their country. They are doing so today. I am confident they will continue to do so.
The Marine Corps has just been called by the New York Times, 'The elite of this country.' I think it is the elite of the world.
For over 221 years our Corps has done two things for this great Nation.
We make Marines, and we win battles.
Casualties many; Percentage of dead not known; Combat efficiency; we are winning.
Being ready is not what matters. What matters is winning after you get there.
The Marines fought almost solely on esprit de corps, I was certain.
It was inconceivable to most Marines that they should let another Marine down, or that they could be responsible for dimming the bright reputation of their Corps. The Marines simply assumed that they were the world's best fighting men.
I've always been proud of being a Marine. I won't hesitate to defend the Corps.
Any officer can get by on his sergeants.
To be a sergeant you have to know your stuff. I'd rather be an outstanding sergeant than just another officer.
A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There's no such thing as a former Marine.
We are United States Marines, and for two and a quarter centuries we have defined the standards of courage, esprit, and military prowess.
The bended knee is not a tradition of our Corps.
Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.
Every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman. All other conditions are secondary.
They (Women Marines) don't have a nickname, and they don't need one.
They get their basic training in a Marine atmosphere, at a Marine Post. They inherit the traditions of the Marines. They are Marines.
The American Marines have it [pride], and benefit from it.
They are tough, cocky, sure of themselves and their buddies. They can fight and they know it.
A Marine should be sworn to the patient endurance of hardships, like the ancient knights; and it is not the least of these necessary hardships to have to serve with sailors.
I still need Marines who can shoot and salute.
But I need Marines who can fix jet engines and man sophisticated radar sets, as well.
I love my country more than anything.
I spent 12 years in the United States Marine Corps. I know what it means to defend this country.
The Marines have landed and the situation is well in hand.
A ship without Marines is like a garment without buttons.
It's a funny thing, but, as years go by, I think you appreciate more and more what a great thing it was to be a United States Marine... People will tell me what a shame it was I had to go back into the service a second time, but I'm kinda glad I did.. Besides, I am a U.S. Marine and I'll be one till I die.
I am convinced that there is no smarter, handier, or more adaptable body of troops in the world.
We have two companies of Marines running rampant all over the northern half of this island, and three Army regiments pinned down in the southwestern corner, doing nothing. What the hell is going on?
The hidden hand of the market will never work without a hidden fist -- McDonald's cannot flourish without McDonnell Douglas, the builder of the F-15. And the hidden fist that keeps the world safe for Silicon Valley's technologies is called the United States Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.
Goddamn it, you'll never get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole! Follow me!
In the last analysis, what the Marine Corps becomes is what we make of it during our respective watches. And that watch of each Marine is not confined to the time he spends on active duty. It last as long as he is "proud to bear the title of United States Marine."
I can never again see a UNITED STATES MARINE without experiencing a feeling of reverence.
General [James] Mattis's primary experience - indeed, his only experience - is as a member of the United States Marine Corps, where he served for 41 years. That's his experience.
Throughout my professional life, I have looked upon the Corps as a most valuable part of our naval organization, and this opinion has only been the more confirmed by every year's additional experience in active service.
Marines die, that's what we're here for.
But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means YOU live forever.