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America's Deadliest Infantry Division Shows Off Everyday Life On Instagram
The duty belts indicate that these gents are standing duty, likely 24-hour duty. They've probably been hemmed up by a public affairs Marine and told, "Okay, fellas, look happy for a second."
Defense1 min readSports teams around Camp Pendelton's Southern California region regularly honor the Marines.
This would actually be considered part of earning the paycheck for Marines, who adhere to somewhat strict body composition and fitness standards.
A small outpost beneath the SoCal sun: Marines can sweep out an area, set up security, and deploy bases like this in a matter of hours.
"Grass week" is the week prior to live-fire small arms qualifications; done yearly. During grass week, Marines train with unloaded rifles, not only practicing the firing positions — prone, kneeling, sitting, Standing — but they'll also visualize hitting the bull eye countless times before actually pulling the trigger.
Training with a full combat load (180 rounds, flak and ballistic plates) occurs all over Pendleton's deserts and hills.
And sometimes on Fridays, Marines will get to do their physical training on the courts.
Marines fill out "liberty chits" — papers describing their weekend plans — from the inside of amphibious vehicles.
The pistol range ... harder than you think.
Ohp, communications guys need to set up a satellite ... careful not to step in front of that beam!
"Squad push-ups" are a regular training exercise ... look at that guy's face. Does he look like he's having fun?
Mechanics can generally be picked out by their coveralls. Marines can be picked out by their bad haircuts.
This is what the Navy's hovercraft looks like. It carries Marines, vehicles and weapons over the water, then over the beach.
Humvees come with all sorts of different turrets, from guided missiles to machine guns.
There's a very distinctive sound to the 50 caliber machine gun. The sound of America's enemies running can't be heard over it.
This is what it looks like if you're a coastal country that's gotten on the bad side of the Marines.
Here Marine snipers focus on dime-sized targets placed several yards from their positions.
"Colors" happens every day. Most Marines run like hell to make it inside so they're not caught saluting for the duration of the national anthem (let's be honest guys).
Marines regularly engage with retired vets on base during outreach programs.
Here a group of young Devil Dogs listen to one of the few remaining World War II Native American code talkers.
The 1st Marine Division Headquarters. Can you guess the astronomical star formation that is?
Dogtags of all the warriors lost in Afghanistan.
Every year the oldest and youngest Marines in the room eat the first pieces of Marine Corps birthday cake.
Chesty Puller's "rack." Notably, at the top, five Navy Crosses. Also several other awards for valor.
Formation is a part of life. Regardless, it's no fun standing in them for hours on end while one Marine or another gives a speech.
"Jane Wayne" day is when Marine spouses come on base to play with all their weapons systems.
With the introduction of women warriors to infantry ranks though, there may come a time when it's "John Wayne" day.
Running in full gear. Yesss!
Marines take marksmanship seriously at all levels. Every Marine qualifies, every year — aside from unit training events.
And this is just practice. (Generally) Marines will practice pulling the trigger and visualizing a bullseye for at least a week prior to even firing their weapons for qual.
On the range is the only place you'll see Marine range personnel wearing these "covers" (Marine-speak for "hat").
Pendleton is a beautiful piece of property, and actually doubles as a wildlife preserve, housing a decent handful of America's remaining Buffalo.
Oh god ... another formation, putting some pain in those feet and knees.
Really not what you want to see if you're a dictator.
And we can't forget about the fabled Marine Corps silent drill team. Executing precise movements, synchronized, without a sound (but rifle striking flesh).
On any given day, on your ride to work, you can see Marine Recon at work, fast roping onto some imaginary target.
We can't forget about live-fire exercises. The only time Marines stop firing is if they see wild life ... or a fire.
Finally the sight of this ceremonial flag is almost as common as ...
... the sight of valor award ceremonies.
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