What is a wet down in USMC?

Wetdown USMC

The wetting-down ceremony is when a newly promoted officer invites his or her friends—typically officers of the same rank—to a party at a bar and pub they frequent. As the name "wetdown" implies, there is copious amounts of drinking and at least one ceremonial toast, followed by speeches.

Why is it called wetting-down?

The "wetting down" for such a party term comes from the historical practice of wetting new rank insignia to give it a more weathered appearance.

Who pays for a wetting-down?

The wetting-down celebration is always paid for and hosted by the newly promoted officer, who invites his or her friends, which usually include several officers of the same rank at which he or she has most recently served.

How do Marines salute?

There are several types of military salutes - the hand salute, the rifle salute at order arms, a rifle salute at right shoulder, and still another rifle salute at present arms. "Eyes Right" is another type of military salute which is rendered by troops in rank when passing in review.

What is a custom in the USMC?

Marine customs are simply desirable courses of action sanctioned by tradition and usage. In the Marine Corps, practically every custom has grown out of the manner in which Marines of the past conducted themselves.

What is WETTING-DOWN? What does WETTING-DOWN mean? WETTING-DOWN meaning

What do you call a former Marine?

“Once you go through the trails and tribulations, it stays with you forever and cannot be taken away.” Contrary to calling a retired Marine or a Marine who got out of service an ex-Marine, they should be referred to as “former enlisted” or “former commissioned officers,” Hoke said.

How do you greet a Marine?

“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 does a left handed salute mean?

Left Handed Salutes. Actually only the Naval services (Navy and Marine Corps) are authorized to salute with the left hand when necessary. This usually means when your right hand/ arm is incapacitated due to injury but it can also apply at other times.

Do you tell Marines happy birthday?

For the rest of your life, the first term people use to describe you will be 'Marine. '” On 10 November, regardless of where Marines are stationed, or deployed, whether they are still on Active Duty, Reserve, or a former Marine, you will always hear “Happy Birthday, Marine.”

Is it OK for a civilian to salute a veteran?

TLDR – Civilians should face the flag and place their right hand over their heart during the National Anthem. Saluting the flag is a gesture reserved for the military. While civilians can salute soldiers, many veterans consider it inappropriate or awkward.

What is Navy equivalent to Semper Fi?

Often shortened to Semper Fi, the phrase is part of the Corps' vernacular, routinely used by Marines of every rank. The Navy also has an official motto: Semper Fortis.

What does Semper Fortis mean?

Other sources claim that “Semper Fortis” – Latin for “Always Courageous” – is the Navy's unofficial motto; considering that the Navy was founded in the 18th century, when sailing in a Navy required venturing out into the unknown of the vast oceans, this emphasis on courage seems fitting.

How do you say bye in Navy?

“Fair winds and following seas” is a common phrase for those in the United States Navy, where it's used to say farewell to those retiring or leaving for deployment.

What's a wet down?

A wetdown is a ritual celebrated by many volunteer fire departments in the United States in which squads of firefighters from neighboring towns ritualistically commission a new fire apparatus by anointing it with water sprayed from the visitors' firefighting equipment.

What do you call a female Marine?

But "women Marines" is a lip-twisting phrase. "She-Marines" (TIME, June 21) was frowned on, too. But the eventual development of some unofficial nickname was certain. Last week the Corps had it: BAMs. In leatherneck lingo that stands (approximately) for Broad-Axle Marines.

Is it true once a Marine always a Marine?

Despite the controversy as to its origins, once a person has earned the title “Marine” that person is a Marine for life. There are no ex- or former- Marines, there are only: Active-Duty Marines. Retired Marines.

Is it OK to say oorah to a Marine?

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 a slow salute?

Like Herodotus narratives, the Slow Salute evokes images of foreign battlefields and the one heartache that howls through the ages. The entirety is a manual of ritual behavior, the remains of a fallen warrior returned to loved ones: the container, the hand off, the boot strap, the gun salute.

Do you salute enemy officers?

If you are an enlisted prisoner of war, you must salute all enemy officers. If you are an officer prisoner of war, you salute only enemy officers of equal or higher rank. You render your own salute, not the salute as executed by the enemy.

Do military prisoners salute?

Prisoners in military correctional facilities, while technically still in the military, are not allowed to salute military officers and the offense is punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The reason is respect, but not the way you're likely thinking.

What is a wookie in the Marines?

"Wook" is a derogatory term for a female Marine.

What is the Marines famous saying?

Latin for “Always Faithful,” Semper Fidelis is the motto of every Marine—an eternal and collective commitment to the success of our battles, the progress of our Nation, and the steadfast loyalty to the fellow Marines we fight alongside.

Why do Marines say until Valhalla?

The words “until Valhalla” hold special meaning among soldiers. The Vikings believed that should they fall in battle, Valhalla awaited them beyond death. “Until Valhalla” conveys the simple yet powerful message that there is no greater distinction in life than to die with valor and honor.

Why do Snipers call each other pork?

The term "HOG" is claimed to be an acronym derived from the title "Hunter of Gunmen", which is the colloquial name for a sniper who killed an enemy sniper in combat. He then has to take a round from the enemy sniper's chamber—that's the one "with his name on it".

Is a retired Marine still a Marine?

There truly is no such thing as a former Marine, as after service our Marine Veterans are just as dedicated to advancing our Nation and defending its ideals. If you become one of us, the fight in you will always be a part of our Nation's moral cause.