How do you greet a Marine?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 23, 2026
“Rah.” or “Rah!” or “Rah?” Short for “Oohrah,” a Marine greeting or expression of enthusiasm similar to the Army's “Hooah” or the Navy's “Hooyah.” Rah, however, is a bit more versatile.
What do Marines say in greeting?
Oorah is a battle cry common in the United States Marine Corps since the mid-20th century. It is comparable to hooah in the US Army and hooyah in the US Navy and US Coast Guard. It is most commonly used to respond to a verbal greeting or as an expression of enthusiasm.
What is the Marines favorite saying?
“Semper Fidelis” (“Always Faithful”) is the motto of the Corps. That Marines have lived up to this motto is proved by the fact that there has never been a mutiny, or even the thought of one, among U.S. Marines. Semper Fidelis was adopted about 1883 as the motto of the Corps.
How do you say hello in military?
Errr... - (U.S. Marines) An abbreviated or unmotivated "Oorah". Often used as a form of acknowledgment or greeting. Yes, we really do walk around saying "Errr" at one another in the way normal civilized humans say "Hello."
What do you call a Marine?
United States Marines don't like to be called soldiers. Unless you wish to cause mild offense, refer to them as Marines (usually capitalized). Members of the U.S. Army and National Guard are soldiers. Members of the Air Force are airmen. Members of the Navy are sailors.
39 related questions foundWhat do Marines call a bed?
Rack: A bed. Marines are weapons, so they are stored in “racks” instead of sleeping in “beds.”
Why do Marines say Hooyah?
Hooyah is the battle cry used in the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard to build morale and signify verbal acknowledgment. It originated with special forces communities, especially the Navy SEALs, and was subsequently adopted by other Navy divisions.
How do soldiers greet each other?
The knightly gesture, of raising the hand to the visor came to be recognized as the proper greeting between soldiers, and was continued even after modern firearms had made steel body armor a thing of the past.
What do Marines call each other?
15. POGs and Grunts – Though every Marine is a trained rifleman, infantry Marines (03XX MOS) lovingly call their non-infantry brothers and sisters POGs (pronounced “pogue,”) which is an acronym that stands for Personnel Other than Grunts.
What does a 96 mean in the Marines?
20. In the Marine Corps a three-day weekend is called a “72” and a four-day weekend is called a “96”
Why is a Marine called a Jarhead?
The Marines have long used a uniform with a high-collar, originally made of leather, which once led to the nickname “leathernecks”. That high collar was thought to have given a Marine the appearance of his head sticking out of a jar, thus leading to the “jarhead” moniker (which was adopted around World War II).
What is the Marine creed?
I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready. We will become part of each other.
Why do Marines say till Valhalla?
Valhalla (literally “the hall of the slain”) is a hall in Norse mythology where dead warriors are taken in the afterlife. The phrase “Until Valhalla” is used by some military groups as an unofficial rallying cry before situations where people may die or as a general parting comment.
What do you call a female Marine?
Monday, Oct. 04, 1943. When the Marines began recruiting women reservists seven months ago, the Corps decided that its uniformed women would carry no telescoped name like WACs, WAVES or SPARS; they would be Marines. But "women Marines" is a lip-twisting phrase. "She-Marines" (TIME, June 21) was frowned on, too.
Can a non Marine say oorah?
It is "oorah", as long as it's Marine Corps related. Just say it correctly, and if you need an example watch Jamie Foxx say it in the movie Jarhead. The Army gives a "Hoo-uhh" (think Scent of a Woman) and the Navy gives a "Hooyah". Say em all you want.
How do you greet a military officer?
Use common sense. If you are carrying something with both hands or doing something that makes saluting impractical, you are not required to salute a senior officer or return a salute to a subordinate. A simple greeting of the day, “Good morning, Sir (Ma'am),” is acceptable and encouraged.
Is it rude to salute a soldier?
Soldiers are required to perfect the military salute, as a sloppy salute is considered disrespectful. A proper salute involves raising the right hand with the fingers and thumb extended and joined together with the palm down.
How do you salute properly?
The outer edge of the hand is held slightly downward, with the hand and wrist straight. A proper salute will have the elbow slightly forward with the upper arm horizontal. The salute ends with the right hand sharply returned to the side, and the position of attention should be maintained.
What is a Marine devil dog?
Devil Dog is a motivational nickname for a U.S. Marine. It is said to be based on the apocryphal use of "Teufel Hunden" [sic] by German soldiers to describe Marines fighting in World War I.
Do Marines say Semper Fi?
Semper fidelis (Latin pronunciation: [ˈsɛmpɛr fɪˈdeːlɪs]) is a Latin phrase that means "always faithful" or "always loyal". It is the motto of the United States Marine Corps, usually shortened to Semper Fi. It is also in use as a motto for towns, families, schools, and other military units.
What are the military sayings?
Here are some military sayings and quotes that started in the Armed Forces that are now commonplace in American conversation.
- “On the Front Lines” This phrase is rooted in military history. ...
- “No Man's Land” ...
- “Got Your Six” ...
- “On the Double” ...
- “Balls to the Wall” ...
- “Bite the Bullet”
What do Marines call the shower?
3 Other Military Terms
The Marine Corps and the Coast Guard use the term 'head' when referring to a bathroom.
What time does a Marine wake up?
Typically, during the week, Marines will wake up between 4:00 and 6:00 A.M. and report to either their squad, unit, platoon, or, occasionally, their battalion, for morning Physical Training (PT). Morning PT can consist of a variety of exercises, depending on who is leading PT that day.