The Marines

With significant access to Marine Corps training facilities around the country, The Marines examine the unique Warrior Culture of the smallest but fiercest branch of the U.S. armed services. The 90-minute documentary focuses on their training and considers what it takes to become a Marine and what it means to be a Marine.

This WNED PBS production premiered in August 2006.

Funding for "The Marines" is provided by The Alfiero Family Charitable Foundation, which celebrates the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Heritage Center, and by contributions to your PBS station from viewers like you.

This program and channel are made possible by viewers like you. You can support Buffalo Toronto Public Media by making a donation. Thank you!

[patrickwhisler]

I served the Corps for 32 years and would willingly fight beside my brothers and sisters again. Semper Fi !!

[theyoungamptech]

"no matter how many times you knock him down, hes gonna get to his feet" makes the hair on my neck stand up. Its been almost 10 years since I stepped off the Island. Best decision I ever made for myself.

[tammywhite]

My dad was a Marine. I understand him a little better after watching this. He was the best man i ever knew. After the Marines he worked on helicopters for 33 years. He taught me that you can do anything you want to do. He built our house completely by himself, fixed our cars, did all the work around the house. And that was just on weekends and vacations. He taught his girls to be hard workers. You work for what you want. I always wanted to make him proud. Respect people. He died at 87. I miss him everyday. But he had a life to be proud of.

[LJDS]

Almost 20 years out of the Corps and nobody has ever asked "what did you do in the Marines?" Simply being a Marine is all that mattered.

[jmanil]

I joined the Marine Corps in 1990 and became an 0311 Infantryman with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 1st Marine Division. I so vividly remember my first day in BootCamp. I still remember the feeling of me rubbing my bald head as we finally got to go to sleep on the first night. I fell asleep asking myself "What the hell did you just do?".

[RC-]

I am the proud father of a US MARINE. VANESSA CHAVEZ, you are my hero!

[FrankP]

In the summer of 1965, Vietnam conflict was escalating. Those of us who were not going to college were being drafted. I knew that my draft notice would be coming any day. Rather than being drafted and serving two years in the Army. I went to the Marine Corps recruiter and enlisted. In 58 years, I have never regretted that decision.

[judithperkins]

Being a Marine is a honor. JOINED IN 5 JULY 1957. Parri😅s IsIand. Graduated Sept 1957. Yeah I am a old Marine but a proud Marine.

[bryanberg]

I wanted to be a Marine with every fiber of my being. I was robbed of that privilege by a disability. When I was in high school, I told a recruiter that I knew I couldn't run, jump, etc. well and that I knew what would happen to me over there, but I absolutely did not care. My fate did not matter to me one bit. I just wanted to serve. I will mourn that dream until the day I die. A friend gave me a tie clip from his uniform and told me I would have been a good Marine. I will carry that gift with me every day of my life. To those that I could not call my brothers and sisters, thank you from the very depth of my soul.

[AngelaJames-jrlo]

❤ I'm SO PROUD TO CALL MYSELF A SISTER OF A MARINE ❤

[judithbuchanan]

My son is a Marine. I remember that phone call at almost 11 pm. I felt like my son was in prison but in a good way. I felt like I was in boot camp. I was his biggest supporter. I wrote to him every day. I went to all three of his graduations (Boot camp, MCT and MOS). My son was always a very disciplined young man and the Marine Corp made him even more disciplined. I am a proud Marine Mom. Thank you all for your service and sacrifice 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[jean.xaviermartin]

I'm a old French Sergeant From the French Air Force and I support all m'y American Brothers in Arms

[msgtcharlesbarnettsr]

Served 1970-1996 would do it all over again without a second thought.

[paulsuprono]

In my youth . . . I became a Young Marine. Upon High School graduation, I enlisted as an Airman, United States Air Force. Manyatime, I wondered whether I joined the right service. SEMPER FI - Always Faithful 🪖 🇺🇸 👍

[princegroove]

I’m a US Navy veteran with a cousin who served in the Corps; thank you for all that you do, Jarheads! 🇺🇸👊🏻💪🏻

[lwinaus]

6 March 1972 I entered the gates of Parris Island and my life changed forever. 14 weeks later I left Parris Island as a United States Marine. In a few days it will be the 52nd anniversary of that day, I will hang the Marine Flag from my veranda and proudly think that at 72 years old, I am still a Marine. Semper Fi.

[jitgreen]

I was in the Navy, but Man I love the Marines.
Edit, Fair Winds and Followings Seas to all the Devils and Squids reading this.

[bobsit]

Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman and served five years with Marine units during my time.
While I never saw combat, I'm so proud of my time with them.

[mcdutchpatriot]

I am a Dutch Marine I served with British and US Marines and I am proud we are all one, we all will be a Marine our whole life ..QUA PATET ORBIS

[Travers-kxzk]

My Dad was a Mustang Marine and fought at The Chosin Reservoir