This page is your quick-reference hub for core MCJROTC and Marine Corps facts. Use it to study, prep for inspections/boards, and refresh before classes, drill, or events.
USMC Basics
- Founded: 10 November 1775
- Birthplace: Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- First Commandant: Capt Samuel Nicholas
- Service Motto: Semper Fidelis (“Always Faithful”)
- Nickname: “Leathernecks” (historic leather collar)
- Colors: Scarlet & Gold
- Emblem: Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA)
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MCJROTC Basics
- Mission: Develop informed, responsible citizens; strengthen character; promote leadership; instill respect for authority; and encourage service to community and nation.
- Program Pillars: Leadership • Citizenship • Personal Growth & Responsibility • Public Service & Career Exploration • General Military Subjects
- Cadet Responsibilities: Be prepared; be on time; maintain standards (uniform, grooming, bearing); respect chain of command; participate in unit activities.
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Core Values & Motto
Honor, Courage, Commitment — the Marine Corps Core Values. Cadets demonstrate these daily in class, on deck, and in the community.
- Honor: Integrity, responsibility, accountability.
- Courage: Do what is right in the face of fear or uncertainty.
- Commitment: Dedication to excellence, teammates, and mission.
Semper Fidelis (Semper Fi) — “Always Faithful.” Stay loyal to the mission, your team, and your values.
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Chain of Command
Know your chain of command. Use it. Respect it. (Update these billets with your current unit roster.)
| Role |
Name |
Notes |
| Senior Marine Instructor (SMI) |
|
Program lead; approves promotions/awards |
| Marine Instructor (MI) |
|
Training, drill, inspections, mentorship |
| Cadet Battalion Commander |
|
Overall cadet leadership |
| Cadet Executive Officer |
|
Second-in-command; staff coordination |
| Cadet Battalion SgtMaj |
|
Discipline, drill, formations |
| Company Commanders / 1stSgts |
|
Company-level leadership |
| Platoon Commanders / Platoon Sergeants |
|
Platoon training, accountability |
| Squad Leaders |
|
Daily supervision, mentoring |
Pro tip: Post the current chain on your classroom wall and update this table after promotions/change-of-command.
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Drill & Ceremonies — Fundamentals
Purpose of Drill: Build discipline, teamwork, bearing, confidence, and precise execution under command.
- Command Parts: Preparatory Command + Command of Execution (e.g., “Forward, MARCH”).
- Positions: Attention • Parade Rest • At Ease • Rest • Fall In/Out.
- Facing Movements: Left/Right Face • About Face.
- Marching: Forward March • Halt • Mark Time • To the Rear • Column L/R • Left/Right Flank • Change Step.
- Formations: Ranks & files • Squad • Platoon • Company; interval and distance.
Know the difference between “cover,” “dress,” and “interval.” Practice cadence, pivots, and arm swing.
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Phonetic Alphabet & Numbers
| A Alpha |
N November |
0 Zero |
| B Bravo |
O Oscar |
1 Wun |
| C Charlie |
P Papa |
2 Too |
| D Delta |
Q Quebec |
3 Tree |
| E Echo |
R Romeo |
4 Fower |
| F Foxtrot |
S Sierra |
5 Fife |
| G Golf |
T Tango |
6 Six |
| H Hotel |
U Uniform |
7 Seven |
| I India |
V Victor |
8 Ait |
| J Juliett |
W Whiskey |
9 Niner |
| K Kilo |
X X-ray |
|
| L Lima |
Y Yankee |
|
| M Mike |
Z Zulu |
|
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- Wear it right, wear it proud: Clean, pressed, lint-free; proper fit; brass and shoes shined.
- Ribbons & badges: Correct order of precedence; straight and level; follow unit SOP for wear.
- Inspections: Know how to report, stand at attention, and answer knowledge questions clearly.
- Grooming: Hair, shave, cosmetics, and jewelry per unit/SOP standards.
See the “Uniform Regulations & Grooming Standards” subpage for exact details.
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Knowledge Board: Rapid-Fire Facts
- Marine Corps Birthday: 10 November 1775
- First Commandant: Capt Samuel Nicholas
- USMC Motto: Semper Fidelis — Always Faithful
- USMC Emblem: Eagle, Globe, and Anchor
- USMC Colors: Scarlet and Gold
- Cadet Aim: Be a better student, teammate, and citizen every day
- Respect: Address instructors and cadet leaders properly; follow the chain of command
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Study Checklist & Practice Questions
Checklist (ready for boards/inspections):
- I can state the Marine Corps birthday, birthplace, first Commandant, motto, colors, and emblem.
- I can explain MCJROTC’s mission and the program pillars.
- I know my unit chain of command (names and roles).
- I can execute basic drill and explain two-part commands.
- I know the phonetic alphabet and numbers.
- My uniform meets all standards; I can explain ribbon/badge placement generally (details on Uniform page).
Practice Questions:
- What is the Marine Corps birthday and birthplace?
- Who was the first Commandant of the Marine Corps?
- What is the meaning of “Semper Fidelis”?
- State the mission of MCJROTC in your own words.
- Give two reasons we practice drill.
- What are the two parts of a command? Give an example.
- Spell your last name using the phonetic alphabet.
- Who is your Cadet Battalion Commander? Your Cadet Battalion SgtMaj?
- What are the Marine Corps colors and emblem?
- How do you demonstrate Honor, Courage, and Commitment as a cadet?
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