Marine Corps Association

10/24/2025

This is my Rifle: Episode 10

The M14 carried the Marine Corps into the Cold War era with power and precision. Adopted in 1957, it combined the accuracy of the M1 Garand with a 20-round magazine and selective-fire capability, chambered in 7.62 NATO.

Marines wielded the M14 through the early years of the Vietnam War, though its weight and recoil limited its effectiveness in close combat. Despite being replaced by the M16, the M14 remained beloved by marksmen and was later revived for Designated Marksman.

Join Leatherneck writer Sam Lichtman as he explores how the M14 bridged generations of Marine riflemen and marked the Corps’ final step before the transition to modern platforms.

📖 Read the companion story in Leatherneck Magazine.
Become a member today ➡️ https://buff.ly/H5wqpvi

🎖️ Active-duty, Reserve Marines, and their spouses receive free memberships.

10/23/2025

This week on , as we recognize the 42nd anniversary of the Beirut bombings, we welcome Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff to the show. He didn’t begin his career behind the pulpit but on the front lines. Rabbi Resnicoff served in Vietnam as a naval officer on a small craft patrolling the rivers to deny enemy movement. He went to rabbinical school after his time in Vietnam and served 25 years as a Navy chaplain. In this episode, he recounts his service in Vietnam, the challenges of attending rabbinical school after having served in the war, and his experiences on the ground in Beirut on October 23rd, 1983.

Listen Here: https://buff.ly/jrn0UwQ

10/21/2025

This week on , Col John Atkinson and SgtMaj Justin LeHew return to share exciting updates on the Amphibious Tractor Memorial. After seven and a half years of dedication from the Amphibious Tractor Association, a groundbreaking date is finally set!

🎖️ The ceremony is at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, on the Memorial Walk of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Honor the legacy of the Amtrac community and all who have worn the title “Amtrac’er.”

🎧 Listen now: https://buff.ly/16ziqNH

10/21/2025

This National Estate Planning Awareness Week, we’re gathering to reflect on our values and the legacies we want to create for the future.

Learn how to plan for the future while supporting what you care about most. Then, take 20 minutes to make or update your will for free through our trusted partner, FreeWill at frwill.link/MC25.

10/21/2025

Thank you to everyone participating in the 250 Miles for 250 Years Virtual Challenge and the Fallujah Freedom Run! 🏃🏃

Registration may be closed, but the motivation is still going strong. We’re inspired by all of you who’ve shared photos, updates, and words of encouragement along the way.

Keep pushing! Every mile brings us closer to the Marine Corps Birthday and the finish line of this historic challenge. You got this! 💪🎖️

10/17/2025

This Is My Rifle: Episode 9

The M1 Garand changed everything. Adopted in 1936, it became the first standard-issue semi-automatic rifle for U.S. forces, giving Marines an unprecedented advantage in firepower and speed. General Patton famously called it “the greatest battle implement ever devised”—and for good reason.

From Guadalcanal to Okinawa, the M1 Garand proved its worth across every theater of World War II, earning a legendary reputation for reliability and accuracy. The M1C variant, fitted with a scope, offered Marines enhanced marksmanship for long-range engagements, marking an early step toward modern sniper systems.

Join Leatherneck writer Sam Lichtman as he explores how the M1 and M1C shaped Marine Corps combat and set the stage for the next generation of service rifles on the road to the 250th Marine Corps Birthday.

📖 Read the companion feature in Leatherneck Magazine.

10/16/2025

10/15/2025

📘 November Gazette Feature 📘

Congratulations to LtCol Joe “Pappy” Papay, USMC (Ret) — winner of the Commandant’s Rapid Response Essay Contest!

In his essay, “The Floating Forward Operating Base (MEU),” Papay explores how the Marine Expeditionary Unit can evolve to meet the challenges of modern conflict while preserving the Corps’ expeditionary edge.

👉 Read his winning essay here: https://buff.ly/pJRpBE8

10/13/2025

Today, we celebrate 250 years of the United States Navy, forged on October 13, 1775, and still standing as a pillar of strength and freedom around the world.

The Marine Corps Association proudly joins our Navy brothers and sisters in commemorating this milestone of shared service and sacrifice.

Read the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ message marking this historic occasion:
🔗 https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/4322413/united-states-navy-250th-birthday/

10/11/2025

If you or your family are affected by the government shutdown, our sponsor USAA has activated its Government Shutdown Assistance Program to help members experiencing a disruption in pay.

Eligible USAA members who are federal employees or serve in the U.S. Coast Guard may qualify for:
💰 No-interest loans
🏦 Payment assistance for banking and insurance products
🤝 Personalized financial guidance

Learn more about available support: buff.ly/UJg4qer

10/10/2025

This is My Rifle: Episode 8

The M1917 Enfield served as a crucial stopgap and silent workhorse for Marines and soldiers during World War I. Originally designed in Britain and re-engineered for the U.S. .30-06 cartridge, it became the most widely issued American rifle of the Great War.

Join Leatherneck writer Sam Lichtman as he traces the evolution of Marine Corps weaponry leading up to the 250th Marine Corps Birthday.

10/09/2025

Join the 250 celebrations!