As a prospective member of the United Sates Marine Corps Historical Company you should be aware of the level of responsibility that we will be asking, and you will need to accept. As a professional educational organization representing the U.S. Marine Corps the USMCHC has exacting standards and requires a high level of commitment from its personnel. It must be emphasized that all new members will spend their probationary period, in modern clothing (issue polo shirt and khakis) as contemporary interpreters, learning presentation skills and becoming versatile as “generalist” Marine Corps historians, able to intelligently talk about any era of the Corps history.

Foremost of these standards are knowledge and skill, both in Marine Corps history and how to present it. The knowledge you will learn and present will go far beyond basic Marine Corps historical statistics and dates. You will gain an understanding of who these Marines were, how they shaped our current Corps, and how they influenced our society. You will delve into the material history and acquire an understanding of the “tools of the trade” that each generation of Marines had at their disposal. After completing probation, if you endeavor to qualify as a living history Interpretive Specialist you will learn and become proficient in the military skills, tactics, weapons and equipment of the Marines of past eras and be able to demonstrate and utilize these abilities to a live audience. As a contemporary interpreter this same knowledge and skill will be essential when explaining the use of a particular tactic or piece of equipment, and its relevance, to the public.

The United States Marine Corps Historical Company has three Divisions, the Programing Division, the Research and Development Division, and the Material Division. All volunteer Members belong to, and comprise the body of the Program Division, filling all positions from basic interpreter to principle narrator. There will be scheduled classes and courses in period military and interpretive skills and general history that you will be able to attend, but much of your initial training will be “on the job.” During your probation you will be teamed with a senior member who will act as your mentor. You will receive USMCHC training materials and instructional guides to help you along. You will be expected to study and practice on your own. Just as any Marine knows that it takes commitment and dedication to achieve and maintain the skills of his trade, so it is with each of our members in becoming proficient as historians and interpreters. The following lists the basic levels of membership that you may progress through.

Probationary Member

Probationary members are newly approved applicants to the Program Division serving a period of training and orientation with the USMCHC. The probation allows both the applicant and the organization to see if he/she fits in, and allows the new member time to gain the skills and qualify as a basic Instructor/interpreter.

Active Member

A member of the Programing Division that has met all of the requirements of probation, and demonstrated that they are skilled Generalists in Marine Corps History and presentation. Further, Active Members must annually demonstrate that they have the time, dedication, and commitment to meet the Active Member requirements. Active Members routinely function in modern clothing, filling whatever role necessary to meet the mission objectives for a particular program. Active Members may periodically be asked (if qualified) to function in a living history role only if necessary to meet program needs, usually functioning as an instructor and mentor for program participants, and/or as a principle interpreter, instructor, or narrator.

Living History Interpretive Specialist

This is a special category of presentation techniques which entails interpretive personnel dressing in historical uniform to represent a member of the Marine Corps of a particular era. Although this is an often applied technique with in Historical Company programs, no member is automatically qualified to participate in a living history role. Living history slots are often filled primarily by Active Duty Marines brought on board for a specific program, with USMCHC staff and members functioning in an instructor/mentor roll. Members specifically wishing to function in a living history role must apply and qualify on a program by program basis. Selection will be based on program needs, available slots, and the applying member’s ability to meet those requirements listed, which includes the historic character profile and all physical and military skill requirements necessary to emulate Marines of the specific era in history they wish to represent.

It is USMCHC policy that “all personnel be actively involved in some form of fitness program.” In addition to historical and education skills and knowledge, your appearance and conduct are essential to your, and the organization’s credibility. The is especially true if you wish to eventually qualify to function in historical uniform, utilizing living history techniques to emulate Marine Corps personnel of the past. To be selected to fill this specialty position, you must annually obtain a minimum acceptable level of physical fitness in order to present an accurate and credible image of those Service men and women. The required physical fitness standards are not only important from a physical appearance and historical standpoint, but as a safety and liability issue as well. As a uniformed interpreter, striving to portray a Marine of the past, you will ultimately be involved in real world activities that are physically demanding. These activities may range from climbing cargo nets during an amphibious assault training demonstration, or standing formation in a 19th century wool uniform in 90 degree plus weather, to presenting extensive field exercises in extreme temperature and weather conditions. The minimum basic target fitness standards for those wishing to qualify as a USMCHC Uniformed Living History Interpretive Specialist are:

Improving your fitness to improve your appearance will also improve your day-to-day health and well-being as well. This holds true for all of our personnel, regardless if you function as a contemporary interpretive specialist or delve into utilizing living history techniques. We will make every effort to look after your safety and assist you if needed, but it will be up to you to take the initiative to get in shape.

As a new applicant you do not have to be concerned with any major purchases. The Historical Company will make available any assets that you will need to function as part of the interpretive team. This is done to allow both you and the Company time to determine if your area of involvement is right for you before you make any financial investment. After probation you may eventually wish to purchase some of your own clothing and/or equipment, but the Company will normally issue you any uniforms and equipment, on a program-by-program basis, you may need. If you do eventually desire to obtain your own clothing the Company will provide you with approved sources and listings of what you will need, and assistance in procurement through the USMCHC Materiel Division.

These standards may seem daunting, They are. But with commitment and dedication they are very obtainable. You won’t be alone in getting there; you’ll be part of a team. The reward is the satisfaction that comes with achieving and constantly building on these initial goals. It is the personal pride and self confidence that comes with being part of a Marine Corps team, presenting some of the highest quality historical programs today. It is the knowledge that you are doing your part in preserving and passing on the legacy of one of the finest organizations in the world. As representatives of the United States Marine Corps, our goals are to preserve the proud history, traditions, and values of the Corps, and educate the American public about the many sacrifices that have been made by the men and women of the Corps throughout America's history - sacrifices that helped earn and preserve the freedom and privileges we now enjoy. Through these preservation and educational efforts we can thus honor those who went before us, highlight the role of the modern Corps, and help prepare our younger generation for what the future may bring. Preserving history through active interpretation is one of the most rewarding ways to learn about, and pass on to others, our past.

Regardless of your roll, or amount of time you commit, what is important is the quality of your performance, dedication and loyalty to the team. As with any Marine, Semper Fidelis will become more than just words to you. “Always Faithful” will become the nucleus of a set of values to live by.

We hope you will accept the challenge and join the team.

If interested in pursuing a position as a volunteer member of the USMCHC please contact the USMCHC Public Affairs Office at (301) 662-3141 or e-mail directorUSMCHC@aol.comwith a cc to Gunrhutch@aol.com and usmchc-s4@superpa.net and request an interview.