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Way back when at the dawn of time, In the valley of death where the sun don’t shine. The roughest toughest fighter ever known was made, From an M-16 and a Live Grenade. He was a mean, green, lean fightin’ machine, Who proudly bore the title of RECON MARINE.

marines - 4/25/2013

The week's best photos from around the Corps. Help select the "Corps Top Shot" by liking, commenting on or sharing your favorite image. The image with the most combined hits by the end of the day will be crowned as our photo of the week.

marines - 4/25/2013

Marines conduct ice reconnaissance and create obstacles for the enemy during cold weather training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Suzanna Lapi) To read more, visit: http://www.mcbhawaii.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/6999/Article/141666/breaking-the-ice-island-warrior-style.aspx

marines - 4/25/2013

Your top enlisted leader is now on Twitter. Follow @SMMC17 to stay up to date with Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Micheal P. Barrett.

marines - 4/25/2013

Corporal receives the Bronze Star for repelling an enemy attack with direct fire and a grenade. Ooh-rah, Marine. Read more: http://www.1stmardiv.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/8585/Article/141751/san-francisco-marine-awarded-bronze-star-for-heroism-in-afghanistan.aspx (Photo by Sgt. Jacob Harrer)

marines - 4/25/2013

Moti, Moti, Got a lot of Motivation!

marines - 4/26/2013

You voted and this week's Corps Top Shot comes from the drill field. Photographer Lance Cpl. Benjamin E. Woodle captured that intense moment when the drill instructor is drilling the recruit for his Marine Corps knowledge. ——— A recruit of Company A, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, endures the challenges of a senior drill instructor uniform inspection aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 5. During inspection recruits are tested on knowledge and bearing. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Benjamin E. Woodle)

marines - 4/26/2013

Some of our men and women in uniform may face difficult times. Reaching out for help may be challenging, but it's worth it.

marines - 4/26/2013

Enemy engagement? There's an app for that. Read more about the M153 Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station: http://www.2ndmlg.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/3874/Article/141720/combat-logistics-battalion-6-performs-live-fire-of-motorized-weapon-system.aspx (Photo by Lance Cpl. Devin Nichols)

marines - 4/26/2013

The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon represents the precision, skill and discipline of the United States Marine Corps. Their 2013 schedule: http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/04/23/silent-drill-platoon-schedule-2013/

marines - 4/26/2013

On this day in 1805, 1st Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon raised the United States flag for the first time over foreign soil on the shores of Tripoli.

marines - 4/27/2013

SemperToons Saturday: It's not easy being a Hollywood Marine ...

marines - 4/27/2013

MARSOC, RECON and military police special reaction teams get their hands on the Corps' latest .45 caliber pistol. Read more about the pistol here: http://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/News/PressReleaseArticleDisplay/tabid/8007/Article/141647/mcsc-trains-marines-on-new-close-quarters-battle-pistol.aspx (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Monique Randolph)

marines - 4/27/2013

Teach a man to fish — Marines ice fish with Alaskan natives: http://www.marforres.marines.mil/MFRNews/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/7930/Article/141849/marines-ice-fish-with-alaskan-natives.aspx (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Marcin Platek)

marines - 4/27/2013

Marines combat radiological contamination.

marines - 4/27/2013

Marines move from shore to ship during amphibious training.

marines - 4/28/2013

Tools of the Trade: FIM-92 Stinger surface-to-air missile There isn’t a war machine invented that can’t be destroyed by Marine infantrymen. It’s gear like the FIM-92 Stinger that makes that statement true. The Stinger missile gives Marines the ability to rule the air from the ground, incoming baby. — Ready to shoot, the system weighs only 32 pounds and can be transported and fired by one Marine with an assistant as a spotter. — Range of nearly four miles — High-Speed missile that can fly as fast as 1,700 mph — Combat proven in four major conflicts with more than 270 fixed and rotary wing kills credited — Stingers can be mounted to helicopters for air-to-air engagements; system can also be mounted to Humvees — Fire-and-forget passive infrared seeker (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom)

marines - 4/28/2013

The Marine Corps named the top infantry officer, Capt. Benjamin Middendorf of 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, who helped shake up insurgent forces while deployed in 2012. Read more: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20130423/NEWS/304230022/Marine-Corps-names-top-infantry-captain (U.S. Marine Corps archives photo by Lance Cpl. Ismael Ortega)

marines - 4/28/2013

Check out the latest edition of Marines Magazine for information about the Corps. Available for download: http://marinesmagazine.dodlive.mil/marines-mobile/

marines - 4/28/2013

"We shall land at Inchon and we shall crush them." — Gen. Douglas MacArthur to his planning staff

marines - 4/29/2013

We want you to be our next Fan of the Week. If you or someone you know would like to be considered for the Marines' Fan of the Week be sure to submit the nomination to our wall or inbox today.

marines - 4/29/2013

"We are taking the mountain from our enemy,” Chea said. “First platoon went initially to conduct reconnaissance. They returned to the company and we went out to suppress, assess, and kill.” http://www.mcbhawaii.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/6999/Article/142057/battle-on-a-windswept-hill-the-island-warriors-chill-and-conquer.aspx (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Suzanna Lapi / Released)

marines - 4/29/2013

The Marines have landed. 26th MEU Marines land in the desert and set up camp in support of Eagle Resolve 2013.

marines - 4/29/2013

Only four more hours to be considered for our next fan of the week. If you or someone you know would like to be considered for the Marines' Fan of the Week be sure to nominate him or her to our wall or inbox us with a story and photo today.

marines - 4/29/2013

A messenger returned to Sparta from battle. The women clustered around. To one, the messenger said, "Mother, I bring you sad news: your son was killed facing the enemy." The mother said, "He is my son." "Your other son is alive and unhurt," said the messenger. "He fled from the enemy." The mother said, "He is not my son." — The Warrior Ethos

marines - 4/30/2013

Our Marines Fan of the Week is Michael Courtenay, who served from 1979-1985. His son Ryan nominated him. Lance Cpl. Courtenay served in the Gulf War. Courtenay was also injured in the Beirut Bombing in 1983. Although hurt from the blast, he managed to find enough strength to pick up his rifle and help secure the embassy immediately afterward. Due to the example Courtenay set, his son Ryan is now joining the Marine Corps and calls his dad a hero. Semper Fi, Lance Cpl. Courtenay!

marines - 4/30/2013

Marines are bringing up the rear in Morocco. The Marines logistics component will continue to exercise vigilant, safe and rapid retrograde of almost 1,200 personnel and 250 short-tons of vehicles and equipment. Read more at: http://www.marforaf.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/5697/Article/142073/artllerymen-help-make-convoy-a-success-during-exercise-african-lion-13.aspx (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ray Lewis / Released)

marines - 4/30/2013

He's no ordinary horse — this steed is a Marine Corps war hero.

marines - 4/30/2013

Green Amphibious Monsters — — — U.S. Marines from Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 3/2, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), drive their AAVs from the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) to shore during a simulated mechanized amphibious assault in the 5th Fleet Area of Operation, April 20, 2013. The 26th MEU is currently deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The 26th MEU operates continuously across the globe, providing the president and unified combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, sea-based quick reaction force. The MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations. (Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Edward Guevara/Released)

marines - 4/30/2013

A detachment of Romans was cut off in a waterless place. The enemy commander demanded their surrender. The Romans refused. "You are surrounded," declared the enemy captain in exasperation. "You have neither food nor water. You have no choice but to surrender!" The Roman commander replied, "No choice? Then have you taken away as well the option to die with honor?" — The Warrior Ethos

marines - 5/1/2013

For the first time in history, there are six four-star generals serving in the Corps. They gathered to share war stories and coffee for the last time before Gen. John R. Allen retired this week. Read more: http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2013/04/29/marines-have-six-four-stars-but-not-for-long/

marines - 5/1/2013

JARHEAD JARGON: Jarhead Jargon Wednesday. We share a piece of Corps jargon and you tell us which definition is correct. “Bag Nasty” A) Nickname for married Marine who packs his lunch. B) Nickname for vomit bag in the AV-8B Harrier. C) Nickname for bagged meals issued to Marines during training.

marines - 5/1/2013

Three guns. One combat mindset. The Corps is looking for eligible shooters to compete in the 3rd Annual Quantico Combat Shooting Match. For more information, visit: http://www.quantico.marines.mil/News/tabid/10826/Article/141884/media-advisory-annual-combat-shooting-match.aspx

marines - 5/1/2013

I Believe I Can Fly — — — Master Sgt. Cory Paskavan, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Maritime Raid Force platoon sergeant, reenlists at 10,000 feet above sea level during a parachute operation during Exercise Eagle Reslove over Qatar, April 26, 2013. Eagle Resolve is an annual multilateral exercise designed to enhance regional cooperative defense efforts in the Gulf Cooperation Council nations and U.S. Central Command. The 26th MEU is deployed to the 5th Fleet area of operations aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group. The 26th MEU operates continuously across the globe, providing the president and unified combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, sea-based quick reaction force. The MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Q. Stone/Released)

marines - 5/1/2013

"Being ready is not what matters. What matters is winning after you get there." — Lt. Gen. Victor H. Krulak, USMC, April 1965

marines - 5/2/2013

The week's best photos from around the Corps. Help select the "Corps Top Shot" by liking, commenting on or sharing your favorite image. The image with the most combined hits by the end of the day will be crowned as our photo of the week.

marines - 5/2/2013

Six MV-22B Ospreys flew from North Carolina to Spain, completing the longest transatlantic flight of any Osprey squadron. Read More: http://www.marforaf.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/5697/Article/142183/mv-22b-ospreys-make-historic-flight-ready-to-support-crisis-response-force.aspx

marines - 5/2/2013

Marines "get some" while wrapping up Summer Shield 10.

marines - 5/2/2013

On this day in 1946, Marines from Treasure Island Marine Barracks helped suppress the three-day prison riot at Alcatraz Penitentiary in San Francisco Bay. The Marines suffered no casualty during "the grim Battle of the Rock." After the riot ended, the Marines involved were already suggesting a horizontal prison-striped Alcatraz Campaign Ribbon.

marines - 5/2/2013

The Spartan PFT — — — "There was a footrace in Sparta each year among the boys. They ran ten miles, barefoot, carrying a mouthful of water but had to spit it all out at the end of the race." — The Warrior Ethos

marines - 5/3/2013

You voted and this week's Corps Top Shot comes from Cpl. Christopher Q. Stone in Qatar. With less weight and a shorter barrel, the M4 Carbine rifle ensures the "Every Marine a Rifleman" credo is just as appropriate at shorter distances and in confined space as it is from 500 yards out. ——— 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Maritime Raid Force Marines fire M4 Carbines while conducting a marksmanship training exercise at a range in Qatar, April 22, 2013. Eagle Resolve is an annual multilateral exercise designed to enhance regional cooperative defense efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council nations and U.S. Central Command. The 26th MEU is deployed to the 5th Fleet area of operations aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group. The 26th MEU operates continuously across the globe, providing the president and unified combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, sea-based quick reaction force.

marines - 5/3/2013

Marine receives the Silver Star for saving a fellow Marine and clearing paths and kicking ass while under fire. "It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." Read More: http://www.2ndmlg.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/3874/Article/142402/humble-hero-marine-receives-silver-star-medal.aspx

marines - 5/3/2013

“Using all weapons we would use in Afghanistan, we ensured Marines sustained their proficiency in these essential weapons.” Read more: http://www.15thmeu.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/8671/Article/142286/clb-15-conducts-live-fire-exercise-aboard-uss-rushmore.aspx (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Childers/Released)

marines - 5/3/2013

Devil Dads and Daughters — — — A young girl hugs her father while he holds her in his arms during a slow dance at the Officers’ Club during the annual Father Daughter Dance on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 20, 2013. The dance offers the dads, who are often deployed or training, the opportunity to spend quality time with their daughters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg/Released)

marines - 5/3/2013

"The more Marines I have around the better I like it." — U.S. Army Gen. Mark Clark | World War I, World War II and Korean War veteran

marines - 5/4/2013

SemperToons Saturday: Marines may be warfighters, but they still like to have fun ...

marines - 5/4/2013

“Based solely off of his tenacity, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end in a firefight with a unit that he is in command of." Read more at the Marines Blog: http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/05/02/infantry-officer-recognized-for-outstanding-leadership/ (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alfred V. Lopez)

marines - 5/4/2013

Help preserve one of the most iconic moments in Marine Corps history — the flag-raising on Iwo Jima — by voting for the memorial's renovation in the Partners in Preservation contest. Cast your vote here: https://www.preservedmv.com/competitors/marine-corps-war-memorial

marines - 5/4/2013

Thundering Herd ——— M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, AAVP7 RAM/RS amphibious assault vehicles, and an M88A1 Hercules from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) train during an exercise in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, April 23, 2013. The 26th MEU is currently deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The 26th MEU operates continuously across the globe, providing the president and unified combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, sea-based quick reaction force. The MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Edward Guevara)

marines - 5/4/2013

During the Indian campaign, Alexander's men threatened mutiny. They were worn out and wanted to go home. Alexander called an assembly. When the army had gathered he stripped naked. "These scars on my body," Alexander declared. "were got for you, my brothers. Every wound, as you see, is in the front. Let that man stand forth from your ranks who has bled more than I, or endured more than I for your sake. Show him to me, and I will yield to your weariness and go home." Not a man came forward. Instead, a great cheer arose from the army. — Alexander the Great during the Indian campaign | The Warrior Ethos

marines - 5/5/2013

Here comes the Boom!

marines - 5/5/2013

Tools of the Trade: M2 Browning .50 caliber machine-gun The .50 cal. is one of the U.S. military’s most legendary weapons. It's been through more than seven decades of war with Marines and has been a weapon of choice in nearly every conflict. No matter how fierce the enemy, the .50 cal. could always scare attackers into the lowest dirt, especially in the hands of a U.S. Marine. Our own Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hathcock made a confirmed kill at 2,460 yards (1.3 miles) during the Vietnam War with the M2. — An effective range of more than one mile — Rate of fire of up to 850 rounds-per-minute — Multifaceted application for infantry, ground vehicle, helicopter, ship and plane use — Multiple round options including the M903 SLAP round which can penetrate 1.34 inches of face-hardened steel plate at 500 meters (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Chance W. Haworth)

marines - 5/5/2013

Marines train in every clime and place to be ready as America's expeditionary force in readiness.

marines - 5/5/2013

Momma told Johnny not to go downtown ... ——— Poolees with Recruiting Station Lansing participate in a morning motivational run at Fort Custer near Battle Creek, Mich. April 21. Over 250 Poolees attending a three day Mini-boot Camp here in order to better prepare them for Recruit Training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kevin Maynard)

marines - 5/5/2013

"Any officer can get by on his sergeants. To be a sergeant you have to know your stuff." — Two time Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly

marines - 5/6/2013

For our Fan of the Week we want you to nominate that Marine who personifies the core value of Honor. As a code of personal integrity, Honor guides Marines to do the right thing when no one is looking, on and off the battlefield. If you or someone you know holds to the highest standards, ethically and morally, submit the nomination with a photo and story to our wall or inbox today.

marines - 5/6/2013

Physically Fit, Mentally Tough ——— Drill instructors of Company C, 1st Recruit Trianing Battalion, encourage recruits to exert maximum effort to excel during the quarter-mile sprint exercise aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego April 16. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Bridget M. Keane)

marines - 5/6/2013

Osprey demonstrates ship-to-shore capabilities and conducts aerial refueling.

marines - 5/6/2013

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? We don't know what's going on either. Caption this photo. The comment with the most likes wins.

marines - 5/6/2013

"Be kindly and just in your dealings with your men. Never play favorites." — Commandant of the Marine Corps Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune to officers

marines - 5/7/2013

This week we are highlighting the honor with which Marines conduct themselves. Though every Marine qualifies, retired Gunnery Sgt. M. J. Davison represents the service and dedication all Marines put into the Corps. He served for 22 years and was alongside the Marines and sailors in Lebanon on October 23, 1983 during the Beirut bombing. He deployed in Desert Storm and may have even been the drill instructor of Marines serving today from Parris Island. His son, Pfc. Davison, recently joined the Corps to continue the legacy.

marines - 5/7/2013

Honor the fallen. Staff Sgt. Eric D. Christian with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion died May 4 while conducting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. Semper Fidelis, Marine.

marines - 5/7/2013

Honor the fallen. Cpl. David M. Sonka with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion died May 4 while conducting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. Semper Fidelis, Marine.

marines - 5/7/2013

The White House's helicopters, Marine Helicopter Squadron One, are upgrading from the CH-46E Sea Knights to MV-22B Ospreys. Read more: http://www.quantico.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/10834/Article/142485/hmx-1-lands-osprey.aspx

marines - 5/7/2013

Wounded warrior Marine receives the Silver Star for carrying an injured comrade more than 300 meters to a medevac while taking heavy fire. "If I knew the outcome was losing my legs, I would have to say I’d always do it all over again no matter what.” Read More: http://www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/2643/Article/142512/nations-third-highest-honor-bestowed-upon-brave-marine.aspx

marines - 5/7/2013

“Indomitable and aggressive in the face of almost certain death …” — Medal of Honor Citation for Sgt. Robert Owens, Bougainville, 1943

marines - 5/8/2013

You can run ... ——— A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment observes a mock Afghan village and role-players through his binoculars from an observation point outside the village during the Combat Hunter course at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, April 17, 2013. The goal of the training exercise was to identify things out of place and report them to fellow Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg / Released)

marines - 5/8/2013

JARHEAD JARGON: Jarhead Jargon Wednesday. We share a piece of Corps jargon and you tell us which definition is correct. “Chaser” A. Low ranking Marine who runs errands for the general. B. Marine who escorts Marines from the Brig. C. Type of ammunition used during training exercises.

marines - 5/8/2013

Marines are most prepared when the country is least prepared.

marines - 5/8/2013