In the movie Jarhead, senior Marines brand Junior ones with a hot iron shaped like 'USMC' on the leg as a sign of acceptance to the Corps.

Is this a real tradition among American Marines or is it made up, or was it real in the specific unit Swoff served? I haven't read the book, but it's safe to say the movie is a dramatization of events described in the authobiographical book.

If it is true it is within that particular unit. I am a Corporal in the USMC and I have never been nor will ever allow myself to be branded.

This is called hazing and it has severe penalties under the UCMJ.

Worse case the people that made the movie took artistic license.

Dramatization is a very accurate word when civilians deal with many aspects of military life and have never served themselves.

Well, I haven't seen the movie yet. I heard the Jarhead were the true story.

The book was full of lies, the movie was based off of the book. Draw your conclusions from there.

How do you know the book was full of lies? (I have never read it, but I'm sure that even if the book was accurate, the movie was lies).

Either way, the move is worth watching. I've noticed at least one equipment inarccuracy: You briefly see guys stickin their heads out an M1A1, wearing PASGT helmets rather than Tank-guy helmets.

Originally Posted by Mohmar Deathstrike

How do you know the book was full of lies?

Check out his avatar and profile...

Originally Posted by Redleg

Check out his avatar and profile...

Yeah, but Swofford (the author) was in the Marines too. Then again,
RnderSafe isn't trying to make money writing his posts, while Swofford was, with his book.

I haven't seen the movie (heard it was sort of boring) but it is on the list. As I understand it, this movie takes place back during the Desert Storm days. Even then, I can't believe that this was in any way required.

Around that time, I was working up in 'Stands Alone' country in Korea and there was a group of Marines (can't remember the unit) who were there from Okinawa (my birthplace, BTW) and quite a few of the Marines had 'USMC' brands. I was told that it was entirely optional and just a different version than the nearly ubiquitous devil dog tats. Just something that many of them got together and decided to do.

Heck, I knew several fraternities in undergrad. where brands were accepted and several guys who have them today.

pretty good movie. doubt the branding.

Originally Posted by msgtmedleyusmc

I haven't seen the movie (heard it was sort of boring) but it is on the list. As I understand it, this movie takes place back during the Desert Storm days. Even then, I can't believe that this was in any way required.

Around that time, I was working up in 'Stands Alone' country in Korea and there was a group of Marines (can't remember the unit) who were there from Okinawa (my birthplace, BTW) and quite a few of the Marines had 'USMC' brands. I was told that it was entirely optional and just a different version than the nearly ubiquitous devil dog tats. Just something that many of them got together and decided to do.

Heck, I knew several fraternities in undergrad. where brands were accepted and several guys who have them today.

Thanks for partially confirming this. The movie made it appear as though you were forced into being branded, because several fellow jarheads would immobilize you, while another one applied the brand.