Marine Corps Lore
- The Latin phrase “Ductus Exemplo” means “Leadership by Example”. For officer candidates, it is one of the lessons they learn while at Officer Candidates School (OCS).
The Few. The Proud.
Traditions of Leadership
On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved that two battalions of Marines be raised to serve our fledgling nation. Since then, the Marines have been "first to fight," and are the only branch of the armed services specifically organized with air, land, and sea-based expeditionary fighting capabilities.
From the Revolutionary War to the present, countless Marines have protected our country's freedom and way of life. Leading these brave men and women have been Marine Officers. They lead by example — by never asking those under their charge to do something they wouldn't do themselves.
To become a Marine Second Lieutenant will be a great challenge. If you succeed, you will take your place in history, leading America's elite warriors.