Mildly Military: How to act like a Marine

[Nick123q23]

I saw this guide on the Baystation 12 forums, and thought it'd be pretty cool if our marines acted like that. I use this all the time I play a military role, and it translates pretty well to CM.
All credit to the original creator, Raptor1628. I just posted it here and changed some words around to be in CM's context.
I've also left out the parts regarding ranks as we have our own rank structure.
And here is the guide itself:

Disclaimer: The following guide is written from my limited experience of one branch of the United States Armed Forces, and isn't close to comprehensive, any input from other branches or countries is appreciated and welcomed. I'm finally going ahead and making an attempt at this guide because of upcoming map changes. This is a work in progress for now.

So, you want to be a lean, mean, killing machine, who can shoot the wings off a fly at fifty meters, with over three hundred confirmed kills and trained in gorilla warfare? Then go somewhere else, this isn't the guide for that. Being a spec ops motard with infinite skill is powergaming, boring, and not to mention unrealistic.

If you want to Roleplay as a current, or retired member of the military in game, whether a lazy Infantry Lance, or a green Lieutenant with a specialty in dentistry, you've come to the right place. A lot of what most people know about the military comes from popular culture and myth, I'll do my best to use my experience to describe a military mentality. To help teach some military behavior, I'm also going to cover military courtesies like the Salute, proper wear of the uniform, then mannerisms and vocabulary. Feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer.

The Motivater, the Slacker, the Old-Timer and the Retiree: A lot of this guide will include footnotes from the Motivator, and the Slacker, the Old-Timer and the Retiree. New entrants to the military, or those in higher positions are likely to be Motivators, fairly dedicated to their organization and its traditions. While a lot of people enter the military fairly motivated, over time, that motivation can fade, leading to Slackers, that may try to avoid duty or functions to the best of their ability. Old-Timers have been in an organization to know when to slack and when to give 110% percent. The Retiree has been included because one thing I've seen pretty regularly is behavior from "Retired Military" in game that doesn't reflect the common behavior of retirees. Footnotes from these individuals will try to give a bit more insight into the mentality of different attitudes, but are in no means comprehensive.


Military Behavior
Drill: This won't be too complex, I'm only defining some terms that will be used later on.

The Position of Attention: The position from which all other drill is born. Head up, shoulders back, eyes straight ahead, hands rolled and pinned to the seam of your trousers (those are pants for you donks who don't know what trousers are), heels together, feet pointed out at a 30 degree angle. It's not just clicking your heels together like you're wishing yourself home, one fluid motion without a ton of noise. Retiree: No need to do this crap anymore, easier to show people respect in other ways.

Parade Rest: A less rigid position, no less sharp. Feet spread at the same angle, but shoulder-width apart, hands in the shape of a knife intersecting at the small of your back. Slacker: If no one is looking at your hands, they just have to be behind your back, perfect time to scratch that itch on your left cheek.

At Ease: Not drill per se, but related. Parade rest, but free to look around, move everything but your right foot, and keep your hands loosely behind your back. Keep your mouth shut unless you're being talked to by a superior.

At Rest: How everyone else is all the time. Free to move and talk.

The Salute: Right hand in the shape of a knife, thumb in line with your fingers, up on the brim of your headgear, or side of your head above the eyebrow, arm out straight from your shoulder. Rendered at a walk or at a standstill, never at a run. The Salute is the most important of all military courtesies. Motivator: The sharper the salute, the more pride you show in your organization.

Courtesy: How to behave around superiors and inferiors. Retiree: Even if you're out, it's good to call people Sir or Ma'am, good way to make friends, ditch the salute though, you'll look like an idiot saluting in an office.

Greeting: How to greet superiors and subordinates.
When passing a superior Commissioned or Non-Commissioned Officer, it is customary to give them the Greeting of the Day loudly and clearly. The Greeting of the Day is Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening, depending on the time, and the superior Officer's title. For Non-Commissioned Officers, this is "Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening (Rank) (Name)" depending on the time. For example: "Good Afternoon Staff Sergeant Schmuckatelli!" For Commissioned Officers, instead of using name and rank, only use Sir or Ma'am depending on the Officer's gender, and accompany the greeting with a salute. Address any flag officers (Generals or Admirals) with General or Admiral. Any time between 0000 and 1159 is Morning, any time between 1200 and 1659 is Afternoon, and any time between 1700 and 2359 is Evening.

When greeted, return the greeting of the day to your subordinate, if you are an officer being saluted, return the salute sharply, and drop it within a second or two. Don't salute a subordinate first.

Aboard ship, while greeting, it is customary for subordinates to press to the side of a hallway at the position of attention to give superiors room to pass.

Saluting: Used in ceremonies, official greetings, and for reporting into superiors.
Persons Entitled to a Salute: Commissioned Officers of any United States Colonial Marine Corps Organization, Warrant Officers, Commissioned Officers of United States Colonial Marine Corps and any Allied States. The Colors of the United States Colonial Marine Corps, and their respective anthems also rate a salute. Slacker: When in doubt, salute, better than getting chewed out.

When to Salute Off-Ship: Whenever you are outside, in uniform, and covered (wearing headgear) at any time you're passing someone that rates a salute, or passing a flag, or "the colors". If the formal raising or lowering of the flag, or "Colors," or the playing of an anthem is in progress and you are outside, assume the position of attention, face the direction of the music/flag/both and salute if in uniform. If a superior passes you while you are outside, be sure to salute them. When saluting a superior, do not drop your salute until they do so. Do NOT salute while seated. Do NOT salute out of uniform, inside, when on armed duty, when engaged in work, or when uncovered. Old-Timer: Saluting and greetings are fine back home, but if you're out in the field on some god-forsaken jungle planet, don't salute or loudly give greetings. Duh.

When to Salute Aboard Ship: Regardless of whether covered or not, salute the Skipper (Commanding Officer) of your vessel, any flag officers aboard, and any visiting Officers superior in rank to you any time you see them. All other superior Commissioned Officers should only be saluted once, at your first meeting of the day, when reporting formally, and when being addressed, otherwise do not salute during greetings and while working.

Addressing Superiors and Subordinates: How to talk to others.

Superiors: Similar to greetings, superior Commissioned Officers will be addressed as Sir or Ma'am, and at the position of attention unless the superior Officer tells you otherwise. Salute at the beginning and end of your conversation. Non-Commissioned Officers will be addressed by their Rank and Name, and should be spoken to at the position of Parade Rest unless told otherwise.

Subordinates: While not required, it is good practice to address subordinates by their Rank and Name if Enlisted, or by Mr. or Ms. Name if Commissioned. Motivator: Speaking with subordinates too informally breeds poor discipline.

Other Courtesies

When a Commissioned Officer enters a hallway or room with multiple people in it talking, the ranking individual should call the room to Attention. The Officer should then put the room at ease or rest if they so desire. A high ranking Non-Commissioned Officer, at least E-8 or above, warrants putting the room or hallway At Ease.

When addressing civilians, it is customary to address them as Sir or Ma'am, or any formal title they may have.

When accompanying a superior, walk on their left hand side.

When asked a question, answer in the affirmative or negative, but when instructed to do something, respond "Aye Sir/Ma'am/RankName" to confirm you've heard the command and will obey. Old-Timer: If you say "Aye Aye" you'll get the shit hazed out of you.

Following Orders: When to say "Yes Sir," and when to put your foot down. Motivator: Sometimes following orders to the best of your ability means disobeying them.

The Law: USCMC personnel are beholden to a few masters, but at the top of it all is Military Law. USCMC personnel have a duty to obey ALL lawful orders, and a duty NOT to obey unlawful orders. But just what makes an order lawful or unlawful?
Unlawful orders are any orders that violate the Marine Law.
These includes orders that require the individual following them to break the law, or orders in and of themselves that break the law. It doesn't matter if the President himself is giving the unlawful order, it's still unlawful. When in doubt, go with your gut, if you think that an order is wrong morally, it's probably also wrong legally.
Conversely, any lawful order must be obeyed, regardless of how distasteful. For example, a suicide mission in defense of the United Americas, while unfortunate for those obeying the order, is not unlawful.
"I was only following orders" has been the shield of the coward for centuries, and has been used unsuccessfully as a legal defense for almost as long. While the individual giving the order has the responsibility for giving the order, the individual that carries out that order is just as responsible in the action. This is a heavy burden, and a major decision to make in a split second, but the men and women of the United States Colonial Marines are expected to carry out this duty.

Disobeying a Command: While it may be tempting to overreact if given an unlawful order, disrespecting a superior officer will still get you thrown in the brig. The best way (and legal way for that matter) to disobey an order is, upon being given the order and deciding it is unlawful, is to clearly and respectfully tell the superior who has given that order that you cannot obey it. "Sir, I cannot in good conscience carry out that order," or "No Ma'am, I can not," are good examples of how to respectfully disobey an order.

Uniform Wear and Standards: Every Girl crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed Man. More information about the wear of each uniform can be found here.

There are three major types of uniforms each part of the Armed Forces wear, each for different circumstances, the Utility Uniform, the Service Uniform, and the Dress Uniform. There are a lot of variations to these uniforms, and service-specific PT uniforms, but these are the basic three. While in uniform, you should take care in your actions, you're representing not only yourself, but your organization and your peers. Disrespecting the uniform could also violate regulations. Your uniform reflects the pride you have in yourself and your organization, keep your headgear on straight, button your buttons, shine your shoes, and keep your creases ironed. Do not smoke, chew gum, eat or drink while walking, or put your hands in your pockets while in uniform. Slacker: If nobody's watching, who cares if you have a smoke or relax?

Utility Uniform: Fatigues, Utes, Cammies, the Field Uniform. Worn both in the field, and while working aboard vessels, the Utility Uniform is for getting work done, and getting dirty while doing so. In the field, you can be a lot more flexible with the wear of this uniform as the mission requires. An undershirt's required color typically depends on the type of Utility Uniform. Sleeves can be rolled depending on the CO's preferences. Rank, name, and Service are indicated on this uniform, but don't go wearing any medals or ribbons other than Wings, or a branch pin, you'll look like a tool. Equipment required for a job or task can be worn freely for this, that includes anything from belts, to holsters, to vests, to hardsuits. Old-Timer: If you're getting old and flabby, this'll hide that muffin top you're growing.

Service Uniform: The equivalent of a nice suit in a business, the Service Uniform is worn in Garrison and aboard ship during some ceremonies, or in circumstances where you won't be getting dirty. You have the opportunity to show off all the shiny ribbons and medals you've earned for your service. Authorized for wear off-duty. The only pieces equipment that can be worn with a service uniform are belts, holsters, and decorations. Motivator: While you don't have to wear the Service Uniform while aboard ship, wearing shows pride in your appearance.

Dress Uniform: The one in all the commercials. Very formal, should look like you've put a lot of work into looking good. Worn for formal events, visiting dignitaries, and when you want to impress that one person you've been hitting on, you know the one. Time to wear all of your awards, cords, medals, ribbons, and anything else to impress the higher-ups. Do not wear ANYTHING in this uniform other than decorations, or a concealed holster. Typically has a higher version called "Evening Dress," but that's uncommonly seen below flag officer ranks. Slacker: This is probably the only uniform I put effort into.

Mannerisms: Some foibles and actions that might make you seem a bit more military. This one is going to take a bit of work, as it's hard to describe.

Respectful: Be polite, speak when spoken to, try to be the perfect gentleman or lady. You've had some discipline beaten into your thick head, might as well put it to good use. Say "Sir" or "Ma'am" when you're speaking to civilians, it's a good practice. If someone insults you, don't start a fight, just let it slide off your back.

Alert: Situational awareness takes a bit of work to teach, but is a valuable skill. Keep your head on a swivel, don't be complacent.

Thoughtful: Problem-solving is hard, but it helps to step back and look at a problem instead of charging off to meet it head on. The sweet spot for a plan of action is somewhere around 50% of a plan. 100% takes too long, and 0% gets you and your people killed.

Stand Tall: You're a part of something big, be proud of it, hold your head high and carry yourself like you're better, in some ways, you are. Retiree: You can take the Soldier out of the Army, but not the Army out of the Soldier.

Directness: You've been trained to communicate quickly and effectively, say what you mean how you mean to say it, confidently. Make eye contact with whoever you're talking to, and own the conversation.

Teamwork: You are one moving part in a larger weapon that is your unit. Without the rest of your unit, you're nothing, and without you, your unit is nothing. Put your group before yourself, always. Slacker: What did the Defense Forces ever do for me? If they wanted to care, they would have done it already. I'm in this for me, myself, and I.

Honor: Your word is your bond, but your actions should show even more than your words that you're reliable and trustworthy.

On the Other Hand: Military Service is not a magical machine that turns jerks into heroes, on the contrary, handing a bad person power might just make them worse. There are just as many liars, assholes, and idiots in the military as there are in the real world. What kind of person are you?

Salty Lingo: If you listen to older Enlisted, you'll hear a rough, grumbling language similar to Gutter that Non-Commissioned Officers use to express themselves. Mostly slang and half-baked analogies. e.g. "Life's like fruit loops! Dey all look different but dey taste the same!"

Terms, Slang, and Glossary: Wherein you find out what the hell this guide is talking about. Will be added to over time. In no particular order, should probably alphabetize this at some point. Read this if you don't want to be laughed at for saying "Oscar Mike" when you're walking to the Mess to get a snack you fat fuck.

Bulkhead: Wall
Hatch: Door
Head: Bathroom
Deck: Floor
Galley: Kitchen
Mess: Dining Room
Chow: Food
Brig: Jail
Rack: Bed
Rakt: The act of being in your Rack.
Sierra Hotel: Shit Hot (Positive Adjective)
Bravo Zulu: Well Done
Aye: "Yes, I have heard and understand your command and will obey."
Boot: Junior enlisted fresh out of Marine Boot Camp, greener than grass.
Newb: Short for "Newbie," a rookie member of the Expeditionary Corps.
POG: People Other-Than Grunts. Perjorative term for non-infantry types used by Marines.
Motard: Someone that is far too motivated.
Blue Falcon: Buddy Fucker, someone that screws their buddies. Usually thinks they're high speed. Ca Caww!
Operator: Can be positive or negative, depending on the context. Refers to "Special Operators"
Geedunk: Junk Food
Ranger That: A play on "Roger That," probably said by someone who thinks they're terribly clever.
Quad-Zero: 0000, or midnight in military time.
Zero/Oh Dark: Roughly referring to any time in the early morning. When used with actual times, such as Oh Dark Thirty Five (0035), means a time during the 00 block.
Squared Away: Someone who has their shit together, when used as an interrogative e.g. "Are you squared away?" is asking if YOU have your shit together.
High Speed: Similar meaning to Squared Away.
Dirt/Shitbag: The opposite of Squared Away.
Low Speed: You get where this is going, opposite of High Speed.
Slack Nasty: Self-explanatory.
Beans, Bullets, Band Aids, and Bad Guys: Slang for general supplies and information used in a report or operational order. (Food and Water, Weaponry and Ammunition, Medical equipment, Enemy Forces and Prisoners)
Low Quarters: Dress Shoes
Cover/Headgear: A hat, but don't freakin' call it a hat.
Skipper: Nickname for the Commanding Officer of a vessel. Do NOT address your CO directly by this term unless they're damn nice or you have a close relationship.
Blue Dick/Green Weenie: The omnipresent device that screws members of the armed forces. The former applies to the Fleet and EC, the latter to the Marines.
Box Kicker: Slang for supply-types.
Knuckle Dragger: Engineers or mechanics.
Bulkhead Remover/Bosun's Punch/Bucket of Steam/Elbow Grease/Flux Capacitor: Mythical items that junior enlisted are sent to find by other enlisted as pranks.
Busted: Verb which means to be reduced in rank. e.g. "Busted to Private."
Charlie Foxtrot: Cluster Fuck.
Frack: A bastardized bit of profanity common among enlisted and officers from the colonies.
SNAFU: Systems Normal, All Fucked Up. A mess. Noun. Refers to a situation that is bad, but is usually that bad.
FUBAR: Fucked Up Beyond All Repair. Things are very very very fucked up.
Dear John Letter: A letter that a serviceperson's SO sends them to break up with them. Sucks.
Schmuckatelli: A name often used in examples of what to do, or not do. "Ensign Schmuckatelli quit his post before being relieved. Don't be Ensign Schmuckatelli."
Good to Go: Self explanatory, sometimes used as a question and response. You better be Good to Go.

That is the end of half the guide, and most of the guide that is relevant to CM. If you want to see the full guide, look here Origional Source

[CommunistUser]

But then you realize, everyone here is lazy and don't care, but one up to you for trying.

[Nick123q23]

A few rare people do care. Those are the people I'm reaching out to, if it helps anyone else, bonus points.

[Jroinc1]

I mean, I'm a navy nuke in RL, aand I usually play MT, funnily enough.
Basically, my actual job MATCHES my in-game job.
:P

[EMT_321]

For what its worth, I appreciate this post. It really grinds my gears to hear some of the awful "military-lite" terminology and logical leaps people use. If I had even mouthed off to my Chief half of these things, I would have been NJP'd so fast I wouldn't have time to even get in a front-leaning-rest.

No, you dont get to execute someone because they didn't call you sir.

No, you dont threaten civilians with harm for complaining.

No, you dont get to shoot retreating troops.

Etc. Etc.

[Jroinc1]

For what its worth, I appreciate this post. It really grinds my gears to hear some of the awful "military-lite" terminology and logical leaps people use. If I had even mouthed off to my Chief half of these things, I would have been NJP'd so fast I wouldn't have time to even get in a front-leaning-rest.

No, you dont get to execute someone because they didn't call you sir.

No, you dont threaten civilians with harm for complaining.

No, you dont get to shoot retreating troops.

Etc. Etc.

Someone gets it.
When you mouth off, you don't get shot, you just go to mast.
But we can't sim "Reduction in rate, forfeiture of half-months pay for 2 months, and as a separate administrative matter, MMN3 was removed from the naval nuclear power program" ingame.

[EMT_321]

Someone gets it.
When you mouth off, you don't get shot, you just go to mast.
But we can't sim "Reduction in rate, forfeiture of half-months pay for 2 months, and as a separate administrative matter, MMN3 was removed from the naval nuclear power program" ingame.

I was an HM, so I wont pretend to understand the whole mast procedure for Nukes. I imagine you guys are/were/will be held to more stringent standards,as the stakes are generally higher for all interactions. I can only imagine your irritation as a result with juvenile bullshit like this.

[Jroinc1]

I was an HM, so I wont pretend to understand the whole mast procedure for Nukes. I imagine you guys are/were/will be held to more stringent standards,as the stakes are generally higher for all interactions. I can only imagine your irritation as a result with juvenile bullshit like this.

Yeah. We're held to STUPIDLY high standards, and it doesn't help that we're in a training status for near 2 years. So treated like shit for the whole time by our superiors. But hey. Almost to phase THREE of training. yay.

[Jroinc1]

One of the few realistic things though, is if ANYONE starts treating the RX in an unsafe manner, depending on the situation and if he doesn't stop (for instance EVERY griefer CE/MT here), you will get tackled down, and if that doesn't work, you MAY get shot.
Real world consequences. Don't fuck with the RX.

[SPACEpotato1]

Drill is probably one of my favourite things.

Nobody seems to like it but fuck it's just great.

[Jay Burns]

Drill is probably one of my favourite things.

Nobody seems to like it but fuck it's just great.

Ya wanna know what's worse than drill? 4 fucking hours of PT.

[EastGermanStasi]

Nice guide

[SPACEpotato1]

Ya wanna know what's worse than drill? 4 fucking hours of PT.

Oh, no fuck PT.

Drill is not PT

Don't compare.

[Nick123q23]

Updated and cleaned up a little bit for more traffic. Yell at me if I should add something to it.

[Jory13]

I love the SGDF so much, wish It was real. LETS GO EC GOGOGO!

Also, Exodus De-commissioning Monday, be there.

[Tidomann]

Just posting in a great topic so I can read it later