Every Marine’s first commitment

The Oath
Marines pledge themselves completely to the Constitution of the United States. From the day they enlist and throughout their service, the oath every Marine takes is a promise and a reminder of their commitment to the defense of our nation.
“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the uniform code of military justice.  So help me God.”

The Eagle, Globe and Anchor
The Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem has been part of the uniform since 1868 and became the official emblem of the Marine Corps in 1955.
 
The eagle with spread wings represents our proud nation. The globe points to worldwide presence. The anchor stands for naval tradition. Together, they represent a dedication to service in the air, on land
and at sea. 
 
The Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem is presented to recruits at the end of Recruit Training, symbolizing that they have earned the title "United States Marine."

Dress Blues
The most distinctive uniform in the military.  Every detail of the dress blues uniform reflects the proud legacy of Marines who have served for more than two centuries:
 
The buttons featuring the eagle and anchor have been on the uniform since 1804, making them the oldest military insignia in continued use.
 
The scarlet "blood stripe" runs down each trouser leg of the dress blues worn by Noncommissioned Officers, Staff Noncommissioned Officers and officers. Originally it honored those Marines who fell in the Battle of Chapultepec during the Mexican War in 1847. Today, the blood stripe honors the memory of all our fallen comrades.
 
The collar of today’s dress blues reflects the original Marine uniform of the American Revolution, which had a high leather neck to help protect Marines from sword blows.
 
Because it embodies Marine Corps history, rigorous standards apply to wearing this uniform and every Marine upholds those standards with pride.

The Sword
The swords Marines carry signify the Marine Corps’ heritage as America’s original protectors. They are the oldest weapons still in service by United States Armed Forces.
 
Officers carry the Mameluke sword, which was originally given to Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon in 1805 by a Mameluke chieftain in North Africa. Lt O’Bannon and his Marines marched across 600 miles of North African desert to rid the "shores of Tripoli" of pirates. By 1825, all Marine Corps Officers carried the Mameluke sword.
 
Staff Noncommissioned Officers (SNCO) and Noncommissioned Officers (NCO) carry the 1858 Cavalry sword. This sword was bestowed upon them by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in recognition of their leadership in combat, their virtue and tradition. Only the Marine Corps awards such recognition to Noncommissioned Officers.

Marine Corps Flag
Marines have carried several different flags since the American Revolution, but today's scarlet standard has been flown during Marine Corps missions and ceremonies since January 1939.
 
The Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem is rendered in gray and gold over the scarlet background. The motto ribbon flows from the eagle's beak, bearing "Semper Fidelis," and the flowing scroll below bears "United States Marine Corps." 
 
Scarlet and gold were established as the official colors of the Corps as early as 1925, and the Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem has appeared as part of Marine Corps iconography since 1868.
 
In addition to being flown at ceremonies and installations, the Marine Corps flag hangs in the offices of the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.