HARD-HEADED AND LEATHER-NECKED:

[M]y experience has been such that I once put this question to a Jewish colleague who had also served in the Corps: "Why is it," I asked, "that every Jew I know seems to be a Marine, the father of a Marine, or the son of a Marine?"

He didn't skip a beat. "Well, we quickly found out that controlling all the levers of international finance wasn't enough. We needed an elite fighting force to defend it."

Being Jewish in the Marine Corps certainly brings its own perspective. In an article for Commentary magazine, Sam Jacobson wrote of his experiences as an infantry platoon leader in Iraq. At one point, his men--hoping he might get them out of some unpleasant duty--invoked Moses, beseeching their young lieutenant to lead them out of bondage.

Another time, a fellow officer spotted his religious preference on his dog tags. "I didn't know you were Jewish, Jacobson," he said. "It's good that it says it here. That way when you're captured, al Qaeda will know to arrange for kosher meals."

 [...]

No Jew who has earned the eagle, anchor and globe believes himself any better than any other Marine. He may, however, be permitted a special affinity for a brotherhood that calls itself the few and the proud. As these Marines and their families kindle the first lights of the Hanukkah menorah, even those of us who do not share their faith gladly join them in giving thanks for righteous men willing to risk all to deliver us from oppression.

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