Sound Off

Battle Cats & Amphibians

From the Editor

We have an old, post-World War I recruiting poster that needs hanging. Maybe you’ve seen it:
A smiley-faced Marine carrying a Garand with fixed bayonet, under the shade of exotic fronds, rides backward bronco-style on a rather nasty jungle cat. The bottom reads, “travel? adventure? answer – join the marines!”

Indeed.

Some consider this nothing more than a classic piece of card-stacking propaganda to illustrate an illogical statement that gives the best possible case for enlisting. And some of us have imaginations.

Logically speaking, it matters not that perhaps riding a carnivorous beast in such a provocative manner would result in a bloody mauling — man or cat — and the Marine’s commanding officer would not have his men engaged in such shenanigans. What matters is the sentiment. It is real, even today in these uncertain times as young Americans still come to serve. Each of us, in our own way, is taming the lions of this nation’s freedom, peace and security. And nothing menaces our enemies more than our unblinking willingness to face all odds.

And because we Marines have resoluteness for victory, we stay sharp. The Marine Corps’ unique military principle to be expeditionary – agile and ferocious – is our fundamental heritage. Sure, our commitment in this Long War has been playing out as a centrally landlocked engagement. But what’s that coming from over the horizon (Page 30)? It’s ... It’s ...

Amphibians! Soldiers from the sea! We never forget the briny, seafaring doctrine that defines us – and keeps our enemies’ throats within a sword’s swinging distance. Cpl. Eric Arndt’s story shows just how we deploy, train bilaterally, and stay adaptable and ready to fight.

Now, who wants to ride the jaguar?

Semper Fi,
Marines

P.S. Five of the legendary Code Talkers graced us with their presence, and dammit if we didn’t get the feeling that these Marines still had the fight in them and would fall back into formation with a single command.