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Our weapons required constant maintenance and upkeep to prevent rust and corrosion from affecting their ability to function when we needed them—Marines in combat always check our weapons—on every break the first thing we do is insure that their weapon is able to fire—that there is nothing clogging the barrel or interfering with the firing pin, etc. Marine patrols have to constantly be ready to fight—to anticipate unexpected enemy attacks and all Marines know that their life often depends upon the weapons they have. Marines may be dirty and covered in mud but their weapons are always clean, well oiled and ready to fire. If there are circumstances where the weapons have been exposed to harsh conditions then, as soon as it is possible, time is taken to clean and maintain those weapons.
Whenever possible we encouraged our troops to remove their filthy uniforms and air out the uniforms, their webbed gear and their bodies. Uniforms regs are strictly enforced in the Marine Corps. From boot camp on Marines are taught to wear their uniforms ‘correctly’ . The cover is worn a certain way, the ‘military line with the trousers, belt buckle and shirt lining up, shirt always tucked in, boots shined, trowser legs bloused, rank insignia placed exactly on the collars. Once in combat adjustments and accommodations have to be made to the regs.— although, uniformity is still required re. the wearing of the 782 gear, packs, e- tools, canteens, etc.. These are worn the same from Marine to Marine—even
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