Discipline in the United States Marine Corps, 1914-1941

Abstract

On the eve of World War I, United States Marines retained four basic assumptions about combat that underpinned their approach to training and discipline. Specifically, they relied heavily on military drill and appearance norms to instill blind obedience and subordination among Marines. However, combat in World War I and various small wars proved these assumptions outdated. The 1920s and ‘30s witnessed varied debates among Marines about the relevance of their doctrine, tactics, and discipline. Despite their harsh lessons that signaled the need for a different approach to discipline, Marines continued to uphold their four basic assumptions about combat. This resulted in Marine Corps doctrine, tactics, and discipline on the eve of World War II that still resembled those of World War I.