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Marine Corps Values

March 29, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Marine Corps values of loyalty, pride, strength, and integrity are what I have seen in my sons as they continue their career in the US Marines.

If your son or daughter is thinking about the Marine Corps I would highly recommend it.

The delayed entry program through the local recruiting center gives them a taste of the leadership skills, teamwork, discipline and confidence building that will help them succeed during boot camp.

Recruits also learn the Young Marines Obligation, which states, “From this day forward, I sincerely promise, I will set an example for all other youth to follow and I shall never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon God, my Country and its flag, my parents, myself or the Young Marines.

These I will honor and respect in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and myself. Semper Fidelis.”

In some areas, the Young Marines program is available for youth ages eight to 18. The program instills a sense of dedication, honor, and commitment to country along with patriotism. They learn to honor and respect themselves and others.

I am a very proud Marine Mom and designing Marine clothing and gifts on CafePress is just one way I express my pride. This design is one of my favorites.

Return to Rolled Sleeves For the Marine Corps

March 9, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Today, March 9th, 2014 the Marine Corps returned to rolled sleeves after a several year hiatus.

You may not think rolling your long sleeves up to become a short-sleeved shirt is big deal, but to the grunts, POGs, leathernecks and Devil Dogs of the USMC it’s a tradition, sets them apart, and it IS a big deal.

On October 18, 2011 the Marine Corps announced Marines would wear sleeves down all year round when not in a combat zone. In an online poll 90% did not like the change. Commandant General James F. Amos listened to his Marines (ok, they want more important things, but hey you take what you can get) and gave them back what they were wanting. Rolled sleeves. On February 25th, 2014 he announced sleeves would return to rolled up status the word went viral across the internet. Even my sons took notice, can you tell who is no longer active duty?

My oldest Marine EAS’ed as of January and lives in Chicago, he had to live with sleeves down in the heat of Yuma Arizona for several years, my youngest Marine son went through Marine boot camp learning to roll sleeves, but didn’t get to stick with the tradition very long before the rule changed. I’ll bet last week he was brushing up on his sleeve rolling skills.

For those Marines who have never rolled sleeves below is the official video from the United States Marine Corps on how to achieve fitted rolled sleeves on the desert blouse. Properly rolled sleeves should lay flush against the arms, look neat and professional without a lot of bulk. Can you believe it was the Marine Corps who taught my son to properly iron?

However, if a Marine has arms of a weightlifter, or “guns” that make the girls blush there is a trick to not cutting off your circulation. It’s called the “cut and stitch” method of rolled sleeves and many drill instructors use this uniform tactic without anyone knowing. My oldest Marine learned this tip in boot camp and when the sleeves down rule went into effect he had several blouses which were no longer usable.

The Marine Corps is the only branch of the military who rolls their sleeves as part of the official uniform.

Learn About Marine Corps Traditions

Backbone: History, Traditions, and Leadership Lessons of Marine One of Us: Officers of Marines–Their Training, Traditions,Marine Corps Lore: US Marine Corps Customs, Traditions,Encyclopedia of the U. S. Marines

Read What the Rest of the Marines Are Saying About Rolled Sleeves

Sun’s out, guns out: Rolled sleeves to make return with Marines

SAN DIEGO — Good news, Marines and fans of Marine biceps (ahem): Rolled sleeves are coming back. Commandant Gen. James Amos and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Micheal Barrett announced Tuesday via Facebook that the Corps is bringing back …

Marines greet new sleeves-up order with cheers, confusion

Posted on the Marine Corps’ official social media platforms, the announcement that rolled sleeves were back went viral, shared more than 20,000 times on Facebook by Marines who missed the look. They are nearly equaled in number, however, by those who …

Amos: My wife was all over me about sleeves down

Marine noncommissioned officers weren’t the only ones complaining after the Marine Corps banned rolled sleeves on camouflage utilities in 2011. Gen. Jim Amos’ wife, Bonnie, also opposed the change. The commandant himself made the startling admission …

Marine Mom Challenge Coin

March 4, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Look what I just found! A Marine Mom Challenge Coin, I didn’t even know they made them. If my Marine Corps sons ever read my blog this is a ~~big hint for my birthday, Mothers Day, or Christmas.~~ (no more need for a hint) Both my sons have received Challenge coins from their superiors while in the Marines. They have also purchased commemorative coins to recognize their service. I love the meaning behind them and how they chronicle events in a Marines life.

Proud Marine Mom Challenge Coin in the military tradition of the United States Marine Corps

I recently took did a photography shoot of all of their coins when they were home on leave. Some I have transformed them into cards and other gifts, but many I just took photos of for posterity. But, I didn’t know there was a challenge coin for Marine Mothers.

I’ve since had inquiries on Twitter whether the company makes Proud Army Mom or Proud Navy Mom challenge coins, and they certainly do. So if you have a soldier for a son or daughter, or a sailor you too can have a challenge coin to keep in your pocket, purse, or on your desk as a talisman or sorts. As military Moms, we have our challenges of our own, we have to know what to say, what not to say, all in supporting our sons and daughters.

UPDATE: I’m not sure if my son read my blog or not, but he was home shortly after Mothers Day and after handing me a “fake” Mothers Day gift he then handed me a small packet, then put his hand over his mouth as he was hiding a smile and a smirk. I did get my Marine Mom Challenge coin. I keep it with me in my purse and love it. My son’s are so thoughtful.

Yes you can say I’m a pretty proud Marine Mom. I have my coin, I have my shirt and I have my bumper stickers on my car. I also have a necklace and a few USMC blankets. I don’t get to see my boys very often, but whenever I see or use one of my US Marine gifts I think of them and get a little teary eyed.

If you’re looking for a Marine Mom gift you can’t go wrong with any of the below items.