Devil Dogs in Kilts?

[davedove]

Please 'splain for us non-military (or at least for me!): what is a Devil Dog and a Jar Head? Is "jar head" because of the hair cut? And, since we are at it, what is the derivation of the term "leather neck"? Are there any other names that I need to be "up" on?
THANKS for the explanations and for your service!!

I understand the name Leatherneck derives from a uniform that the Marines wore sometime in the 1800's. Included as part of the uniform was a leather collar, so they gained the name of Leathernecks. Or at least that's what the Gunny said on Mail Call.

[macwilkin]

I understand the name Leatherneck derives from a uniform that the Marines wore sometime in the 1800's. Included as part of the uniform was a leather collar, so they gained the name of Leathernecks. Or at least that's what the Gunny said on Mail Call.

Yep. The leather neck stock was standard issue from the Revolution to the eve of the Civil War. The main purpose was to keep the soldier's head erect, as well as to guard against saber cuts. having worn one for War of 1812 and Mexican War living history events, I can say they are very uncomfortable, to say the least.

Regards,

Todd

[thescot]

I understand the name Leatherneck derives from a uniform that the Marines wore sometime in the 1800's. Included as part of the uniform was a leather collar, so they gained the name of Leathernecks. Or at least that's what the Gunny said on Mail Call.

Thanks to Todd for the info on that. You can still see the symbolic "leather neck" collar on the upright collar of the dress blue blouse. And while we're there, you can also see the red piping on the blouse which symbolizes the fact that many of the first Marines didn't have uniforms, so they took the redcoats from the British in the Revolution, turned them wrong side out, and wore the blue lining out (with the red underenath showing a little).

The officers still were a "rope" cross on their dress covers as a remembrance of the rope they'd put on their hats so the Marine snipers in the rigging of the ships would know who not to shoot! And all officers are required to own a Mamaluke sword like the one givien to Lt. OBanion during the war against the Barbary pirates.

Oh, yeah, and all officers and nco's wear a "blood stripe" down the trouser leg. (I told you we were all indoctrinated from the beginning. )

Is this TMI? I promise to quit now.

[James MacMillan]

Hey Jim - You used the term TMI - which I understand is now commonly understood to mean "Too much information." But to me, TMI will always be "Techniques of Military Instruction." Which you may remember is easily broken down as:

Tell ‘em what you are going to tell ‘em.
Tell ‘em.
Tell ‘em what you told ‘em.

Now civilians teach that in high priced training classes, but they call it. Introduction, Body, Review. I like our way better…

[macwilkin]

And while we're there, you can also see the red piping on the blouse which symbolizes the fact that many of the first Marines didn't have uniforms, so they took the redcoats from the British in the Revolution, turned them wrong side out, and wore the blue lining out (with the red underenath showing a little).

If I remember correctly, the Marines were wearing green uniforms during the Revolution:

http://www.ussnicholas.org/samuel_nicholas.html

"In 1776, the Naval Committee of the Second Continental Congress prescribed new uniform regulations. Marine uniforms were to consist of green coats with buff white facings, buff breeches and black gaiters. "

-- http://www.usmcmuseum.org/Museum_LoreCorps.asp

And here is a nice article from a SAR web site about the term "Leatherneck":

http://www.southcoastsar.org/Leathernecks.htm

Regards,

Todd

[Chase]

Please 'splain for us non-military (or at least for me!): what is a Devil Dog and a Jar Head? Is "jar head" because of the hair cut? And, since we are at it, what is the derivation of the term "leather neck"? Are there any other names that I need to be "up" on?
THANKS for the explanations and for your service!!

You can find all the terms and their meanings at:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jarhead

[thescot]

Once a sergeant, still a Marine.

Of course, at my advanced age and physical lack-of-condition, the Corps wouldn't let me file papers, much less lead a platoon.

But the Corps inculcates its recruits with its history, traditions, and the overall mystique of being one of the Few. Every boot camp graduate can recite much of the history, and probably went to the rack every night saying something like, "Good night, Chesty, where ever you are." Even after he was dead!

I salute all my brothers in arms and thank each of you for your service. But I embrace the Marines in the crowd and will cry special tears over your graves should I outlast you. God, Corps, and country . . . in that order. (Hope that doesn't draw any wrath.)

Joke: Know what it sounds like when the sh** hits the fan?

"Muh-reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen!"

[James MacMillan]

Well those that get angry at the phrase "God, Corps, and Country" don't understand that when we say "Corps" we are saying Country and God. If we can stay true to the values taught to us in boot camp, we will never go wrong in life.

[demobud]

While I never served, my father (Army), uncle(Air Cav), and father in law (Air Force) all did as well as many long time friends. With that in mind (and with many years as a DOD contractor), I ordered and just recieved my new Leatherneck kilt! Here's to all of you who served and continue to serve!

[SergeantFirstClass]

Hi everyone, I'm a vet of the USAF (87-91) and separated after I got home from Desert Storm. I joined the Army Guard shortly after my IRR ended. Couldn't stand to be away. I am now active with the Army guard and pipe for them as additional duty. Yes, bagpipes have an NSN. I was in munitions, communications and now accounting....brutally anti climactic. Here's me with a Kuwaiti Army pipe band. Oddly, the played Yankee Doodle on parade with their unit. They were horrible with the tuning.

I'm the white guy in the middle. I've currently racked up 20 years of service but can't retire (active duty) for another 9 years. I'm good with that because I'm finally using my college benifits. My family has currently attended all the wars the US has been involved in and prior to that, deported for being Jacobites. I also married into the military. It's a good life.