There's another bit of Marine Corps tradition that bears mentioning. Unfortunately it is not nearly as easy to explain. Luckily that's never stopped me before and since it still has some value to you as you seek to get your life straightened out we'll continue to march. We Marines shout “Oorah!” an awful lot. It is a proud and noble vocalization that encapsulates our vitality and esprit de corps. (As opposed to the Army's use of the crass and guttural “Hoo-uh” which is patently absurd and completely without merit.)
'Oorah' can be pronounced in an unending variety of ways, usually only restrained by the vocal talents of the speaker. Many shorten it to a quick, snappy barking sound that is often followed up by a hearty shout of “Devil Dog!” Some lengthen it and use it to indicate surprise or admiration. The handiness of the word is that it can be matched to any situation depending upon the tone of voice used.
What this means is that Marines are never without something to say to each other. We have an instant bond just by using a simple word. We can communicate volumes of information with it. We can encourage, admonish, and console all with one word.
You should start slow. Use "oorah" or perhaps even make up your own special word. (I'd advise keeping it to yourself as much as possible, especially if your word is a common profanity in two or more languages.) But use it whenever you can and build up meanings for it that can steady your nerves or spur you to action. That way you can cap off a flurry of Marine-like thoughts about any particular situation with a nice, neat resolution and turn towards your next appropriate action.
