Chronic Marine Syndrome (CMS)

Goodnight Chesty Puller, wherever you are!"


Most of us, if not all, are afflicted with this incurable syndrome. There is no known cure.

Symptoms to look for are:

1. Pride in oneself and the organization they represent.
2. A strong willingness to put in extra attention to detail to get the job done.
3. May wear articles of Marine clothing; T-shirts, jackets, watches, well into their 80's.
4. Will not hesitate to stand up or put their hand over their heart, or even salute when the National Anthem is played.
5. Does not succumb easily to political correctness.
6. Is sure of who they are.
7. Is often either respected or hated by others, due to their abilities and talents.
8. May donate toys to needy kids at Christmas.
9. Some have been known to wear their hair in a high and tight well into their 90's.
10. Will look you directly in the eye when talking to you.
11. Will give you a firm handshake.
12. Knows what "honor, courage and commitment" mean.
13. Can usually be found in some type of leadership position in whatever organization they work for.
14. Will often regard their drill instructors with the same respect as their parents.
15 Often found in either law enforcement or various leadership professions.
16 Is extremely thorough at what they do.
17 Does not wear a bunch of patches to adorn their uniform. Their title of Marine is usually sufficient.
18 Often arrives at work earlier than expected. If they wear a shirt and tie in their job, you might see the tie clip between the third and fourth button, centered.
19 Had spent time training at one of three places; Parris Island, San Diego or Quantico .
20 May be able to field strip his rifle, up to 60 years after leaving active duty.
21 Can recite the nomenclature of the M1, M14 or M16.
22 May often have his pencils sharpened to a perfect precision point.
23 Will not back down from a fight.
Other symptoms include willingness to take on a challenge and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

Yes, CMS is real, and it's very hard to treat. The person with this condition often utters phrases such as "Once a Marine always a Marine," or Ooo-Rah!!

Some may even say "Semper Fi" on many occasions. It's best if you know someone with this condition to just leave them be. These people tend to be fiercely loyal to the Marine Corps.

Folks, this condition, although not curable, can be treated. Some successful treatments have included:

1. Frequent visits to the base where the last served or looking at their Marine memorabilia

2. Get them around other Marines to help them flourish. They need other Marines who have shared the same experiences

3. Have them get memberships in organizations such as the Marine Corps League, The Marine Corps Association, Together We Served or have them join Leatherneck.com .

4. Some may require extra special attention such as buying items from grunt.com or watching movies about the Marine Corps, this is only natural and nothing to be afraid of.

WARNING: Whatever you do, remember that Chronic Marine Syndrome must be managed carefully. For example: In Michigan , a young man attempted to mug an elderly Marine Korean War veteran who had advanced stages of Chronic Marine Syndrome. It wasn't pretty! The mugger was severely beaten and required multiple stitches.
In Florida a 90-year-old former Marine helicopter pilot stood quietly while the Submarine sandwich shop owner was robbed at gunpoint, but when the two thieves tried to take his sandwich he pulled a pistol and shot them both.

Remember folks, Chronic Marine Syndrome is real, while there may not be a cure, we can live with it.

Any questions, please see your local Marine or go to 1-800-IMA-Marine for more information.

Thank you for your time. Be careful out there.

By MGySgt Ed Evans, USMC, Ret.