Marine Corps Cadence

A staple of Marine Corps physical fitness is the formation run. And no respectable formation run would be complete without a little cadence – salt optional. Singing cadence helps keep Marines in line and in step, and it motivates them throughout the run. Here are two Marine Corps cadences to call on your next run.

SYDNEY, Australia - The Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band runs in formation past Sydney's Opera House in Darling Harbor. The band was in Sydney performing in local concerts during a two-week good will tour.
Photo by Sgt. Ryan O'Hare

    PT Formation

  1. Morning formation it was pouring rain,
  2. First Sergeant said it was time for pain.
  3. Push-ups, sit-ups, run in place,
  4. First Sergeant set one helluva pace.
  5. High jumps, lunges, and body twist,
  6. So many others; too many to list.
  7. By the time we assembled to the right,
  8. I was praying with all my might.
  9. First Sergeant spotted me in my daze,
  10. Said where've you been the last couple of days?
  11. Told him I spent them with my girl,
  12. Oh, how she makes my head swirl.
  13. First Sergeant said that's well and fine,
  14. But today, Marine, your butt is mine.
  15. How many times do I have to say,
  16. If you wanna play, you gotta pay.

    Private Pile

  1. Private Pile was a fat Marine,
  2. The fattest one the DI had seen.
  3. The DI would always scream and shout,
  4. Why does your belly hang so far out.
  5. PT, PT every day,
  6. So that belly will stop that sway.
  7. Push-ups, sit-ups, hit the grass,
  8. Private Pile move that ass!
  9. Private Pile we won't stop,
  10. Until that weight starts to drop.
  11. Keep it up, keep it up, we want more,
  12. So you can join our beloved Corps.
  13. Teamwork changed him from a lazy dud,
  14. Now he is a PT stud.