Marine gun crew, Ft. McHenry 1st Marine Brigade, Philipenes, 1901

Membership with the USMCHC

The United States Marine Corps Historical Company (USMCHC) does not actively recruit new members. However, we do at intervals accept applications from individuals that exhibit a persuasive and exceptional interest in preserving the history, traditions, heritage, and values of our Corps. Although the majority of our staff and members are current or former Active Duty Marines we have and do accept people from other services and from the civilian community to help tell the Marine Corps story. Even so, this is not a place for the casual hobbyist. We are not looking for those that merely wish to “dress up” in a period uniform. Our full time members need to be skilled generalists and educators in Marine Corps history. They also need to be willing a capable to function in rolls behind the scenes, dealing with program research and development, logistical planning and implementation, and administrative management. Although the USMCHC often uses living history techniques of presentation, our members primary task is to train and mentor young active duty Marines brought on board to fill the roll of period Marines functioning as demonstrators and interpreters. Our full time members also function as subject matter specialists, narrators, and principle educators in front of the public.

If you are truly interested in becoming a part of our educational team you should know who and what we are, and what we are not.

  • We are above all an educational organization, dedicated to preserving the history, traditions, and heritage of the Marine Corps and its people. We accomplish this in a wide variety of venues.

  • Research and development, primarily focusing on Marine Corps materiel history and the “human element”.

  • Development of training programs and material, and providing courses in Marine Corps history, program development and teaching presentation techniques.

  • Providing consultation and support to the film and television industry for Marine Corps related programs.

  • Providing direct support and training to Marine Corps Bases, Commands, agencies, and museums in the presenting their own historical education programs.

  • Developing and presenting our own historical / educational programs both to the American public at historic sites around the country, and to our active duty Marines at bases and commands throughout the Corps.

    It is these last facets of our operations where our active members become most involved. When using living history presentation techniques, we primarily use active duty Marines from local commands in period uniforms to act as our demonstrators. Our staff and members, functioning both in modern clothing and period uniforms, where qualified, act will as an instructor cadre, and as principle narrators, and facilitators.

    As stated previously, the USMCHC staff and active members are made up primarily of active duty, retired and former active duty Marines of all ranks and military skills, all with a common love of our Corps and its history. We augment and support these Marines with a highly select group of historians who understand and accept the very special nature of our Corps, and the very unique sense of pride and honor shared by Marines. Mission is first priority, and everyone contributes to meeting the mission.

    The USMCHC is a Not-for-profit educational team. All funds received through grants, donations, services, and other methods are infused back into the corporation to pay for operational, support, and administrative activities, and to maintain and develop our inventory of uniforms and artifacts. This includes providing meals, housing, and clothing and equipment to our members at all programs.

    To avoid any confusion - a few words about what we are not.

  • We are not a reenactment or “living history” group. If that is your principle interest, there are many other organizations out there which would better suit your goals, and we encourage you to pursue them.

  • We do not present or participate in “opposing forces” battles and reenactments.

  • Although our programs may include historically uniformed participants for living history presentations, this is only one of the many presentation techniques in our interpretive tool box. We do not use living history (especially “total immersion”, and “first person”) techniques as a stand alone presentation method. Depending on the scope of the program, some or all of our staff and members will function in contemporary clothing, both as interpreters, and behind the scenes in a logistics and support roll.

  • Although all of our members gain a great deal of satisfaction from their own, and the team’s accomplishments, this is not a social club. We do not accept or retain anyone that is not willing to meet the commitment and responsibility of membership, and are willing to do what is required to meet the needs of the team and the mission.

    If accepted, all new members serve a minimum one year probationary period. During this time the new member attends programs, functioning if contemporary clothing, filling a support roll while receiving “on the job” training and experience. Each member will also attend formal classes in program development and presentation skills, as well as Marine Corps History of all eras. If they complete the probationary period satisfactorily, they may apply for certification as a Historical Interpretive Specialist. If you would like to read further details please click to the “Membership Requirements” page. If becoming an active member with the USMCHC is not something that you would be interested in but you would still like to help support the continued development and presentation of Marine Corps history please click the “Supporter” page.

    If you are interested in becoming a member and feel you are up to the commitment and challenge, please follow the following steps:

    1. Make an inquiry via postal mail, or e-mail (preferred method) to the following:

    Postal address:

    USMC Hist. Co. Public Affairs

    Attn: Personnel Section

    3807 Baker Valley Road

    Frederick, MD 21704

    e-mail: Director@usmchc.org or DirectorUSMCHC@aol.com

    with cc’s to: Gunrhutch@aol.com and usmchc-s4@superpa.net

    In your correspondence please include telephone numbers and times where you can be reached.

    2. A staff member will contact you for a telephonic interview. The interview is to determine if there is a good match - both for the USMCHC and for you. Questions in the interview will be pointed, and focus your interests, reasons for applying, military and historical background and experience, and your understanding of our educational mission and how you think you can support it. Your expectations of the USMCHC, and our expectations of you, should you become a member, will also be discussed.

    3. At the conclusion of the interview, if both the interviewer and you feel that this may be the organization for you, you will be mailed a membership enlistment packet which will further detail your responsibility and commitment to the USMCHC. This packet will also include application forms for you to complete and return.

    Due to our ever increasing work load and commitments to the Marine Corps and other Government agencies please allow a few weeks for a response. We do, however appreciate your interest and support, and look forward to speaking with you.

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