The Meaning of X

Some of you may have wondered what the "X" stands for in Xmarine. It is a play on the word "ex-marine" in that I did once serve in the Corps in an active duty status from '86 - '90 and then inactive for four more years after that. Yes, once a Marine always a Marine. I would have to say that this is no mere cliche but is in fact truth. I still fall back on the Marine Corps as a point of reference for many things in my life.

However, the meaning of "X" does have other applications as well:

1) X = An unknown quantity. When men join the USMC and go through the rigors of boot camp and infantry training there is an unknown factor of physical and mental ability that has yet to be tapped or may not show itself until crisis appears. Sometimes the unknown quantity is a positive; at other times it is a negative.

2) X = As in X-MEN. I really loved these movies and a lot of times I feel Marines exhibit what would appear to be extra-curricular powers when under adverse conditions. Perhaps crisis is what brings out the Marines abilities so amazingly. Some might say they are reckless or even stupid when performing their brave and selfless acts of heroism on the battlefield, but I would have to say it just goes with the territory of being in the Corps.

3) X = Power of the Cross. I was pleasantly surprised to find as many good Christians serving the Corps as I did. The impression given by most people is that the Marines are a bunch of savages who love to drink the blood of our enemies after a glorious battle. Though the visual imagery may be impressive, the reality is that Marines are a disciplined lot on the whole and not only do they seek victory on the battlefields of man they also seek victory over the souls of men by the power of Jesus Christ. For God, Country and Corps. Semper Fidelis/Always Faithful.

So there it is.