Oh yeah... Happy B'Day to you Jarheads....

Semper Fi, guys. I ,too was a Marine.....for four weeks.

35 Years ago, I was testing some classified equipment for the military during Operation Solid Shield, at Camp Lejeune. I was with NAVELEX. As a civilian I was given orders and authorization by the general in charge of the operations to be part of a military exercise. Starting with day one, there were problems with security. First they towed my (clearly identified) vehicle away from a "Military Zone". Then they stopped me every time I entered the wooded area ,heading for the DASCC, which was hidden in the woods. The classified equipment I was testing was classified crypto. I and no one else had authorization to it. I had to remove the tapes from it twice a day and reset certain things. The tapes were then taken, by me, to the crypto safe on base, signed in and lock away ( I wasn't authorized to know what was done with them).
The fourth day I was fed up with the 18 year old Marines they had patrolling as "Security".
When stopped, I showed my security card, the letter of authorization from the general, and my ID. I was told to leave, as no civilians were allowed in the area.I explained that I was not a civilian, as NAVELEX is attached to the Navy. He didn't know what to answer, so he did what Marines do....repeated his orders, "NO civilians are allowed to be in this area." I walked past him and told him to follow me to the DASCC and the Colonel would set him straight (that is what I had done the earlier days). He lifted his AR-15, armed it, and was preparing to fire when I turned and stopped dead in my tracks. I was put under arrest and taken to the base, where I was immediately released by the Colonel in charge of operations. I was so pissed, I called the head of NAVELEX, and was told to leave immediately and contact NESEC that the equipment had been abandoned under force by the Marines - So I did.
I was packing when there was a knock at the door. It was a marine Gunnery Sergent -Armed. He had a jeep, and requested me to accompany him to the Generals office. I had had enough of this c**p, but went. At the office an official apology was given. I told them that each day, they had apologized and the next day it was the same. Today a young Marine almost killed me. I was done with them and they would have to deal with the consequences. I was asked to wait outside for a minute, while the general and the Colonels talked. In a few minutes they called me back in. The General said they had found a way to solve the problem......They were going to make me a Marine. First I told them bluntly my high opinion of that idea (good thing I wasn't a Marine). Then he told me he was issuing me a jeep and a driver, the same Gunny that came to get me. He was a big rock of a man. The general told the Sgt. that if any one impeded my access to the equipment ,he was to shoot them. The Gunny would pick me up anytime I called him, and would accompany me anywhere I want. I went with him and was processed into the Marine Corps, rank of CIVILIAN. My uniform issue had my name and CIVILIAN stenciled on the pockets, and the ID card listed civilian as my rank. The card was signed by the General. All went well after that for the remainder of the four weeks I was there. The uniform has long gone to painting clothes, but I still have the cap. I asked the (quite non talkative) Sgt. if he would really shoot anyone who tried to stop us,......and he flatly said, "YES, Sir."

So, you see, I really am a Marine. (I did spend time in the Navy,too.)

Stacy
 
Last edited:
I was in the Navy, but hey, I can give you poor Jarheads a shout out, too.
 
Happy B Day to the Marines from me also.Medical discharge cut my tour short but my Grandpa,Uncle,Dad and cousin were all Marines...Semper Fi
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top