Please, help educate the civilian and non-Marine population about the prevalence of this potentially very serious disease.  The condition is known to affect a select group men and women of all ages.

CHRONIC MARINE SYNDROME (CMS)

Individuals with this affliction are known to exhibit the following symptoms —

1.  Pride in one's self and the organization they represent.
2.  A strong willingness to put in extra attention to detail to get the job done.
3.  May wear articles of Marine clothing; T-shirts, jackets, watches, well into their 80's.
4.  Will not hesitate to stand up  and remove their cover (hat) and put their hand over their heart, or even salute when our National Anthem is played.
5.  Do not succumb easily, if at all, to political correctness.
6.  Are sure of who they are.
7.  Are often either respected or hated by others, due to their abilities and talents.
8.  May donate toys to needy kids at Christmas.
9.  Some have been known to wear their hair in a high and tight well into their 90's.
10.  Will look you in the eye when talking to you.
11.  Will give you a firm handshake.
12.  Know what honor, courage and commitment mean.
13.  Can usually be found in some type of leadership position at the organization where they work.
14.  Will often regard their drill instructors with the same respect as their parents.
15.  Often found in either law enforcement or high stress professions.
16.  Are extremely thorough at what they do.
17.  Do not adorn their uniform with a bunch of patches.  Their title of Marine is sufficient. 
18.  Often arrive at work earlier than expected.  If they wear a shirt and tie in their job, you will see the tie clip between the third and fourth button, centered.
19.  Have spent time training at one of two places; Parris Island or San Diego.
20.  May be able to field strip their rifle, up to sixty (60) years after leaving active duty.
21.  Can recite the nomenclature of the M1, M14 or M16.
22.  When asked the time, tend to use phrases like "0800 hrs." and "zero-dark-thirty."
23.  May often have their pencils sharpened to a perfect precision point.
24.  Will not back down from a fight.

Other symptoms include a willingness to take on a challenge and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

CMS is real, and is not amenable to treatment.  Persons with this condition often utter phrases such as "Once a Marine always a Marine," "The Few and the Proud" or "Oooh Rah!".  Some may even say Semper Fi on many occasions.  It is best if you know someone with this condition to just leave them be.  These people tend to be fiercely loyal to their Marine Corps.

This condition, although not curable is not known to be debilitating.  Successful palliative treatments include —

1.  Frequent visits to the base where the last served or looking at their Marine memorabilia.

2.  Association with other Marines help them flourish.  They need contact with other Marines who have shared the same experiences.

3.  Memberships in organizations such as the Marine Corps League, The Marine Corps Association, Together We Served, The Woman Marine Association or  frequent logging on to Leatherneck-dot-com.

4.  Some may require extra special attention, such as buying items on Grunt-dot-com or watching movies about the Marine Corps.  This is only natural and need not be a cause of fear.

Whatever you do, remember that Chronic Marine Syndrome must be managed carefully.  For example:  In Michigan, a young man attempted to mug a Marine Korean War veteran who had advanced stages of CMS.  It was not pretty!  The mugger was severely beaten and required multiple stitches.

Remember, Chronic Marine Syndrome is real.  While there may not be a cure, we can live with it.

Warning:  Risks of Chronic Marine Syndrome may include a severe a** whuppin' to those who attempt to start a fight with Marines.  Remember not everyone gets this condition; onset often occurs after being awarded the title Marine.  Since a select few earn this title, not everyone will develop CMS.