NOVEMBER 13, 2025 – The Marine Corps takes great pride in its history, its battles won and its culture, said Travis Pike, a former Marine machine gunner who served two tours in Afghanistan.
“People who join the Marine Corps hear that Marine boot camp is the hardest, and in their minds they can’t ever purposefully take the easier road. Many recruits aren’t joining for what the Marine Corps offers, they are joining to become a Marine,” he said.
The Marine Corps has never been heavy on enlistment bonuses, Pike said.
“Your bonus is that you get to call yourself a Marine. That’s your bonus … there’s no dollar amount that goes with that,” said Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps.
Marine Corps recruiting posters throughout the service’s history reflect the sentiments that only a few can earn the title of Marine.
The service’s creed touts that “every Marine is a rifleman,” be it a cook, admin clerk or truck driver.
“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in this world. The Marines don’t have that problem,” said President Ronald Reagan during a 1985 Veterans Day speech.
During a 1986 visit to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Reagan said, “It’s because of you that we can be sure that America will be ‘Semper Fidelis’ — always faithful to her best hopes and highest ideals.”
“Some may question whether this generation has the aptitude to serve in the Marine Corps and the grit to fight and win our nation’s battles. I can assure you that they absolutely do. In fact, they are already proving it,” said Marine Corps Lt. Col. Anton T. Semelroth, national director for marketing and communications at Marine Corps Recruiting Command, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on Oct. 25, 2024, referring to Gen Z.
“For those who hear the call and step up to the challenge, the Marine Corps offers the opportunity to earn the title ‘Marine’ and contribute to national defense and global stability,” Semelroth said.
By David Vergun, Pentagon News