On Christmas Eve, it is time for that great family tradition. Tonight, gather everyone together, fill the glasses with eggnog, and read aloud the beloved poem:
The Marine Toolbox
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. While the children all dreamed of Santa Claus, Some Marines were discussing a different cause. The Marine Toolbox Marines stand on guard, aboard ships at sea, Ready to launch their combined-arms machine. Rescue, and safeguard, give aid, and much more. Locate, close with, and crush every foe. Marines are a toolbox kept near Uncle Sam. For fast resolution when troubles expand. Today, there's concern ‘bout the tools in that set. Will Sam find Marines prepared for what's next? It’s due to a theory, a Force Design mess, That sadly has made a Marine Corps that's less. The Marine Corps is less when its tools are removed. When assets are taken, that battles have proved. Remove battalions? You've taken a tool. Remove artillery? You've taken a tool. And remove the tanks? You've taken a tool. Reduce the number of flying frames? Reduce the number of fighting Marines? It all destroys the combined-arms machine! Why let a theory, a Force Design mess, Deliver to Sam a Marine Corps that’s less? The next U.S. crisis is just out of sight. We'll need all the help, Marines must provide. Tubes, tanks, and support, plus Marines in the air, Give Marines on the ground, the power to dare. Let’s add the new drones, and latest high tech, But make sure the Marines, stay in the attack! It's not just the red stripe, or swords that still gleam, But the skill and might of combined-arms Marines! Marines are a toolbox, kept near Uncle Sam, For fast resolution, when troubles expand. And, sure as tomorrow, we'll face a new war, Let’s fill Marine toolbox as full as before. -- JDK