One angry Marine

The Gunny told me there are two simple rules for being a Marine.  Rule Number 1: never let a fellow down.  Rule Number 2: don't forget Rule Number 1.

Learning recently of the scandalous behavior of a few who call themselves Marine caused my stomach to turn and my jaw to tighten.  Absolutely maddening!  Infuriating!  Disgusting!

An essential element, perhaps THE essential element of being a Marine is accepting, believing, and embodying that "once a Marine, always a Marine."  Earning this title bestows upon the recipient a moral responsibility to all Marines - past, present, and future.  Not only when in uniform or on active duty, but every moment of every day from that point forward.  This moral responsibility transcends time and place, carrying with it an obligation cherished and shared by those few who have earned it.

The title Marine means vastly more than those who have never earned the eagle, globe, and anchor can ever know.  That is evident when meeting Marine veterans, of any era.  They earnestly believe there are no former Marines, because once a Marine, always a Marine.  So when one Marine tarnishes the reputation of our Corps, it hurts all Marines.  That shared responsibility to one another critical to combat teamwork permeates all aspects of our lives.

So I sit here, mad as hell at the individuals who belittled their fellow Marines.  Who acted without respect for fellow warriors.  Who cheapened the title Marine.  Even 15 years after retiring, reading of the disgraceful actions causes my blood to boil.  How dare they do this?  They have brought discredit upon me and my fellow Marines. 

In today's tumultuous world, the citizens of our nation have consistently stated they hold the military, in general, and their Marine Corps specifically in the highest esteem.  Actions by some have threatened that esteem.  But I also want to believe the nation knows with certainty that its Corps of Marines will not stand by idly, but will aggressively and assuredly attack this matter.

This is the message explicitly stated in CMC's video.  Implicitly, he told those involved that they will soon no longer be Marines.