Author: Cpl. Beddoe

Cpl. Beddoe, USMC ’81–’85 Marine Corps Blogger. Chronicling the legacy of the Corps. MAG-12 Iwakuni, MAG-16 Tustin MOS 3073 Computer Systems Operator POPASMOKE.COM Webmaster 1997-2023 @thesucklife @since1775
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USMC MOS Designations 1960-2000

USMC MOS List from the 1960-2000 Era USMC MOS Designations 0100 Basic Administrative Marine 0101 Basic Personnel…

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Every Marine a Rifleman: Warriors First, Specialists Second

The Marine Corps principle of “Every Marine a Rifleman” isn’t a marketing slogan. It’s a fundamental combat…

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Gas Chamber: No Mask, No Mercy

There are certain memories from Marine Corps boot camp that stay with you forever. The first time…

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You Might Be a Marine If…

Marines aren’t just a breed apart, we’re practically our own species, forged by chaos, fueled by grit,…

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Poll: Best Marine Corps Air Station

We’d love to hear from all Marines, past and present, about your favorite Marine Corps Air Station!…

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The Purple Foxes’ Calling Card

The Purple Foxes’ Calling Card: A Small Token of Extraordinary Service In the chaos and complexity of…

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The Lucky Bros’ Promise: Never Forgetting Jimmy Moriarty

Marines, Corpsmen, & Others, I want to share a really special video with you. It’s from my…

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Semper Fi from the Sky: Marine Aircrew and Infantry in Vietnam

The relationship between Marine helicopter crews and infantry in Vietnam was forged in the crucible of combat,…

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Steve Pless MOH Rescue Mission RVN 1967

Major Stephen W. Pless, a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War hero, was born on September…

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Michael McMahon, HMR-161, Korea, Combat Photographer

Michael McMahon served with HMR 161 in Korea from mid 1951 till late 1953. He was a…

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President Jimmy Carter and the Marines: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away today at the age of 100, leaves behind a complex…

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The Marine Who Voiced Bambi: Donnie Dunagan

In the annals of Hollywood and military history, few names stand out quite like Donnie Dunagan. Born…

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The Beirut Bombing of 1983

The Beirut Bombing of 1983 is a day of solemn remembrance for the Marine Corps and for…

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Top 5 Things Marines Love About the Other Branches (Sort Of)

The Marine Corps has a long-standing tradition of giving the other branches a hard time. But deep…

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Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

The holiday season is a time for giving, and there’s no better way to spread joy than…

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The Battle of the Somme: A War of Inches and Unimaginable Losses

The Battle of the Somme, fought from July 1 to November 18, 1916, remains one of the…

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5 Things Veterans Think About on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, and for veterans, it carries a deeper meaning. Here’s what many…

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What an IED Explosion Looks Like

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were one of the deadliest threats during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In…

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To truly understand a Military Veteran, you need to know:

To truly understand a Military Veteran, you need to know: We left home as teenagers or young…

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What Makes The Grass Grow?

As Marines, the phrase “What makes the grass grow?” sparks an instinctive response: “Blood, blood, blood!” It’s…

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The Battle of Tarawa

In the annals of Marine Corps history, few battles exemplify the brutal reality of “embracing the suck”…

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Recreating Smiley’s Iconic Iwakuni Soup Soba

In 1982, one of the best parts of being stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in…

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The Tradition of the Marine Corps Birthday

The Tradition of the Marine Corps Birthday, A Global Celebration of Brotherhood and Legacy Photo: Tun Tavern,…

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Can You Quit Marine Boot Camp?

Joining the Marines isn’t just like signing up for a regular job or hobby, it’s a full-on…

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Beyond the Phrase: How to Connect with Veterans

Recognizing the service of veterans is an important aspect of honoring their sacrifices. However, knowing when and…

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The Iconic 782 Gear

The Marine Corps has long been synonymous with excellence, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to tradition. Central…

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Achilles Surgery and Recovery Ops: My Journey

This is an active journal, initiated October 04, 2024. Follow along as I progress from Achilles injury…

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Trump vs. Harris: Who Best Supports the Marine Corps’ Objectives

As we compare Donald Trump and Kamala Harris through the lens of supporting the Marine Corps’ mission,…

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For Some, the Marine Corps Isn’t What They Expected

So, you’re thinking about joining the Marine Corps, huh? Let me cut through the politically correct fluff…

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The Marines Don’t Want You!

That’s right. The Marines don’t want you. Not if you’re joining for the wrong reasons. You see,…

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Marine Corps Guide to Laughing Through the BS

In the Marine Corps, it’s often the eye-rolling moments that turn into laughter, especially when we’re handed…

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Base Rankings: Where Marines Want to Be and Why

Below are the Marine Corps Bases and Air Stations sorted by their popularity with Marines who have…

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Tattooed Pride: Marine Corps Edition

Tattoos have long been a significant part of Marine Corps culture, symbolizing personal pride, unit loyalty, and…

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Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial – Facts

Honoring and Remembering As we reflect on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, let us honor and pay our…

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Force Design 2030: What You Need To Know

Force Design 2030 is a key initiative reshaping the U.S. Marine Corps to meet modern threats and…

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Rules for Dating a Female Marine

So, you think you can handle dating a female Marine? If you’re up for the challenge, here…