Author: Maximilian

  • Civil War

    Civil War

    There’s a great many jobs one can do in the military–more than you’d probably think. Hell, did you know there’s a “Water Support Technician” MOS (1171) in the Marine Corps? Who would have thought that something so POG-y and lame could actually exist amongst the war fighting infantry?

    Not me.

    There’s so many different jobs and occupational fields that of course it’s created a kind of rift between different enlisted Marines. There’s the infantry, and then there’s the POG’s (personally I put air wing into a 3rd category, but that might just be me).

    As we’ve discussed before, they’re not all treated equally. Each group has their own culture and subcultures within it, often rarely even interacting with one another. The average grunt almost never works directly with Marines outside of the infantry, leading to natural rivalries and notions between them.

    In personal news, I’ve officially left the LA area and relocated back to the San Francisco Bay Area! Not the craziest move, but enough to gain some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of LA. I want to do a longer post or video on what’s been going on with everything, but maybe that is something for the TL Patreon.

  • ICE Cold Summer

    ICE Cold Summer

    The boys are back in town and the summer is really heating up in Los Angeles, with Marines deployed to the streets of one of America’s most important cities in a move that has inflamed tensions on all sides of every aisle. It’s a turbulent time with emotions running hot in every direction.

    At the very least, one thing we can agree on is that marriage visas, pregnancy rates, and 25% APR car loans are about to spike across LA County in the immediate future.

    As a Marine veteran living in Los Angeles, I will tell you that the place is in fact not a warzone (I’ve been to those too). Los Angeles is a massive sprawl and it’s hard to fathom if you’ve never been here, but the protests are limited to a relatively small area near downtown. I don’t think anyone wants… well… any of this to be going on.

    One can only hope that cooler heads prevail.

  • It’s Complicated

    It’s Complicated

    Marines have developed many reputations around the nation over the years. They are fierce warriors, stalwart citizens, and renown lovers. That last point has led to many broken hearts, divorcees and single moms across the land.

    Marines are passionate people of fiery hearts and souls. Relationships are hard, and the things that make Marines great warriors aren’t necessarily the things that make great partners for more than a weekend.

    It’s no wonder the divorce rate in the Marine Corps is the highest of all the military branches (and higher than the national average). Then again, a lot of this can probably be chalked up to age. Marines at their peak are around 18-24 years old, which is about the same age as your average frat-guy.

    As the old adage goes: if the Corps wanted you to have a wife, they would have issued you one.

  • November 10th

    November 10th

    Most of the time, being a Marine is just kind of miserable by design. Grueling hours, treatment, food, haircuts and overall vibes can be a huge bummer. However, one day a year, Marines celebrate their birthday, and it is a magical day of jubilant celebration and wonder.

    I’ve heard that the other branches have birthdays as well, but no one cares. The Marine Corps Birthday is basically a national holiday at this point, and the Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a tradition of legend that all other branches seek to emulate (but fail).

    At least once a year, being a Marine is awesome.

    Happy 249th Birthday, Marines.

    If you happen to be at Camp Pendleton today, swing by the main PX to say what’s up to yours truly.

  • Camp Pendleton Birthday Bash

    Camp Pendleton Birthday Bash

    Hey Camp Pendleton! I’ll be there tomorrow to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday with you all and give away a Marine Corps Birthday present of a brand new PS5 to one lucky devil dog in partnership with the MCX.

    Come on out and say what’s up at the Pacific Views MCX from 1100-1500, Nov 10 2024.

  • The Bennies

    The Bennies

    All Marines enlist for a variety of different reasons. Perhaps you wanted to serve your country patriotically or make your parents proud. Maybe you wanted to see action and adventure around the globe. It could be that you’re 5’3 and full anger and rage, in which case you will probably become a Drill Instructor.

    However, for many, the reason is much more practical: the bennies. The benefits of enlisting in the military at large are well-known and beloved. The GI Bill alone might make the purchase price worth it depending on whether you are able to EAS in one piece. There’s even a few more benefits that can be a huge help later down the road of your life, such as the VA Home Loan or VA healthcare and disability.

    The cost? Just 4 years of your life, body, and sanity at the disposal of Uncle Sam.

    For me? I enlisted because I wanted to be a better artist. However, the GI Bill is probably single greatest asset you have to your name after flying back to your Home of Record at the end of your enlistment.

    Use it.

    Hell, I’m a New York Times bestselling author and even I’m still using my GI Bill right now!

  • The Marine Corps Way

    The Marine Corps Way

    PT, PT, every day. Build my body the Marine Corps way. What is the Marine Corps way? There’s certainly more to being a Marine than PT and being incredibly attractive.

    PT is only a small part of the equation. After all, Marines only really PT in the morning for about an hour. The rest of the day is spent:

    • doing dumb shit
    • standing by
    • cleaning rifles
    • doing more dumb shit
    • thinking about regrets
    • standing by
    • cleaning your room
    • safety stand-down
    • doing some more dumb shit
    • drinking alcohol
    • annoying your roommate

    And more.

    Marines are complex creatures made of complex secret-government recipes that have created the world’s most fierce fighting force.

    Build your body the Marine Corps way.

  • Peanut Butter Nightmares

    Peanut Butter Nightmares

    There are few pleasures to be had aboard the recruit depots. It is small, simple things that make your life just a tiny bit better while you suffer through 3 months of recruit training.

    One of those things is peanut butter.

    These delectable little respites are found in the chow hall, where they’re served in small packets. However, they come with a single condition: they may only be used during chow time, and to remove one from the premises is a crime punishable by any variety of nonsense your drill instructors can think up–to include extending your stay at the Depot by holding you back a phase or two.

    Marine Corps bootcamp does things to a person. To be reduced to a peanut butter-thieving fiend of the night is not something that happens under normal conditions. But bootcamp is anything but normal.

  • The Weekend Crew

    The Weekend Crew

    If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that no one wants to be in the barracks. The barracks is the place you are forced to be in, and any time you have the freedom to venture out, you take it.

    The weekend crew are the Marines left behind on Saturday and Sunday with no means to escape their den of misery. Most of the time, these are boots that haven’t met a girl (or boy) out in town who will let them crash at their place for the weekend, or motivated NCO’s who have embraced their bachelor life, or the duty. Let’s also not forget our dearest Restriction Marines, who grace us with their belligerent presence at all hours.

    In some respects, the weekend is ironically the quietest time to be at the barracks. You may actually hang out just to experience peace and quiet after a long week of nonsense during work hours and binge-drinking in the night. Whatever reason you have for staying back on the weekend, there’s always someone to hang out with.

  • The Target Guy

    The Target Guy

    For years, one man has terrorized Marines in combat marksmanship more than anyone else. He has been killed more times than possible to count. He’s in the corners and on the walls waiting, limply pointing his rifle at you for eternity… He is… The target guy.

    I actually did not know prior to doing this comic that this guy has a whole backstory as reported by the Marine Times. Apparently he is a retired Gunny who works with the Marine Corps range development in Cherry Point and just kind of randomly posed for this image. Incredible how instantly someone can become an absolute icon.