Since its creation, the U.S. Marine Corps has been involved in some of the most epic military battles in history. From raising the flag at Iwo Jima to hunting terrorists in Iraq, it's pretty much a guarantee that a Navy Corpsman was right next to his brothers during the action. The unique bond between Marines and their "Doc" is nearly unbreakable.

 

Since the Marine Corps doesn't have its own medical department and falls under the Department of the Navy, the majority of the medical treatment Marines receive comes directly from the Naval Hospital Corps.

 

So why are some Corpsmen considered Marines when they’re in the Navy and never went through the Corps’ tough, 13 week boot camp? Well were glad you asked

 

It's strictly an honorary title and not every Corpsman earns that honor. In fact, it's hard as heck to earn the respect of a Marine when you're in the Navy — it's even harder getting them to say happy birthday to you every Nov. 10.

 

After a Corpsman graduates from the Field Medical Training Battalion (FMTB), either at Camp Pendleton or Camp Lejeune, they typically move on to one of three sections under the Marine Air Ground Task Force, or MAGTF. Those three sections consist of Marine Air Wing (or MAW), Marine Logistics Group (or MLG), and Division (or the Marine Infantry).

 

Not every Corpsman goes through the FMTB and, therefore, some won't have the opportunity to serve with the Marines.

 

Once a Corpsman checks into his unit, however, he'll eat, train, sleep, with his squad, building that special bond. This starts the journey of earning the honorary title of Marine.

 

Once the unit deploys the squads Corpsman will fight alongside his Marines, facing the same dangers as brothers. That “Doc” will fire his weapon until one of the grunts gets hurt, then he’ll switch into doctor mode.

 

After spending time with the grunts, studying Marine culture, Corpsmen can take a difficult test and earn the designation of FMF, or Fleet Marine Force and receive a specialize pin.

 

Notice the mighty eagle, globe, and anchor placed directly in the middle of the pin. Once a "Doc" gets this precious symbol pinned above his U.S. Navy name tape, he earns a measure of pride and the honorary title of Marine.

​

​

​

​