All right, so we've started talking about the various sayings and phrases that are popular amongst Marines. These have meanings behind them that can be applied to your regular, and perhaps messed up, life. An enduring motto for Marines everywhere is that we are one of The Few and The Proud. This comes from an ad campaign back in the 70's but that doesn't make it any less true or any less important. It has now become part of Marine Corps lore.
First, let me explain the prima facia meaning. The Marine Corps is comprised of 3 Divisions and 3 Air Wings by act of Congress. With all the necessary support personnel that adds up to about 470,000 Marines both active and reserve. The other three services each have two to four times that amount. We are and always have been the smallest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. We have also been threatened with non existence several times throughout our history but we have always managed to persevere. In addition to being few, we have developed a mystique about the Corps that has become entrenched in the American consciousness over the years. It's being part of this heritage that makes us proud.
The deeper meaning is one of being selected, being chosen, being 'good enough.' No Marine wants to screw up in such a spectacular manner that causes a Gunnery Sergeant to ask them why they are such a waste of his good Marine Corps air. This is what you should apply to your own life. Granted, since you aren't a Marine you are clearly not one of the few and the proud but I'll allow you to think that way just to make you feel better. Isn't that what this series of articles is all about? If you adopt our way of thinking, you will either actually become a better person or you will delude yourself into thinking that you are. One situation helps just you and the other helps everyone around you.
Sounds like a win-win scenario to me.
