WHEN YOU ARRIVE
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Do’s and Don’ts
Being on a military base can be like visiting another world and it’s not always easy to pick up on the rules. Just use good
judgement and common sense and you’ll do great, but we have some helpful do’s and don’ts that will make you look like a pro:
Do’s
Address military personnel by their rank and last name displayed on their uniforms. You can find a list of ranks below or
you can ask your new Marine to assist you. When in doubt use the always appropriate “sir” or “ma’am.”
When the National Anthem is played and the flag is displayed, stand, face the flag, remove any hats or head coverings,
stop talking, and place your right hand over your heart. Service members, military retirees, and veterans in civilian attire
may salute if desired. It is considered courteous for non-American citizens to stand.
Every morning and evening, the flag is raised and lowered and “To the Color” is played. If you’re on base during this time
and can hear “To the Color” stand, stop talking, and face the flag. If you’re in your vehicle, pull over and stop if safe.
Refer to Marines as “Marines” not “soldiers”. “Soldier” is sometimes unknowingly used as a general term for military
personnel but a Soldier is actually an individual serving in the U.S. Army. Calling a Marine a “soldier” isn’t in any way
disrespectful; it’s just calling them the wrong name.
Be courteous and respectful to other families, military personnel, and to the base.
Don’ts
Do not approach, call out to, photograph, or attempt to distract candidates still undergoing training or their Sergeant
Instructors.
Do not approach candidates, new Marines, or Sergeant Instructors while in formation. As tempting as it may be to run up
and hug your loved one or get the perfect close-up picture, please keep an appropriate distance.
Do not walk across the Parade Deck.
Civilians do not need to salute uniformed service members.
Refrain from any jokes or references to violent or threatening activity to an individual, group of individuals or property.
All threats will be treated seriously.
Prohibited items include weapons of any type, alcohol, glass bottles, and illegal drugs or paraphernalia. Keep in mind that
all bags and personnel property are subject to search by Military Police (MP).
USMC
RANK STRUCTURE
STRUCTURE
USMC
RANK
USMC
RANK
STRUCTURE
- Enlisted -
ENLISTED
USMC RANK STRUCTURE
- Officer
-
USMC RANK
STRUCTURE
Officer
Officer
PRIVATE
(E-1)
PRIVATE
FIRST
CLASS
(E-2)
LANCE
CORPORAL
(E-3) CORPORAL
(E-4) SERGEANT
(E-5) STAFF
SERGEANT
(E-6)
FIRST
SERGEANT
(E-8) MASTER
GUNNERY
SERGEANT
(E-9) SERGEANT
MAJOR
(E-9) SERGEANT
MAJOR
OF THE
MARINE
CORPS
(E-9)
WARRANT
OFFICER
(W-1)
2NDLT
(O-1)
GUNNERY
SERGEANT
(E-7)
MASTER
SERGEANT
(E-8)
1STLT
(0-2)
MAJOR
GENERAL
(O-8)
quantico.usmc-mccs.org
CHIEF
WARRANT
OFFICER 2
(CWO2)
CAPTAIN
(O-3)
CHIEF
WARRANT
OFFICER 3
(CWO3)
MAJOR
(O-4)
LIEUTENANT
GENERAL
(O-9)
CHIEF
WARRANT
OFFICER 4
(CWO4)
LIEUTENANT
COLONEL
(O-5)
CHIEF
WARRANT
OFFICER 5
(CWO5)
INFANTRY
WEAPONS
OFFICER
(GUNNER)
(CWO5)
COLONEL
(O-6)
GENERAL
(O-10)
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
(O-7)
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