Posted on Apr 13, 2016
Should the saying "every Marine a rifleman" be changed?
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A commonly thrown around term is "Every Marine is a rifleman" I strongly disagree with this statement as I am an 0311 Rifleman. I do agree that every Marine is expected to know how to shoot and qual annually with a rifle. Doesn't mean they're a rifleman. What does everyone else think?
Posted in these groups: 
Marines
Political Correctness
Marines Political Correctness
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 200
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The phrase is "Every Marine a rifleman" not "Every Marine an infantryman." If that were the case, I would agree with your premise but every Marine must meet the standards of a rifleman, not an infantryman. I would argue that there is a difference between the two.
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LCpl Tad Cunningham No. Marines are qualified with the rifle and can and do pick them up when called on. I was a Radio Operator in Vietnam and carried a M16 and a .45. I was not a 0311, but I did use the M16, and considered myself a rifleman. Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Semper Fi.
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LCpl Tad Cunningham
It was also very different in Vietnam. I don't disagree that it was once a very true statement, however I don't think it is that true anymore.
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SGT Randall Smith
When I had to go to the field or on patrol I carried a PRC-24, for a heavy radio, a M-14 for protection and a 45 which I could never shoot. To this day, if I was locked inside of a barn I could not hit the roof or a wall. That was one ugly, heavy piece of metal.
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0311 for life!
For an Infantryman: it's Death before Dishonor
I have noticed that there were difference between the culture of Infantry units and the rest after switching units.
Infantrymen do not cradle childlike adults.
Semper Fi
For an Infantryman: it's Death before Dishonor
I have noticed that there were difference between the culture of Infantry units and the rest after switching units.
Infantrymen do not cradle childlike adults.
Semper Fi
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Every Marine is a trained rifleman. You sir are a trained infantryman. A rifleman, is a Marine basically trained with marksmanship.
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Cpl Bill Fleischauer
"...and those targets - they're so PLAIN. No style, no fashion.
...and this weapon? I say accessssssssorize!"
...and this weapon? I say accessssssssorize!"
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SGT Randall Smith
Does the bayonet come in assorted colors? You know, the pointy thing that goes on the end of the gun. Puce or Lavender would look so good with the hair net.
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Every Marine may not be well versed in the finer art of being an 03, but I've seen many 01s and other non 03s performing quite well when the bad guys came through the wire...even pilots have been known to rise to the occasion. No Marine is prone to waiting around for the experts to arrive when their butt is on the line and being capable of using whatever weapon is available is a plus!
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rifleman
noun ri·fle·man \-mən\
Simple Definition of rifleman
: a soldier who carries a rifle
: a person who is skilled at shooting a rifle
infantryman
noun in·fan·try·man \-trē-mən
Simple Definition of infantryman
: a soldier who is in the infantry
noun ri·fle·man \-mən\
Simple Definition of rifleman
: a soldier who carries a rifle
: a person who is skilled at shooting a rifle
infantryman
noun in·fan·try·man \-trē-mən
Simple Definition of infantryman
: a soldier who is in the infantry
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Sgt Dan Catlin
Marine rifleman
noun Ma rine ri·fle·man
Simple Definition of Marine rifleman
A Marine who whether infantry or other MOS can perform the skills of a basic infantryman, including but not limited to laying down accurate, controlled directed fire from either fixed positions or moving in various combat formations; and who can perform other duties usually assigned to infantrymen. But yeah, we can shoot too!
noun Ma rine ri·fle·man
Simple Definition of Marine rifleman
A Marine who whether infantry or other MOS can perform the skills of a basic infantryman, including but not limited to laying down accurate, controlled directed fire from either fixed positions or moving in various combat formations; and who can perform other duties usually assigned to infantrymen. But yeah, we can shoot too!
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SPC Nancy Greene
GySgt David Andrews Semper Fi!
...sometimes you have to “break it down Barney style”!
...sometimes you have to “break it down Barney style”!
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One of the MC's best strengths is it's rich history and traditions. Don't go messing with it now.
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From the movie "STRIPES". Sgt Hulka telling Francis "Psycho" Sawyer to lighten up
LCpl Tad Cunningham - Unlike our sister-services, we ALL train, to some level, in infantry tactics & weapons. Any 3531, 0411, or 2521 could replace any 0311 --any time, any place. This is possible because the Corps is doctrinally committed to this phrase, that you, apparently detest. Maybe you missed the Commandant's memo regarding combat training across MOS's? Anyway, you might change your thinking if you ever wish to become an 0369.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syV2LkGpQB0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syV2LkGpQB0
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LCpl Tad Cunningham
I have seen radio operators in the turret as well as Motor T guys. I'm not saying it doesn't happen. I'm saying what is preferred would be your machine gunners or assaultman. Also, just because you've shot them doesn't mean you're magically a rifleman or magically a machine gunner. I have my humvee license and have drove more often than I've seen any motor t guy drive. Doesn't mean every marine a motor t operator.
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Capt Mark Strobl
LCpl Tad Cunningham - Well, you have a good future as a 4421. Until the Commandant re-writes the Corps' doctrine, you'll be stuck sharing the title "rifleman." Best get comfortable with that.
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I think it should remain the way it is because it is true for the most part.
When my pop went to Vietnam he went as a cook. He was a cook for 3 days and was sent to An Hoa. Besides patrolling as an infantry Marine he also was assigned as a Helo Support crew member. He never served a day in Vietnam as a cook except the first 3 days he was in country. He is the only cook I know that has 4 or 5 confirmed kills, haha! So my pop is one of those, every Marine is a Rifleman and he consistently shot 243 out of 250 on his rifle quals.
Semper Fi!
When my pop went to Vietnam he went as a cook. He was a cook for 3 days and was sent to An Hoa. Besides patrolling as an infantry Marine he also was assigned as a Helo Support crew member. He never served a day in Vietnam as a cook except the first 3 days he was in country. He is the only cook I know that has 4 or 5 confirmed kills, haha! So my pop is one of those, every Marine is a Rifleman and he consistently shot 243 out of 250 on his rifle quals.
Semper Fi!
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